Educating the Counselors of Tomorrow While Helping the Children of Today Erin P. Spalding, LMSW

The Christi Center Mission & Services To provide love, hope, comfort, and ongoing support to those who are adjusting to life after the death of a loved one, regardless of the circumstances; and to educate the community on grief and other concerns of the bereaved.  Adult peer grief support services  Services for loss to crime and suicide  Grief support for kids (age 5-12) – onsite and at local schools.  Grief support for teens (age 12-19) - onsite and at local schools

Workshop Objectives Gain knowledge about creating an innovative partnership to incorporate interns into practice with grieving children Within your agency In a school setting In partnership with other agencies Gain useful tools/strategies for assessment of interns, preparation of agency and/or off-site locations, documentation and development of grief/loss support groups. Increase understanding about the complexity of balancing needs of your organization while focusing on educational needs of interns. Gain knowledge of ethical, legal, and educational considerations when bringing interns into one’s practice.

Take a Stand Activity Directions Take a sticker from the pad on your table, put your name on it and place it on the wall continuum in a place that reflects how you feel about supervising an intern.

Why Interns?

Benefits of having interns as part of your agency Challenges the professional with his/her skills Develops leadership skills Supervision experience Add to your resume Training and networking opportunities through the field office

Benefits of having interns as part of your agency CEUs awarded via state licensing Interns bring energy and new ideas to your program Creativity

Benefits of having interns as part of your agency Bring in up to date technology and EBP techniques from University Help create and develop new and needed programs/services Foster awareness of value of grief education for the clinical and educational community

Benefits of having interns as part of your agency Helps with your caseload Raises the visibility of your program Increases staff (more faces of your program) Can attend and represent your program

Challenges of having interns as part of your agency Time for orientation and supervision Space and supplies needs Challenge of frequent questions and another person “under foot” Must be prepared to deal with varying skill levels Anticipate lack of intern recognition by staff/ colleagues

Using the A E I O U Approach A ssessment E ducation of Stakeholders I ntegration of the Intern O ngoing Tasks U nexpected Outcomes

Assessment Is hosting an intern a “Good Fit” for you and your agency?

Considerations What is your comfort level with mistakes? What is the level of support at the agency? Do you have a support base among peers? In a school Who would be the on-site support staff? Has the on-site staff been there long enough? Would there be issues with student access? Does the campus have space?

E ducation of Stakeholders Interns are an enhancement, not a replacement.

Considerations Identify & meet with Stakeholders Written materials about the program Contractual agreements Build support with campus and agency staff Educate university faculty about how your agency will be able to provide a valuable educational opportunity

Integration of the SW Interns “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

Considerations Orientation & Training Criminal Background Check Appropriate caseload- quality & quantity Linkage with on-site and off-site support staff Clarity of role as the intern’s supervisor

Assessment for Group Who did they lose and what did that relationship mean to them? How long ago was this? Is there a normal timeframe? How did they lose their loved one? Was it a traumatic loss? Ask about secondary losses. Discuss the nature of the grief and loss support group To provide hope and ongoing support to those who are adjusting to life after the death of a loved one. Peers with common experiences Safe place to share Many different aspects to the group; talking, sharing, listening, activities, etc. When it meets (they will miss class) Do they have any questions about the group? Explain that the group is voluntary. Are they interested in the group? If they are hesitant encourage them to attend at least a couple of sessions and emphasize that it is flexible.

Ongoing Tasks “Keep the Porch Light Burning”

Considerations Supervision of Interns Observations of their work, both formal and informal Trainings Communication with staff Documentation- “Yours, Mine and Ours”

Unexpected Outcomes “Expect the Unexpected”

Considerations Stay open to success stories Off-site staff talk with their peers Grief work is area of practice that many need but few can define; be ready to define it Interns grow up to become our colleagues and, potentially, our supervisors, so remember to “Play Fair & Be Nice”

Take a Stand- part 2 Find your name on the wall and move it to reflect how you feel now about supervising interns.

Final Questions

What could have been despair is now hope. What could have been isolation is now friendship. What could have been suicide is now survival. What was hurt is now healing. For the love of all.