About SMARTS
SMARTS (Students Motivated Through the Arts) is a youth development and wellness organization serving students across Washington, DC. We provide trauma-informed after-school and summer programming that integrates creative arts, academic support, and mental health services. Our Wellness Program offers school-based therapy, social-emotional learning, and family support to help young people thrive.
Internship Overview
The MSW Intern will support SMARTS’ school-based Wellness Program by working directly with children, adolescents, and families in an after-school setting. Interns gain hands-on experience in clinical skills, group facilitation, trauma-informed care, and youth mental health while being supervised by licensed social work professionals.
This placement is ideal for MSW students interested in child & adolescent therapy, school social work, community mental health, or trauma-informed practice.
What You’ll Do
- Observe and co-facilitate individual and group counseling sessions
- Support social-emotional learning (SEL) groups and wellness activities
- Assist with behavior support and emotional regulation strategies
- Participate in intakes, treatment planning, and documentation
- Learn to write BIRP notes and clinical summaries
- Collaborate with site coordinators, families, and school partners
- Receive weekly supervision from licensed clinicians
What You’ll Learn
- Trauma-informed youth counseling
- CBT, DBT, and strengths-based approaches
- School-based mental health delivery
- Crisis response and emotional regulation strategies
- Ethical and professional practice in youth therapy
- Community-based and culturally responsive care
Qualifications
- Enrolled in an accredited MSW program
- Eligible for field placement or practicum hours
- Interest in working with children, adolescents, and families
- Reliable, professional, and compassionate
- Comfortable in a school-based, youth-centered environment
- Must pass background check and DC clearance
Why Intern With SMARTS
- Real clinical exposure in a school-based mental health setting
- Individual and group supervision
- Strong foundation for school social work or youth therapy careers
- Supportive, mission-driven team
- Meaningful impact in DC communities