From Theory to Practice

Center Against Sexual Assault of Southwest Riverside County

The Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA) is a non-profit organization committed to providing education to the public and support to survivors of sexual assault. Since its beginning, CASA has worked diligently to increase types of services based on the needs of the community. As an intern, Naomi provides telephone and in-person crisis counseling, support, referrals, advocacy, and accompaniment services to survivors of sexual assault, their families, and their significant others; she also conducts empowerment groups for both girls and boys at local high schools in the Hemet Valley area.

The Wylie Center

The Wylie Center provides autism interventions, mental health services, and therapies for families in the Inland Empire. Interns are involved in a variety of social work duties. Maria is currently working on macro level projects and training as a Behavior Interventionist in order to support children with autism and their families. She is also focused on community outreach, event planning, and fundraising opportunities. 

Love Your Neighbor Community
La Sierra University Church

La Sierra University Church (La Sierra UniversityC) is a local faith-based organization that provides a variety of services to those living in the 92505-zip code, and collaborates with the Riverside’s Mayor’s office to serve those without homes and those at risk for losing their housing. Interns work with pastors, the finance director, and the volunteers at community services who run the weekly food bank. Katherine engages and assesses clients, and provides resources for needs that are beyond food or clothing. She also collaborates with other interns placed throughout the city of Riverside as they seek to bring awareness to the needs of the homeless and facilitate churches partnering with the city to meet community needs.

Parent Enrichment Program Jarupa Unified School District

As part of the Parent Enrichment Program, Kylie serves as a Home Visitor in this home-based non-directive, non-didactic approach where behaviors are modeled to parents. Twice a week, interns visit with each child served who is between the ages of 16 months to 4 years of age and introduce Verbal Interaction Stimulus Materials meant to increase early child literacy, increase parent/child interactions, and prepare children for school. Utilizing the ecological approach, interns are attentive to the needs of the family and suggest any necessary referrals.

Inland Housing Solutions

Inland Housing Solutions (IHS) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to break the cycle of homelessness for families. As interns, Sophia and Wesley act as Family Stability Advocates. Their duties include: conducting intakes and assessments; providing case management, including developing service plans, connecting households to mainstream benefits and community resources, providing education in areas such as goal-setting and money management; and empowering and supporting households on their path to self-sufficiency. They also have ample opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration and complete a macro project addressing an identified need or service gap.

Student and Family Support Services Department Corona Norco Unified School District

The Student and Family Support Services Department supports families within the Corona Norco Unified School district in a variety of areas including community resources, mental health, counseling, and parent education. Magaly has the opportunity to provide resources to families in crises and link them to community agencies; assist with support groups for parents and/or children; become more acquainted with the needs of the community and develop plans to help families in a variety of unique situations; work with families whose children are chronically absent and/or have engaged in delinquent behaviors; and link families to mental health resources and support groups.

La Sierra Academy

La Sierra Academy is a local TK-12 Christian School in Riverside. The counselor’s office provides assistance for students with their academic, behavioral, mental, and/or emotional success. Morena works alongside the school counselor serving the needs of students in elementary, junior high, and high school. In addition, she assists the school with their annual events that strive to help students gain more knowledge about potential careers and college readiness.

Patton State Hospital

Patton State Hospital (PSH) provides in-patient treatment to over 1,500 patients from ages 17-91 who exhibit a wide range of severe mental disorders. PSH is the largest maximum-security forensic hospital in the nation that houses male and female criminally insane patients. The hospital’s mission is to provide comprehensive clinical services within the context of a biopsychosocial rehabilitation model in an environment of safety, security, dignity, and respect for all patients, staff, and the community. The objective of PSH is to emphasize the potential for each patient to learn new skills, develop adaptive coping mechanisms to enhance the quality of the patient’s life, prepare patients for Community Outpatient Treatment, and to design specialized treatment plans to help patients gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent in court. As an intern, Sha’von engages with the patients by assisting in the in-take process, monitoring on-going assessments, advanced directives, teaching psycho-educational courses, and co-facilitating groups.

Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church

Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-Day Adventist church is a religious organization that looks to provide spiritual care to all its members and the community. It offers Bible study classes, Sabbath school, and a variety of groups that focus on addressing individual and family concerns through a spiritual viewpoint. The church collaborates with a variety of agencies and influential people in the community to provide services that empower their church and community members, such as health clinics, food donations, and a variety of activities for the youth. As an intern, Alicia will be meeting with church and community members to provide assistance in finding resources for their needs. She will also assist in group facilitation for the youth.

