Assignment Task:
REPLY to at least two colleagues who have an internship in a different practice setting than you do.
Comment on their roles and tasks, and how those relate to advanced social work practice.
Ask questions about the agency's work, the role of the intern, and/or the services delivered to clients.
NICOLE
1. Introduction
Aloha, my name is Nicole Saint-Felix. I am currently serving as an advanced practice intern at the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts-a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting holistic healing through cancer support programs, patient navigation, and creative arts therapies. At the Smith Center, we empower adults living with cancer and their caregivers through innovative retreats, support groups, and integrative programs. My previous placement at Care Hawaii gave me a solid foundation in generalist social work, where I worked with diverse community clients as a community mental health worker. I am excited to build on that experience by deepening my clinical skills and exploring program development in a specialized oncology setting.
2. Role as an Advanced Practice Intern
In my advanced practice role at the Smith Center, my responsibilities extend beyond the generalist tasks I encountered in previous field placements. While generalist roles often focus on administrative support and basic client services, my position requires me to design and implement clinical interventions actively. For example, I assist with comprehensive client assessments, document in-depth case presentations, and contribute to treatment planning using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered care frameworks. In addition, I am tasked with creating innovative projects-such as developing program proposals or refining support group curricula-that align with the Smith Center's mission to create conditions for healing. This role challenges me to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that every intervention is evidence-based and tailored to the unique needs of our cancer population.
3. Analyzing Advanced Practice Behaviors
Advanced practice behaviors at the Smith Center differ from the generalist skills I've demonstrated in earlier placements in several key ways:
Depth of Clinical Assessment: In my advanced practice role, I engage in more nuanced assessments by integrating multiple theoretical frameworks (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care). This contrasts with generalist placements, where assessments are often more straightforward and focused on immediate client needs.
Tailored Interventions: Rather than simply providing support and referrals, I develop individualized treatment plans that consider the whole person-addressing emotional, physical, and even spiritual dimensions of healing. This level of integration and personalization is a hallmark of advanced practice.
Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Approach: At the Smith Center, advanced practice involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team-navigators, therapists, and creative arts professionals-to design interventions that bridge clinical practice with creative expression. This collaborative approach goes beyond the more siloed tasks typical of generalist roles.
Enhanced Documentation and Ethical Considerations: With advanced practice comes the expectation of detailed documentation (using models like the SOAP note) and rigorous attention to ethical standards, confidentiality, and client empowerment. This reflects a more profound commitment to professional practice and continuous self-reflection.
These advanced behaviors allow for a more comprehensive approach to client care and foster my professional growth as I transition into a role that blends clinical expertise with innovative program development.
Have a great day!
ABIE
My name is Abiebatu Sankoh, but I go by Abie. I live in Alexandria, Virginia, and I am completing my internship at Begonia Community and Family Services, where I also did my first internship. Begonia is an organization that supports individuals with disabilities by helping them maintain their health, safety, and independence while encouraging community involvement. The agency provides services such as behavioral health support, life skills coaching, therapy, and community-based programs for individuals and families. As an advanced practice intern, I will be responsible for conducting intakes, assisting with psychological assessments alongside a team of professionals, developing and implementing treatment plans, and leading one-on-one or group therapy sessions with clients' parents. I will also help create programs that focus on building community engagement and independence for clients. These tasks go beyond generalist practice, which mainly involves direct client support and case management.
Advanced practice requires deeper clinical skills, such as assessing mental health conditions, applying evidence-based interventions, and working closely with a team of professionals to guide treatment decisions. It also involves a stronger focus on advocacy, program development, and understanding policies that impact client care. Unlike my previous field placements, which focused more on connecting clients to resources and providing basic support, this internship will require me to take on a more active role in planning and delivering therapeutic services while considering broader systemic factors. Need Assignment Help?