Behavioral Health MSW Internship Program
Behavioral Health Master's in Social Work (MSW) Internship Program
Nationwide Children’s MSW Internship Program is a two-year placement with the goal of preparing interns to become professional clinical social workers working with children and families.
Our training program offers a variety of specialty placements within Big Lots Behavioral Health Services, ranging from acute psychiatric assessment and intervention to ongoing therapy in both outpatient and community-based settings. Placements are dependent upon availability at the time of application.
What You Need To Know
Requirements for Consideration
- Currently enrolled in the Ohio State University Master of Social Work Program
- Social Work Training License
Application Process
Interns must be enrolled in the Ohio State University's traditional two-year MSW program. Interns are to discuss their interest with the OSU Field Placement Office and apply during the fall semester. The screening process will consist of 30-minute interviews with Nationwide Children's Hospital MSW faculty. These interviews will be scheduled in September and applicants will be notified by the Education Coordinator if they have been selected.
For more information contact Lisa.Skipper@nationwidechildrens.org.
Curriculum
Behavioral Health services are provided by teams which may include clinical social workers, clinical counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, psychiatrists and nurses.
During the first year, interns are expected to be on site 16 hours a week from January to April and are assigned to a clinical team with opportunities to fully integrate into the team. Over the course of the semester, interns rotate through Behavioral Health sites and participate in a weekly seminar to gain a foundation for the internship and clinical practice.
During the second year, interns are expected to be on site 24 hours a week from August through April. Interns will have the opportunity to select their clinical team, based on availability, where they will provide direct clinical care under supervision. Interns will also participate in a weekly seminar with a focus on clinical practice, which includes specialty trainings and clinical group supervision.
All interns will be under the supervision of a Licensed Independent Social Worker.
FAQs
How many interns are accepted each semester?
The number of accepted interns vary each year based on available site placement and appropriate fit.
Are social work interns paid?
No, at this time social work interns are not compensated.
Will my placement site work around my class schedule?
Yes, interns will work with their site supervisor to coordinate their weekly schedule.
Do I need to provide my own transportation?
Yes, interns will need their own car.
Is there weekend availability to complete internship hours?
Opportunities for interns to complete hours are Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Is there availability to complete internship hours over the summer?
No, internship hours must be completed during the fall and spring semesters.
Do interns have to stay with the same program both years?
No. Interns will be assigned to a clinical team their first year. Interns will be able to select their clinical team for their second year, based on availability.
Will I get to learn about different programs at Nationwide Children’s during my placement?
Social work interns will rotate through the different levels of care and programs across the service line during the first year. Interns’ supervisors can arrange for additional shadowing opportunities based on their interests and availability of programs.
When do I start seeing clients?
Interns will shadow/observe only during their first year. During their second year, interns will provide direct clinical care to an assigned small caseload under the supervision of a LISW.
What can I count toward my internship hours?
Interns will count shadowing/observation, participation in seminars and trainings, participation in their assigned team’s meetings/consultations, supervision and any other activity that is directly related to their placement. During the second year, interns will also count direct clinical care toward their hours.
Can I extend my internship for another semester?
No, internships cannot be extended.
Can I complete my hours virtually?
Interns are expected to be on site for the majority of their placement. Some seminars and trainings are offered virtually and the use of telehealth in patient care varies by program. Interns will work with their site supervisor to determine when virtual participation is appropriate.
What support is offered to interns?
In addition to support received by the MSW faculty and site supervisor, interns are able to access and utilize the You Matter Program through Nationwide Children's. The You Matter Support Program provides individual crisis intervention and support services to assist the well-being of healthcare staff.
Salary & Benefits
Social work interns are not eligible for salary or benefits.
Faculty
Lisa Skipper, LISW-S
MSW Education Coordinator
- Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor Designation, 1992
- Master of Social Work: The Ohio State University, 1990
- Bachelors in Psychology: Bowling Green State University, 1987
Amanda Levell, LISW-S
MSW II Coordinator
- Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor Designation, 2008
- Master of Social Work: University of Michigan, 1998
- Bachelors in Psychology: Miami University, 1997
Caitlin McGrew, LISW-S
MSW I Coordinator
- Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor Designation, 2023
- Master of Social Work: The Ohio State University, 2020
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Integrated Social Studies: Kent State University, 2009
Contact
Lisa Skipper, LISW-S
MSW Education Coordinator
Lisa.Skipper@NationwideChildrens.org