UTA CAPS Graduate Social Work Internship: Foundation Placement

Learn about our Graduate Social Work Internship here!

Program Overview

The University of Texas at Arlington Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a comprehensive two-semester internship for Master of Social Work (MSW) students as a Foundation Placement. This placement is designed to develop students into ethical, flexible, and culturally competent entry-level social work professionals with strong generalist social work skills.

Key Learning Domains

Interns will engage in a wide array of practice-oriented activities including:

  • Mental health promotion (e.g., workshops, outreach)
  • Understanding college student mental health trends
  • Peer support program development and administration
  • Special event planning and campus engagement
  • Mental health policy review and advocacy
  • Community resource networking
  • Multidisciplinary team collaboration
  • Public speaking and professional presentations
  • Leadership in a college counseling center
  • Ongoing professional self-development

The program follows an experiential learning framework, integrating self-awareness, critical thinking, research, supervision, and real-world application. Interns are encouraged to reflect, take initiative, and apply theoretical knowledge to practice while receiving guidance from diverse task supervisors and an on-site LCSW-Supervisor.
  • Duration: Two semesters
  • Commitment: 20 hours per week
  • Supervision: Weekly, by an LCSW-Supervisor and task supervisors
  • Outreach: Regular campus involvement, including events on suicide prevention, stress management, and mental wellness
  • Environment: A diverse, multidisciplinary setting within a large public university
    • By the end of the internship, students will be able to:

    CAPS FIELD PLACEMENT GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES/End-of-Course Outcomes

    Upon successful completion of this field placement, students will demonstrate broad social work skills and professional behavior as defined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE):

    1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
    2. Engage in Diversity and Difference in Practice
    3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
    4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
    5. Engage in Policy Practice
    6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
    7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
    8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
    9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

    How To Apply

    • Open to UTA MSW students for Foundation Placement
    • Only one practicum student is selected annually

    Application Requirements

    • Completed application form
    • Cover letter (stating preferred training focus and goals)
    • Curriculum vitae/resume

    Selection Process

    • Initial application review by the LCSW-Supervisor
    • Qualified candidates are invited for an in-person interview with the CAPS training team
    • Interview includes a program overview, standardized questions, and Q&A

    Contact

    For questions, please contact: Daiga Keller, LCSW-S
    Daiga.keller@uta.edu