1st Edition
Experiential Learning and Internship for Undergraduates A Workbook for Undergraduate Interns in the Human Services Field
This textbook is a comprehensive and sequential guide designed specifically for undergraduate students entering internships in the human services field and for the faculty serving as their internship supervisors. With a strong focus on career development and self-exploration, it builds understanding of the theoretical knowledge and core competencies needed for practical, clinical experience in a variety of human services positions such as rehabilitation, social work, case management, counseling, and criminal justice.
Through a variety of exercises and activities in an effective workbook format, this book assists student interns in developing a better sense of self in relation to their career readiness and helps them to identify career paths in the human services field. It goes on to support them in developing the soft skills necessary to navigate professional careers and gives guidance on how to secure undergraduate internships in the human services field. The book focuses on how to develop the tools needed to succeed, from counseling skills, case management, and crisis management to ethical conduct, multicultural considerations, self-care, legislation, and working under supervision. It is accompanied by downloadable versions of all the exercises and activities which will be available for instructors using this book as a course text.
By targeting the career exploration content that is vital in the experience of undergraduates who are seeking professions in such a broad human services field, it will be essential reading for students at this level. It is also a valuable resource for internship or practicum instructors in undergraduate programs, with a focus on rehabilitation, human services, social work, psychology, criminal justice, and other related helping fields.
Chapter 1: Career and Self-Exploration by Stacey Conway. Chapter 2: Selecting and Establishing an Internship Site by Michael B. Lavetsky. Chapter 3: Ethics in Rehabilitation and Human Services Careers by Abigail O. Akande. Chapter 4: Multicultural Considerations for Diverse Populations by Abigail O. Akande. Chapter 5: Basic Counseling Responses for Bachelor’s Level Clinical Roles By Abigail O. Akande. Chapter 6: Case Management by Stacey Conway. Chapter 7: Supervision By Michael B. Lavetsky. Chapter 8: Crisis Identification and Management in Rehabilitation and Human Services by Abigail O. Akande. Chapter 9: Stress and Self-Care by Michael B. Lavetsky. Chapter 10: The Role of Legislation in the Provision of Human Services by Abigail O. Akande. Chapter 11: Core Competencies for Bachelor’s Level Positions in the Human Services Field By Michael B. Lavetsky.
Biography
Abigail O. Akande, PhD, CRC, is an Associate Professor of Rehabilitation and Human Services at the Pennsylvania State University – Abington College located in Abington, Pennsylvania, United States. Dr. Akande is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
Michael B. Lavetsky, MA, LPC, NCC, is a Lecturer and the Program Chair of the Rehabilitation and Human Services program at the Pennsylvania State University – Abington College. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania, national certified counselor, and Board Member of the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board (SOAB).
Stacey Conway, PhD, is an Associate Teaching Professor of Biobehavioral Health at the Pennsylvania State University – Abington College.
"The chapters on grief and information on self-care really spoke to me and the work I do with counselors. I personally have experienced anticipatory grief, so it was helpful to have the awareness of it... Also, shared crisis along with collective trauma have provided me with more knowledge that will support my work as well."
--Adrienne Robinson, Ed.D., CRC, Senior Technical Assistance and Research Analyst at the George Washington University
“This book adds a much-needed resource for bachelor’s-level students as they begin their human service field experiences. Useful, practical information is presented in a straightforward, clear, and easily applied manner, and exercises scattered throughout help students to apply the information to their practice settings. Highly recommended!”
--Linda R. Shaw, PhD, CRC, LPC, LMHC, Professor Emerita, University of Arizona
"In writing a textbook specifically aimed at supporting undergraduate students both before and during their internship, this text meets its aim on multiple fronts. This is a resource for undergraduate coursework, but likely to be used as a reference tool for internships, careers, or graduate studies. Because of this work’s coverage of core competencies in the behavioral healthcare field, undergraduate students are likely to use this as a companion text for other coursework and potentially for other required undertakings such as navigating successful internships and preparing for exams. Undergraduate students in college- and university-based human services degree programs will undoubtedly benefit from this well-written, relevant, and comprehensive text and workbook."
--Donna Burton, Ph.D., LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Child & Family Studies at the University of South Florida