Internships
The Counseling Practicum/Internship program provides graduate students with an optional, one-semester, 10 hour/week counseling practicum, followed by a two-semester 25-30 hour/week counseling internship. This program of supervised clinical experience is designed to satisfy the clinical requirements of a Master's degree in preparation for licensure in the State of Florida.
The Center is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS).
Eligibility
Students who are completing requirements for a Master's degree in Counseling or Clinical Psychology, Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling, or Social Work are eligible to apply. Applicants should submit a completed application form and two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a graduate professor who can confirm the student's readiness for an internship experience. The other letter may be from an employer or supervisor who has knowledge of the student's current counseling skills.
We are now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 academic year and have expanded our internship program. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible and interviews will be conducted soon thereafter. Please review information on this website and submit complete application materials to Dr. Deborah M. Baker.
Qualifications
Minimum academic requirements include completion of courses in ethics, counseling, and psychopathology. Additional course work in advanced counseling theory/technique and group dynamics is preferred. Effective communication skills and a commitment to complete all the requirements of the internship are also required.
Candidates must be able to work within the normal operating hours of the Center (Mon. and Thu. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Tue., Wed. and Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). Every effort will be made to accommodate trainee's outside commitments however; some scheduling flexibility may be required. Trainees are required to work from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on either Monday or Thursday during both the Fall and Spring semesters. Occasional evening or weekend hours will be necessary for outreach programs.
Responsibilities
1. Orientation
Orientation sessions are held during the summer term and it is preferred that all trainees attend these sessions. Center policies and procedures, intake procedures, client scheduling, and client record-keeping will be covered, along with didactic training on topics including suicide assessment, ethical decision making, and mental status exams.
2. Screenings
Initially, trainees will observe staff counselors conducting screening sessions with new clients, and learn how screening reports are written. After observing several screening sessions with different staff counselors, trainees will conduct screenings while a staff counselor observes the session. When both the staff counselors and the trainee are satisfied with the trainee's level of proficiency, the trainee will conduct screenings independently.
3. Individual Counseling
Every effort is made to provide trainees with a variety of clients and presenting issues commensurate with their level of counseling abilities and experience. New clients that are appropriate trainee cases are assigned on the basis of the trainee's level of training and experience, client/counselor availability, and the trainee's current caseload. Trainees may also be given the opportunity to provide couples counseling.
4. Group Counseling
The Counseling Center offers group counseling opportunities each semester, depending on client interest. Examples of group topics include: relationships, self-esteem, divorce, grief, stress management, personal growth, and assertiveness. Trainees may have the opportunity to facilitate one or more groups during the year.
5. Documentation
Trainees are required to document all counseling contacts in a timely manner through case notes created in the Center's documentation and scheduling software. Additional documentation may be required regarding supervision, outreach and other therapeutic activities.
6. Outreach Activities
Trainees are expected to participate in outreach activities to the University community. Student groups and residence hall advisors often request that the Center present programs to students on a variety of topics. These programs are usually offered during evening hours.
7. Liability Insurance
Trainees are required to carry professional liability insurance, which is available at a reduced student rate. Documentation of coverage is required prior to independent client contact.
Supervision
Weekly individual and group supervision is provided by members of the Counseling Center staff. Trainee's counseling sessions will be videotaped for use in both individual and group supervision. Supervision experiences may include co- facilitation of a group, in-service training, and consultation with our psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, and nutritionist.
Personal issues or difficulties sometimes arise for trainees in the course of their initial experience as counselors, or as the result of dealing with the issues generated in graduate level studies, that exceed the limitations of supervision. While we encourage all current UNF students to utilize services at the Center, trainees are unable to obtain personal counseling during the term of their practicum or internship. The staff is available to assist trainees in locating community resources when a referral is requested.
Evaluation
The professional staff meet at the semester midpoint and at the end of each semester to complete trainee evaluations. Evaluation guidelines are determined in conjunction with the policies of each trainee's academic program and the expectations of the Center. Trainees meet with their individual supervisors to discuss their evaluations.
Correspondence
Inquiries, applications and letters of recommendation should be addressed to:
Carrie Cragun, Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator
University of North Florida Counseling Center
Building 2, Room 2300,
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224-7699
Telephone: (904) 620-2602
E-mail: carrie.cragun@unf.edu
Internship Application
