By Jim Carlton, November 29 2024
With a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Portland State University recently launched Project Thrive within our School of Social Work, for Advanced MSW students interested in careers in school-based mental health. This opportunity includes specialized training and second year practicum in high-need middle and high schools in rural, tribal and predominantly LatinX communities. A $10,000 stipend will be provided during the advanced year practicum for students committed to a career in school-based mental health service provision, and who agree to work in this role for a minimum of one year upon graduation from the MSW program.
Through this grant, PSU aims to address the mental health needs in specific high-need schools as well as increase diversity in the mental health workforce, particularly in tribal, rural and Latinx communities. The project is a collaboration between Portland State University, culturally specific community providers, and high-need middle and high schools in Oregon.
This training program will provide you with:
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Specialized, culturally specific education and training focused on mental health social work practice in specific high-need schools.
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Specialized advising and support within the program.
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Support in completing the requirements for licensure preparation to become a School Social Worker Licensee.
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Mentorship and guidance from our community partners.
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Training in a school-wide framework for detecting and addressing student mental health needs. This school-wide framework includes a school-based screening and brief intervention model (SB-SBIRT) already being implemented in the school in which you will be completing your practicum.
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A stipend in the amount of $10,000 during your 9-month school practicum for students who are committed to a career in school-based mental health service provision and agree to work in this role for a minimum of one year upon graduation from the MSW program
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Post-MSW group clinical supervision toward licensure at no cost to graduates.
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Access to free certifications and continuing education courses on topics relevant to school mental health, cultural diversity and other topics.
PSU Based Partners: PSU School of Social Work: MSW program, Systems of Care Institute, and the Reclaiming Futures National Program Office
Community Partners: Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Latino Network, La Clinica
School Partners (Local Education Areas): Central Point LEA, Chemawa Indian School, Hillsboro LEA, Malheur School District, Phoenix - Talent LEA, Reynolds LEA , Salem - Keizer LEA
For specifics on the practicum opportunity, contact Evan Elkin at eelkin@pdx.edu, or
Join us for one of our upcoming information sessions:
Project Thrive Info Session 1 January 7th 10AM - 11AM: https://pdx.zoom.us/j/
Project Thrive Info Session 2 January 15th 1:30PM -2:30PM: https://pdx.zoom.us/j/
Updated: November 29 2024