Students
Intern With Us
Community Connections hosts students in our Student Trainee Program for Graduate Social Work Students and partners with the Department of Behavioral Health as a field practicum site for the Peer Specialist Certification Program.
Student Trainee Program
Field Placement Program for Graduate Social Work Students and Counseling Internships
Since 1985, Community Connections has provided field placement instruction for graduate students at area universities completing degrees in social work, psychology, and counseling.
Testimonial:
"I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to complete my internship for clinical mental health counseling at Community Connections. I was able to benefit from significant training opportunities, work with a diverse group of clients and staff, and work on my group therapy skills. Most importantly, my supervisor was always available, supportive, nurturing."
- Annie
The student internship experience is a comprehensive opportunity to engage in community mental health practice and includes tasks such as:
- Community Based Support to assist consumers in managing their mental illness in order to accomplish tasks such as attending a medical appointment or recertifying food stamps
- Office based visits to engage in treatment planning, supportive counseling, resource acquisition, and annual assessment
- Home visits to address barriers to stable housing and healthy family relationships
- Attending team meetings to integrate into the life of the team and the agency
- Coordinating care with psychiatric clinic
Most positions are located in our Community Support Program serving adults at Community Connections. There are a limited number of spots in our psychotherapy, day services, and child/adolescent program. Interns are required to have access to a vehicle for community based activities.
Peer Specialist Certification Practicum
Field Placement Program for Peer Specialist Program Students
Community Connections is a leader in providing education and training for students in the District of Columbia’s Department of Behavioral Health Peer Specialist Certification Program. After completing a six week certification program through the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, students participate in a capstone experience to complete their 80 hour field practicum at Community Connections.
Peer Students are provided a variety of opportunities to receive practical learning experiences to provide peer support to adults, youth, and families in a behavioral health setting. Students are placed through out the agency including:
- Assertive Community Treatment teams (ACT)
- Center for Families and Children (located at our Anacostia office)
- Transition Aged Youth Program
- Clinical Housing Department
To learn more about becoming a Certified Peer Specialist and to apply for the Certification Program please visit DBH’s website.
If you have questions about the Peer Services provided at Community Connections please visit Peer Empowerment.