MSW Social Work Intern

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. We provide a wide range of programs designed to support individuals with developmental and physical disabilities across their lifespan.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a MSW Social Work Intern , you will be providing coaching, training, and guidance to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in skills needed for successful post-secondary education or other community integration experiences. Assisting individuals to complete college-level or vocational training with the goal of transitioning into community employment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Support volunteerism, access, inclusion, transportation skills, and relationship building.
• Establish positive, supportive, respectful relationships/interactions with students.
• Become knowledgeable about the students’ interests, unique abilities and support needs, and use the insights gained to help students develop plans, set goals and create solutions.
• Demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm in all interactions with students.
• Encourage active participation of students in all activities with a strong emphasis on promoting independence (allow them to do as much for themselves as possible).
• Interact with community members in a way that encourages respectful, age-appropriate treatment of students, and the building of mutually respectful relationships.
• Maintain a calm, supportive and professional presence when interacting with students, co-workers, and community members.
• Clearly communicate with supervisors/co-workers, and pro-actively address questions/concerns.
• Develop positive/respectful relationships with families, and outside agency staff. This includes the ability to be empathetic and sensitive to issues, stressors and external factors, which may impede the parent and care provider’s ability to support students in a way which matches AbilityFirst’s philosophy. This also includes the ability to be assertive and strongly advocate for student needs/rights without being aggressive or unprofessional.?
• Demonstrate an understanding of the big picture and long-term outcomes for students, with an understanding that an intensive intervention process may need to be implemented, rather than settling for a quick fix.
• Demonstrate an ability to assess and problem-solve a situation in the moment, using good judgment, common sense and respect for individual rights and preferences, without having to rely on immediate guidance/advice.
• Accept, and effectively process directions, constructive feedback, and training from any leadership/mentor staff, then demonstrate in action and by written product that this was internalized.
• Assist in the development/implementation of an Individual Service Plan for each student based on information gathered through Person Centered Planning meetings.
• Plan, implement, and support activities/routines with students, which will assist them in achieving their Individual Service Plan objectives.
• Document student progress through assessment/data collection instruments.
• Maintain and turn in complete, accurate and timely data, progress notes, schedules, and student attendance.
• Maintain conscientious, responsible level of supervision for students to ensure their safety.
• Respond appropriately and within AbilityFirst’s policies and procedures to medical, behavioral, and other student emergencies.
• Respectfully assist students with personal care/mobility/toileting/feeding needs as applicable.
• Encourage age-appropriate dress, grooming, and hygiene, including coaching on how to meet community employment standards.
• Facilitate student self-advocacy and choice-making opportunities, including appropriate risk-taking.
• Assist students in safely accessing a variety of school, volunteer and community locations using public transportation or company vehicles.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations.
• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Requirements

SKILLS YOU’LL NEED

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• 3 years of college experience is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in any related field or equivalent experience is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience planning, developing, and implementing activities for individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience of strong office management skills is preferred.
• Ability to use computers including word-processing, data entry, and spreadsheet utilization is required.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment is required.
• A positive, patient, and supportive attitude toward working with individuals with disabilities is required.
• Valid California Driver’s License and acceptable driving record is a plus.
• Ability to pass background check (LiveScan) and meet health screening requirements including TB test.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a recreational facility serving individuals with disabilities.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and active movement throughout the day.
• May include assisting participants in aquatic environments (pool entry required).
• Exposure to moderate noise, odors, and activity levels typical of program settings.
• Ability to lift and assist participants as needed.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. AbilityFirst reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and AbilityFirst, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the AbilityFirst staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and AbilityFirst has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

EEO STATEMENT

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. AbilityFirst does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application