The University of Connecticut School of Social Work and Community Mental Health Affiliates (CMHA) have partnered to create a workforce development pathway that prepares bilingual behavioral health professionals to serve Connecticut's diverse communities.
Through this partnership, Connecticut ¡Adelante! Advanced Year (last year) MSW Scholars can complete a year-long clinical practicum placement at CMHA that is designed to transition into employment upon graduation.
Scholars selected for this workforce partnership will receive advanced clinical training, individualized supervision, financial support through a $2,500 stipend, and a direct pathway to employment with CMHA following successful completion of the internship program.
Selected Connecticut ¡Adelante! Scholars will receive:
• A $2,500 CMHA Workforce Stipend. Stipends are paid directly by CMHA.
• A year-long advanced clinical practicum supervised by a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
• Advanced training in bilingual, culturally responsive behavioral health practice
• An opportunity to join CMHA as a Clinician I following graduation, with employment offered within one month of graduation for students who successfully complete the practicum and satisfy CMHA's hiring, background screening, licensing, and Human Resources requirements.
Practicum Placement & Employment Opportunities
CMHA will offer two Connecticut ¡Adelante! Scholars each academic year the opportunity to participate in its Workforce Partnership Program.
Adult Outpatient Program (1 Practicum Space Available)
Interns in the Adult Outpatient Program will:
• Maintain a small outpatient therapy caseload
• Provide individual and group behavioral health treatment
• Conduct at least one intake assessment each week through Open Access
• Deliver culturally responsive behavioral health services
• Receive weekly individual and group supervision
• Gain experience using evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and culturally responsive substance use treatment.
Open Access Clinic (1 Practicum Space Available)
Interns in the Open Access Clinic will:
• Conduct comprehensive behavioral health intake assessments
• Develop diagnostic interviewing and clinical assessment skills
• Serve as an initial point of contact for individuals entering treatment
• Coordinate referrals to the appropriate level of care
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary clinical teams
• Receive weekly individual and group clinical supervision
Next Steps
Students who are eligible and interested in applying should inform their Practicum Coordinator of their interest during their placement meeting.
Contacts
For questions regarding the Connecticut ¡Adelante! Scholars Program contact Michelle Rivera, BSW UConn School of Social Work Strategic Initiatives & Community Engagement Program Assistant: michrivera@uconn.edu
For questions regarding CMHA, agency policies, or employee benefits contact Amanda Young, LCSW CMHA Internship Coordinator: AYoung@cmhacc.org