Behavioral Health MSW Internship Program
Behavioral Health Master's in Social Work (MSW) Internship Program
Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s MSW Internship Program offers both Traditional and ASAP (Advance Standing Alternative Placement) tracks. Our program prepares interns who are pursuing a Social Work career in the pediatric behavioral health field.
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.
- Traditional track students complete 3 semesters of internship beginning in January as an MSW I. Interns in the traditional track have the summer off and complete their MSW II August-April.
- MSW I: 16 hours/week
- MSW II: 24 hours/ week
- ASAP students complete 2 semesters of internship beginning in August. Students complete an average of 24 hours a week while in internship.
A valid Social Work license (SWT or LSW) is required for both Traditional and ASAP placements for the duration of placement.
What You Need To Know
Curriculum
Behavioral Health services are provided by multidisciplinary teams which may include clinical social workers, clinical counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, psychiatrists and nurses.
Traditional Track
During MSW I placement, interns will rotate through various programs throughout Behavioral Health, as well as engage in weekly seminar with their cohort. The MSW I semester will consist primarily of observation and shadowing with some opportunities for interaction with patients and families. MSW I students will then be able to prioritize where they would like to spend their MSW II placement based upon this rotation.
During MSW II placement, interns will engage in more independent clinical work under the supervision of an LISW/LISW-S as their site supervisor. Mandatory seminars focused on additional skill building and professional development will be scheduled over the course of the placement, as well as continued case discussion and learning opportunities with the cohort and track leaders.
ASAP Track
ASAP students will be assigned to a home site under the supervision of their site supervisor (LISW/LISW-S) for the duration of their internship. In addition to clinical observation and opportunities for clinical practice, interns will be engaged in mandatory seminars focused on additional skill building and professional development. ASAP students will meet with their cohort and track leaders on a regular basis.
Faculty
Lisa Skipper, LISW-S
Program Co-Director
- Master of Social Work: The Ohio State University, 1990
- Bachelors in Psychology: Bowling Green State University, 1987
Allie DePoy, LISW-S
Program Co-Director
- Master’s of Social Work: The Ohio State University, 2011
- Bachelor of Arts, Communication: Miami University, 2009
Amanda Levell, LISW-S
Traditional Track Leader
- Master’s of Social Work: University of Michigan, 1998
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology: Miami University, 1997
Tiara Schmitz, LISW-S
ASAP Track Leader
- Master’s of Social Work: The Ohio State University, May 2013
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Capital University, May 2011
Chanta Garcia, LISW-S
ASAP Track Leader
- Master’s of Social Work: The Ohio State University, 2015
- Bachelor of Social Work: University of Cincinnati, 2014
Julie Ickes
Training Program Coordinator
FAQs
Can I start at a different time than what is listed on the website?
We are not able to accommodate program roll-ins other than what is listed on the website. Traditional track students begin in January and ASAP students begin in August.
How many interns are accepted each semester?
The number of accepted interns vary per semester based on available site placement and appropriate fit.
What is the interview process like?
After an application has been submitted, candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview with the program leaders (directors and/or track leaders). This is an opportunity for us to get to know you and consider which available program would be appropriate for placement. This is also an opportunity for the applicant to ask questions about Nationwide Children’s, our programs, services and the training process.
When will I know if I have been accepted?
The aim is to complete interviews two to three weeks following the application deadline. After interviews have been completed and reviewed, applicants will be contacted by either their University or Nationwide Children’s directly.
What happens after I have been accepted?
Once the interns are selected and the college is notified, the track leaders (ASAP or Traditional) will email the cohort in October/November with specifics related to their placements. Additionally, HR will be in contact with students to get the necessary information (including an official Nationwide Children’s application) for the paid internship.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes, as of January 2025, Social Work interns will be compensated for their training time in placement.
Will my placement site work around my class schedule?
Interns will work with their site supervisor and track leader to coordinate their weekly schedule. Trainee's class schedules, work schedules and other pre-existing commitments should be shared at the time of application and with site supervisors to plan accordingly. Program placement and other clinical experiences will be dependent on trainee availability.
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.
Will my placement site accommodate my school breaks (i.e. spring break, winter break)?
Interns will work with their site supervisor to identify appropriate coverage for clinical care during school breaks. If breaks are longer than two weeks at a time, interns may be expected to complete internship hours during that break for the purposes of maintaining clinical care. Coverage needs will vary and be specific to the program you are assigned. Interns are encouraged to discuss scheduled breaks with their site supervisor upon initial placement.
Do I need my own car?
Interns placed in the community will be required to have a car, valid driver’s license and insurance. Students will need their own transportation whether they are community or office-based to attend rotation sites and/or to attend in-person trainings/seminars.
What support is offered to interns?
In addition to support received by the MSW faculty and site supervisor, interns can 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 health care staff.
Salary & Benefits
Social Work interns will be compensated for their training time in their placement. Students may be given the option to opt in to certain hospital benefits. More information will be provided upon acceptance into the program
Requirements for Consideration
To complete the online application, click the button below. Completed applications will require an attached resume/CV.
Applicants will be contacted by a faculty member of the Social Work Internship Program regarding next steps. Applicants selected to move forward in the process will be scheduled for an interview with the program leaders. Placement decisions will be determined upon completion of all interviews.