What is an Adult Probation Department graduate mental health unit internship?
The Adult Probation Department offers a two-semester internship program for advanced master’s students of social work, psychology and related fields interested in applying and developing their clinical skills in a court-based mental health unit serving probationers with severe and persistent mental illness. Our mission is to assist probationers to maintain engagement in mental health treatment and comply with other special conditions of probation. We work closely with treatment providers for referrals, progress, and discussion regarding other relevant interventions.
Under the supervision of licensed clinicians, interns conduct mental health screening eligibilities for court and interview detainees in custody to determine eligibilities. They carry a small caseload of clients throughout their placement. They conduct mental health assessments, treatment plans, locus, and a variety of mental health paperwork; observe court proceedings involving their clients; provide varied interventions with clients; review and analyze criminal history information, psychiatric records, police reports and other relevant data; and participate in any ongoing projects and/or research initiatives.
What time commitments are required?
Interns must attend a four-day orientation program and work a minimum of two, but preferably three full days per week, or meet their school's internship requirement.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for the program, students must have completed one year of graduate studies and have an overall grade point average of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale).
Participants are selected based upon a review of interview results and application materials, which include undergraduate and graduate official transcripts, a résumé and cover letter, a writing sample (to evaluate writing skills), and two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source and one from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting. Applicants are also subject to criminal background checks.
How does the application process start?
After securing permission to seek placement from their graduate program’s field work office, applicants forward all requested materials to the Adult Probation Department’s Mental Health Unit, to the attention of a unit supervisor. Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, all materials are reviewed and prospective interns are contacted to schedule an interview to further discuss opportunities available and determine selection.
When are the application deadlines?
All applications should be submitted 12 weeks prior to the start of the semester, quarter, or summer term for which admission is sought.
What are the required documents?
1. Graduate University’s Internship application
2. Résumé and cover letter
3. Official college transcripts
4. Writing sample (to evaluate writing skills)
5. Two letters of recommendation -- one from an academic source and one
from an employer/supervisor from a work or volunteer setting.
For questions, contact:
If you are interested in applying for an internship, or if you would like more information regarding the program, please contact your university’s field placement coordinator or email apd.mhu@cookcountyil.gov.