Butte College Counseling & Advising

*This placement is for MSW concentration year students and requires 20 hours per week. 

There are several learning opportunities that a social work internship at Butte College Counseling & Advising can provide:

• Direct client services - interns can work directly with students to engage in assessment to identify student needs, develop education plans (similar to service plans), provide case management, and when appropriate, facilitate group sessions. This provides opportunities to develop counseling and intervention skills, as well as to learn about specific populations and issues
• Case documentation and management - Social work interns can learn how to document student contacts. They can also learn how to manage cases, including how to make referrals and collaborate with other professionals
• Campus Community Engagement - social work interns can learn how to engage with other campus organizations and stakeholders to promote social change. This includes developing partnerships, organizing events, and advocating for policy change.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration - Social work interns can learn how to work with professionals from other disciplines. This provdies opportunities to learn about different perspectives and approaches.
• Cultural competence - Social work interns can learn how to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Students will be able to collaborate and connect with groups on campus serving underrepresented groups (DSPS, EOPS, UnDocuCenter, Queer Resource Center, etc.). 
• Ethics and professional development - Social work interns can learn about ethical principles and values in social work practice, including confidentiality, informed consent, and boundaries. They can also learn about professional development opportunities, such as continuing education, licensure, and certification. 

Qualities of the ideal student:

• Patience - working at a college often involves dealing with students, staff, and faculty who may have different levels of knowledge, experience, and understanding. Having patience can help you handle difficult situations calmly and with empathy.
• Good communication skills - effective communication is essential in any role, but particularly in a college setting where you may be working with diverse groups of people. 
• Adaptability - Colleges are dynamic environments with changing needs and priorities. Being able to adapt to new situations and approaches can be helpful when working in this setting. 
• Good organizational skills - College often have multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities to manage.
• Collaborative mindset - many college roles involve working in teams or collaborating with others to achieve goals. A collaborative mindset can help you build relationships and work effectively with others
• Empathy - working with students and colleagues can be challenging at times, and having empathy can help you understand others' perspectives and build stronger relationships