Patton State Hospital

Patton State Hospital (PSH) provides in-patient treatment to over 1,500 patients, ages 17-91, who exhibit a wide range of severe mental disorders. PSH is the largest maximum-security forensic hospital in the nation that houses male and female criminally insane patients. The hospital’s mission is to provide comprehensive clinical services within the context of a biopsychosocial rehabilitation model in an environment of safety and security for all patients, staff and the community in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. The objective of Patton State Hospital is to emphasize the potential for each patient to learn new skills, develop adaptive coping mechanisms to enhance the quality of the patient’s life while at the hospital and prepare them for Community Outpatient Treatment, and to design specialized treatment plans to help patients gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent in court. As an intern, Kiley engages with the patients by assisting in the in-take process, monitoring on-going assessments, advanced directives, teaching psycho-educational courses, and co-facilitating groups.

MFI Recovery Center

Social work interns at MFI Recovery Center function as case managers for both adolescent and adult clients struggling with drug and alcohol dependency. They work in conjunction with therapists and counselors to ensure a collaborative relationship is promoted among all systems to which the clients are connected. The interns also work to assist clients in removing barriers to treatment such as enrolling in school, finding employment and finding housing. Additionally, social work interns facilitate substance abuse groups in the Intensive Outpatient Program.

Loma Linda Adult Day Services
Loma Linda University Medical Center

Loma Linda University’s Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) is a licensed community-based day health program that provides services to adults with chronic medical, cognitive, or mental health conditions and/or disabilities that are at risk of needing institutional care. The primary objectives of the program are to restore or maintain optimal capacity for self-care to frail elderly persons or adults with disabilities and delay or prevent inappropriate or personally undesirable institutionalization. As interns, Jessica and Michelle help to monitor and assess clients at the agency; engage with clientele through meaningful activities such as crafts, games, and music; and provide community resources to clients and their families.

David L. Long Learning Center
Riverside County Office Of Education

The Riverside County Office of Education places Social Work interns in schools with students who are struggling academically due in part to environmental issues and/or stressors. As an intern, Bryana provides individual and group supportive behavioral counseling to students who have been identified as having academic and/or behavioral problems. The main goal of the Social Work intern is to assist the student in resolving the personal issues that are preventing them from succeeding academically. Bryana works in collaboration with the school to afford the students the opportunity to succeed.

Parent Enrichment Program
Jurupa Unified School District

The Parent Enrichment Program utilizes the Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP). Melissa and Debbie serve as Home Visitors in this home-based non-directive, non-didactic approach where behaviors are modeled to parents. This program is committed to providing families with resources to build positive parent-child relationships. Twice a week the interns visit with each child served who is between the ages of 16 months to 4 years of age and introduce Verbal Interaction Stimulus Materials (VISMs). VISMs are meant to increase early child literacy, increase parent/ child interactions and prepare children for school. Utilizing the ecological approach, the interns are attentive to the needs of the family and suggest any necessary referrals.

Investigative Services
Riverside County Department of Public Social Services

Children’s Protective Services is a division of the Department of Social Services, whose main purpose is to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect. As an intern, Kim assists in assessing clients with the Global Assessment and engages clients during the interview process. She assists in making proper referrals to families and observes the process of an investigation. She also helps families mitigate their circumstances by offering the correct preventative services that are available to them.

Office of Cultural Competence and Ethnic Services (OCCES)
San Bernardino County Department of Behavior Health (DBH)

The OCCES is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring cultural competency throughout all levels of the Department of Behavior Health in San Bernardino County. Services provided by OCCES include: multicultural education and training, coordination of language services such as translation and interpretation, assistance and consultation in the development of linguistically, and culturally appropriate, recovery oriented services. As in intern, Angela’s role and responsibilities include: assisting with trainings to medical staff, DBH employees, and community service providers; data collection, evaluation, and reporting of demographic and other relevant information for compliance purposes; and public relations efforts with consumers, providers, community stakeholders, employees, and others.

Juvenile Court
Riverside County Public Defender’s Office

The Juvenile Court is a division of the Riverside Superior Court handling both dependency and delinquency matters. As an intern, Kim is currently working with youth who are involved with the Delinquency Court. In this court, proceedings involve children under the age of 18 alleged to have committed a delinquent act, which would be a crime if committed by an adult. Kim’s primary duties include meeting with the youth to assess their bio-psycho-social needs. She consults with the youth’s attorneys, provides a summary of her assessments, and suggests topics and/or services for future meetings to best meet the needs of the youth served. Additionally, she works with youth who have fulfilled terms and conditions of probation and are exiting the delinquency system.

The Wiley Center

This center provides autism interventions, mental health services, and various therapies for children and their families in the Inland Empire. Interns at the Wylie Center are involved in a variety of social work duties on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Chenoalani is currently working primarily on macro level projects. Her time is focused on community outreach, event planning, and possible fund raising opportunities for the agency.

