Mental Health Apprentice

Job Summary

Pecan Valley Centers has been approved for a grant to be used as a paid internship.  The selected apprentices will play a vital role in supporting direct services to individuals with Severe Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder.  This position is funded through August 31, 2027.  Incumbent may work up to 20 hours per week.  Applicants must be enrolled in an onsite (not online) bachelor's level or higher degree program in a field relating to human, behavioral, or social sciences.  If this apprenticeship/internship will be used for course credit, there must be an affiliation agreement between the school and Pecan Valley Centers.

Duties and Essential Functions

The person in this position is responsible for the delivery of skills training and psychosocial rehabilitation services to people with severe and persistent mental illnesses. If a master's or licensed level intern, job duties could also include counseling.  The apprentice will ensure accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, progress, and goals under supervision.  This position updates demographic data, provides uniform assessments, collaborates with individuals served to develop person-centered service/recovery plans, and provides rehabilitation skills-training and documentation of services delivered in accordance with individual need and Medicaid standards.

The person in this position will help foster trust and rapport with clients through consistent, person-centered interactions.  They will participate in outreach efforts and provide psychoeducation to clients and families about available resources and treatment options.  The apprentice will provide training in skills that primarily focus on furthering an Individual's independent living, community skills and overall wellness and recovery. Services provided by the person in this position should promote community integration, increased stability within the community as well as an improved quality of life and implementation of self-determination for individuals served, as appropriate. 

Services provided by this position also include activities and skills-training designed to address barriers and strengths related to an Individual's recovery and wellness. Skills-training and support will occur both in person and online/remote.

While not directly responsible for handling crises, the apprentice will observe and learn techniques for de-escalation and participate in developing crisis prevention plans as part of the treatment team.

The person in this position is responsible for maintaining their internship requirements during their internship role at the Center. The person in this position will shadow and reverse shadow with a staff of case managers, counselors, and intake Qualified Mental Health Professionals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The person in this position requires an aptitude for working with people who have diagnoses of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder as well as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and other psychotic disorders. 

Education

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited onsite (not online) bachelor's level or higher degree program in a field relating to human, behavioral, or social sciences.  If this apprenticeship/internship will be used for course credit, there must be an affiliation agreement between the school and Pecan Valley Centers.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat, lift 25 pounds, sit for an extended period, reach overhead and walk over uneven terrain.