SW/CAS Internship Duties:
Primary Job Duties:
· Lead Evidence Based programs for inmates that are getting in trouble to lower their amount of tickets they get. This may be on a C dorm unit, which is designed to be a place where the inmates are struggling often with how to cope with anger and stopping and thinking. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is offered often.
· Conduct risk assessments to figure out the program/MH/substance needs of the inmate. Decide with the help of the other social worker and the inmate what programs to suggest for the inmate.
· Learn how to do DHS Medicaid applications to ensure inmates are set up for their medical once they leave IDOC. This is a new practice and may be delegated to another worker in the future.
· Calling over inmates struggling or needing resources when able to.
· Learning about why social work/CAS are in corrections and how lawsuits impacted the creation of jobs
· Organizing paperwork and excel/ other documents; be a go getter, ask what you can help with don’t just sit around until someone asks you.
· Answer phones and learn how to transfer people in our office.
· Reach out to community resources and network. Be willing to go to other agencies to talk about our program.
Random Job Duties:
· Possibly helping SW put together a peer led program with inmates who are doing well and not getting in trouble. Jessica has the programming for this.
· Going to housing units to see inmates as needed to follow up on things
· Learning about other programs and services offered at IDOC including (wexford/mental health; treatment or TASC; officers or counselor (case managers) job duties.
· Learning about least restrictive housing and alternatives to seg time. Learn about the pro/cons to seg time.
· Learn about EMDR/ couples counseling from Jessica as this is her specialty outside of IDOC.
· To understand about the CMS/hiring process. To create a CMS 100 form before you’re done here at IDOC if desired and start applying for the job once you have your MSW.
Skills that make a SW/CAS intern successful: Being hungry to work hard; being able to own your bias and judgment and know why you are a social worker; to be able to problem solve and process situations that occur; have firm boundaries and or be willing to learn this to not become manipulated by inmates. To dress non provocative/limit tight clothes and wear more comfortable shoes as we walk a lot, and fyi this is an all-male prison. To be willing to try new things, even though you may not have experience know that we will guide you and make sure you’re comfortable. MSW level interns are expected to be able to work more independently and being able to ask questions and staff cases is a must.
Rules: Must be willing to travel to Hillsboro IL. If we get shut down due to increase covid, and the school agrees we may be able to do remote, but this can be a struggle. We get covid tested twice a week with a nose swab every Tuesday and Friday. Hours are 8a-4p nothing before or after. You cannot bring any cell phones in; must pass a background check and a UA
Please send your resume and cover to apply to: Jessica.wright2@illinois.gov
Thanks! Jessica Wright, LCSW