Koinonia Family Services

Koinonia Family Services is a foster and adoption agency that specializes in providing programs and services that are designed to address the special challenges faced by abused and neglected children. Agency services include therapeutic foster care, adoption, day treatment, medically fragile foster care, residential group homes for chemically dependent adolescents and post adoption supportive services. As a BSW intern, Eleanor assists social workers in ensuring the safety of children and supporting foster families and families who are working on reunification.

Path of Life Ministries

Path of Life Ministries is a non-profit organization (501c3) based in the City of Riverside, CA. They are committed to serving the greater Riverside homeless population and the poor with the goal to rescue, restore, and rebuild lives. Through community collaboration they contribute to a holistic, community-based solution that improves the local social, economic, and spiritual health of Riverside County. As an intern, Marquita works with the Behavioral Health Services provided by the agency, providing case management services, group facilitation, and support services to families and individuals accessing the services of the agency.

The Family Justice Center
District Attorney’s Office, Riverside County Division of Victim Services

The Family Justice Center provides the following direct services for victims and witnesses of crime: crisis intervention, emergency assistance, resource and referral counseling, orientation to the criminal justice system, court support, case support, case status, case disposition information, and technical assistance from the Victims of Crime Compensation Programs. The mission of the Family Justice Center is to minimize the impact of the criminal justice system upon the lives of victim’s witnesses and their families. As an intern, Aimee serves as an advocate by helping victims overcome the effects of crime and guides them through the criminal justice process.

United Way Family Support Service (FSS)

United Way Family Support Services serves victims of domestic violence in Corona and the surrounding areas. FSS focuses on providing crisis intervention, needs assessment, psycho-education, advocacy, and community referrals to individuals and families who have been adversely affected by intimate partner and child abuse. As in intern, Laura assists in advocating for women, men, and children to help break the family system of violence. She also helps minimize potential language barriers for clients by assisting in translation services for Spanish speakers.

Office of Accessibility Services
La Sierra University

The Office of Accessibility Services (ODS) at La Sierra University strives to provide academic support for students with disabilities in higher education. Accommodations are available to students with the following types of disabilities: physical, psychological, learning, visual, auditory, hearing, mobility impairment, and temporary. While learning about the federal and state laws that mandate provision of academic accommodations, as an intern Zaida will participate in case management services on behalf of students and assist with determining the appropriate accommodations and type of delivery of services available to students.

Riverside County District Attorney’s Office,
Division of Victims’ Services, Family Justice Center 

The Family Justice center provides services to victims of crime. The primary populations served are victims of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and sexual assault.  BSW intern duties include assisting with restraining orders, court accompaniment and moral support during court proceedings, crisis intervention, orienting victims to the criminal justice system and referring victims to needed resources. In addition, as an intern I am able to conduct victim intakes and needs assessments, provide community outreach presentations, and assist with various administrative duties within the Family Justice Center. 

Koinonia Family Services

Koinonia Family Services is a foster and adoption agency which specializes in providing programs and services that are designed to address the special challenges faced by abused and neglected children. As a BSW intern, I assist social workers in ensuring the safety of children, supporting foster families and families working on reunification. 

La Sierra Academy

La Sierra Academy is a K-12 Christian school in Riverside CA. As an intern at the Academy I will be working alongside the school counselor serving the needs of students in Elementary, Junior High, and High school. The counselor’s office provides assistance for students with their academic, behavioral, mental and or emotional success. In addition, I will also be assisting the school with their annual events that strive to help students gain more knowledge about potential careers and college readiness.  

The Wylie Children’s Center

This Center provides autism interventions, mental health services and various therapies for children and their families in the Inland Empire. Interns at the Wylie Center are involved in a variety of social work duties on the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Lori is working primarily on macro level projects.  Her time is focused on working with organizations and communities evaluating policies that affects vulnerable populations. Patrice’s work is focused on the outreach services the agency provides. She conducts intake sessions with individuals and groups that are seeking agency services. In addition, she is helping the agency with marketing and public relations by managing their social media.

La sierra University church (La Sierra UniversityC) Community Services Program

The La Sierra UniversityC Community Services Program provides a food bank every week as well other support services for those in the 92505 zip code.  BSW interns work with pastors, the finance director, and the Community Services volunteers who administer the program.  As a social work intern at the church, I assist with the Community Service project and look for ways to expand it. In addition, I gather resources for walk- in clients that come to the church each week.

Loma Linda Adult Day Services

Loma Linda Medical Center Adult Day Services provides day services to adults with severe autism, traumatic brain injury, dementia, mental health disabilities, and learning disabilities. Social Workers support clients and their families by providing therapeutic day services for patients, monitoring client progress and provide resources as needed. My role as a social work intern includes working one-on-one and in groups with clients, assisting with client care plans and daily activities and helping social workers with agency paper work.