Social Services Intern – Clinical (VA/DC/MD)

Internship Title:  Social Services Intern – Clinical  

Internship Description: Ayuda’s Social Services - Clinical internship is designed for a second-year placement for master's students seeking a therapy-based internship. Ideal candidates will possess some client or human service experience. Students with a strong interest in community mental health, psychoanalytic, cognitive behavioral, mind-body based theories, as well as trauma informed interventions, among other interventions, will be particularly well-suited for this position. Additionally, Spanish proficiency is essential to meet the diverse needs of our population. 

Ayuda is a non-profit organization assisting immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in the DMV Area (DC, Maryland, Virginia). Ayuda provides social services to their clients including therapy, case management, and advocacy. 

The spring internship lasts from August until early May at the latest. We have 3 openings available within our Social Services – Clinical internship that we are currently recruiting for. This internship will be hybrid, with at least 1 in-person day completed at our DC office or Maryland office (Silver Spring).   

Interns work in a busy environment. The ability to maintain focus and adjust to unexpected situations, as well as a strong comfort level working with survivors of trauma from difficult backgrounds, is strongly preferred. Spanish language fluency will be required from applicants applying and will be checked during the interview.  

Department Assisting: Ayuda’s Social Services Departments

Individuals Responsible to: Our Bilingual Therapists, Johan Orjuela, LICSW, LCSW-C; and David Manolof, LICSW 

• Trainees will receive a minimum of one hour of individual supervision per week with an experienced, licensed psychotherapist. Supervision is tailored to meet the specific needs of the students’ program. 
• Interns will also receive clinical training to help them become prepared to assist Ayuda’s client population. 
• Interns will learn case conceptualization, participate in a once-a-month group consultation where they will discuss cases, receive feedback and support on how to continue assisting clients on their caseload.  
• Interns will learn to use critical thinking skills when discussing challenges and strengths with their cases 

 Responsibilities:  

• Conduct client intakes, psychological assessments, safety planning, and facilitate individual and group therapy sessions (in-person and via telehealth). 
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, providing clinical recommendations and advocacy for clients. 
• Participate in weekly clinical supervision sessions. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client documentation, including services provided and relevant records. 
• Actively engage in interdisciplinary meetings, contributing to clinical observations and insights. 
• Engage in outreach initiatives within our service area 
• Participate in community events 

Qualifications: 

Required: 

• BSW students (Although 2 of the 3 spots will be reserved for MSW students)
• Verbal and written communications skills in Spanish and English 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and basic computer literacy 
• Excellent social skills that facilitate authentic, empathetic, and friendly communication 
• Demonstrated experience, comfort, and sensitivity working in multi-cultural environments 
• Experience and confidence working independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to abide by professional boundaries and strict confidentiality rules 
• Willingness to learn new skills and ability in working with survivors of trauma 
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and strong research skills 
• Based in the DMV region. Able to report to assigned office multiple times a week 

Preferred: 

• 2nd year MSWs 
• Previous experience working with a nonprofit, community-based, or social services organization 
• Previous experience helping, supporting, or working with immigrants/immigration groups 
• Previous experience working with victims of trauma, abuse, or domestic violence  

Commitment: We are looking for interns who can dedicate 16 - 24 hours per week for the 2025-2026 academic year to provide administrative and programmatic support. The internship would begin late August and wrap up by early May. The exact start and end dates are flexible. Interns generally work three days per week with at least 1 day a week needed in office. 

Compensation: Receipt of internship stipend will depend on completing fully remote or agreeing to join in person. Our internship stipends are offered to facilitate the completion of requested in person days and not eligible for fully remote internships. Interns are welcome to complete more in person days than requested but such days are not included in the internship stipend. If able to join in person, this internship will request 1 day a week in office and offer a stipend of $200* to cover the costs associated with completion of those days (transportation, gas, parking, food, etc.). 

*such is dependent on available funding streams is confirmed on a seasonal basis. We will confirm if able to offer for our Fall 2025 interns by mid-July 

Technology Needed: We will provide the intern with a laptop, and they will need to have access to reliable internet connection on remote days for video conferences and email communication. 

Application: Please apply with a one-page letter of interest addressed to Ayuda, a current one-page resume, and a copy of completed case write-up. Applications can be emailed to admininternships@ayuda.com. Due to the heavy volume of applications received, we ask applicants to refrain from contacting us about applications status as all applicants will either be contacted for an interview request or upon the completion of our recruitment. Additional references will be requested upon completion of interview. 

Ayuda values an inclusive, diverse workplace and does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by law. Ayuda is also committed to equal employment opportunity. Employment decisions are made consistent with both Ayuda's organizational values and the law, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We also strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities we serve.