Internships for BSWs and MSWs
Indiana Guardianship Services, Inc. (herein “IGS”) strives to provide students with a practicum experience that is well rounded, regardless of what year you are in your program. If there is a particular focus (e.g., micro, mezzo, macro) in which the student wishes to work in, please advise the practicum supervisor as soon as possible to ensure you are getting the education you want and need! IGS works with clients from different populations (mental health, aging, and intellectual/developmental disabilities) within different settings (skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, group homes, supported living, and independent living), so students will have the opportunity to work with individuals of all backgrounds. Interested in an internship? Reach out to our LaPorte County Program Director Kayla Shifley, MSW, CCFP at (219) 238-6510 or by email at kayla@inguardian.org to start the interview process!
01
BSW Junior Internship
Requirements:
- Be in your junior year BSW program,
- Have a valid driver’s license and insurance,
- Have a reliable vehicle,
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills,
- Have proficiencies in Microsoft Suite,
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior, and
- Demonstrate an ability to multitask.
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Responsibilities:
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Visit with assigned clients [about ten (10) individuals] a minimum of one (1) hour a month. Conduct unannounced visits when needed.
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Document interactions with clients, care team staff, and miscellaneous communications as they relate to a client. If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen!
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Attend client meetings, including medical appointments when needed, and take notes to use for documentation.
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Aid in applying for different government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and Veteran’s Affairs.
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Network with law enforcement, county agencies and officials, attorneys, medical professionals, and other guardians.
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Conduct biopsychosocial assessments of clients at intake and perform monthly assessments of clients’ needs, concerns, and successes.
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Engage in micro practices with individuals but if interests lie with macro, students may assist with court reports for compliancy with the State of Indiana.
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Attend court hearings to learn about testimony and court matters as it relates to individual clients.
02
BSW Senior/MSW Junior Internship
Requirements:
- Be in your senior year BSW program or junior year MSW program,
- Have a valid driver’s license and insurance,
- Have a reliable vehicle,
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills,
- Have proficiencies in Microsoft Suite,
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior, and
- Demonstrate an ability to multitask.
​
Responsibilities:
-
Visit with assigned clients [about fifteen (15) individuals] a minimum of one (1) hour a month. Conduct unannounced visits when needed.
-
Document interactions with clients, care team staff, and miscellaneous communications as they relate to a client. If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen!
-
Attend client meetings, including medical appointments when needed, and take notes to use for documentation.
-
Aid in applying for different government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and Veteran’s Affairs.
-
Network with law enforcement, county agencies and officials, attorneys, medical professionals, and other guardians.
-
Conduct biopsychosocial assessments of clients at intake and perform monthly assessments of clients’ needs, concerns, and successes.
-
Engage in micro practices with individuals but if interests lie with macro, students may assist with court reports for compliancy with the State of Indiana.
-
Attend court hearings to learn about testimony and court matters as it relates to individual clients. May provide testimony with social work supervisor assistance on a case-by-case basis.
-
Advocate for policy change within the National Guardianship Association, State of Indiana, and federal policies on guardianship.
03
MSW Senior Practicum
Requirements:
- Be in your senior year MSW program,
- Have a valid driver’s license and insurance,
- Have a reliable vehicle,
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills,
- Have proficiencies in Microsoft Suite,
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior, and
- Demonstrate an ability to multitask.
​
Responsibilities:
-
Visit with assigned clients [about twenty (20) individuals] a minimum of one (1) hour a month. Conduct unannounced visits when needed.
-
Document interactions with clients, care team staff, and miscellaneous communications as they relate to a client. If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen!
-
Attend client meetings, including medical appointments when needed, and take notes to use for documentation.
-
Aid in applying for different government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and Veteran’s Affairs.
-
Network with law enforcement, county agencies and officials, attorneys, medical professionals, and other guardians.
-
Conduct biopsychosocial assessments of clients at intake and assess needs of new clients to determine appropriate treatment plan.
-
Perform monthly assessments of clients’ needs, concerns, and successes.
-
Engage in micro practices with individuals but if interests lie with macro, students may assist with court reports for compliancy with the State of Indiana.
-
Attend court hearings to learn about testimony and court matters as it relates to individual clients. Provide testimony with social work supervisor assistance.
-
Advocate for policy change within the National Guardianship Association, State of Indiana, and federal policies on guardianship.
-
Assist Program Director in quarterly reports to the State of Indiana to secure grant funding for continued success of the guardianship program.
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Advocate for policy change within the National Guardianship Association, State of Indiana, and federal policies on guardianship.
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Engage with community stakeholders who refer patients to the program. Complete an assessment with newly referred clients to determine eligibility to the program based on a provided Physician’s Report, completing a MMSE, and engaging with the client.