“RISE highlights the importance of social work standards and ethics, such as individual’s right to self-determination, social justice, and the inherent worth and dignity of the person.”
RISE Housing and Support Services offers an internship program for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in social work, social science, human services, or psychology. The internship program offers students clinical and administrative rotations for a macro and micro view of the philosophies of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered planning.
Eric Mercadante, a first year graduate student in the University at Albany Master of Social Work Program, shares his internship journey:
I have been provided with both micro and macro based social work practices as a Graduate Intern at RISE Housing and Support Services. The agency highlights the importance of social work standards and ethics, such as individual’s right to self-determination, social justice, and the inherent worth and dignity of the person.
I also value the harm reduction approach set forth by the organization. Empowering clients with support can provide opportunities for individuals to make decisions based on their own unique needs. Additionally, providing residents with healthy housing can improve client outcomes for long-term health and wellness.
While interning at RISE, I was able to apply social work skills and techniques at an organizational level. I was placed at Milestone Manor and Rain House, two of the agency’s congregate care, community mental health residences. In these treatment settings, I learned the importance of person-centered, strengths-based care. The modalities employed at the residences place the highest value on client well-being. I was able to work with staff to implement service plans, assist with client contacts, oversee medication management, promote daily living skills, and help clients get connected to community services. I learned how to engage with clients and collaborate with individuals on setting goals for a path to independent living. Additionally, the approaches of trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing were explained by staff when working with residents. These methods were effective to acknowledge the presence of socio-environmental difficulties, while empowering clients to use their own voice in determining treatment outcomes.
I was given quality supervision and guidance during my internship. RISE staff encouraged me to ask questions and communicate what I wanted to achieve while working on my internship. I had weekly supervision with Clinical Director, Harlan Hall. Harlan worked with me on my social work interests, while keeping me on track with the agency’s programs and initiatives. My task supervisors, Dawn Daum, Program Director at Milestone Manor, and Jacqueline Knowles, Program Director at Rain House, also educated me on treatment and service planning. I participated in tasks such as client intakes, overseeing medication, goal setting, and addressing clients’ challenges. We engaged in countless discussions about how to best provide clients with the services they deserve, while valuing human rights as the priority.
The entire RISE staff was helpful in providing feedback to assist me in improving my social work practice. With guidance from my supervisors, I implemented a mindfulness-based group where residents voluntarily participated in a therapeutic setting focused on managing one’s thoughts and emotions. While at Milestone Manor, I participated in weekly recreational activities, including attending the YMCA and going for a hike with residents. This was a meaningful experience for everyone as we were able to connect on a deeper level. During my time at Rain House, I connected with clients through daily activities, such as making dinner and providing support as needed. I also learned how to practice setting boundaries and use assertive communication to manage challenging situations.
After careful consideration, I was given the opportunity to work as a relief counselor in addition to my internship hours. As a relief counselor, I became more immersed in providing care services. The agency worked with my schedule as an intern and full-time student. They provided me with support and flexibility, while giving me additional learning opportunities.
At RISE, my internship has been meaningful and educational. It has been eye-opening to work with clients who are often most marginalized in society. RISE’s dedication to providing quality care and services has been an enriching, refreshing, and validating experience of the changes human service organizations can provide to society.