VCBH CLINICAL TRAINING Alcohol and Drug Counseling Internship VENTURA COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (VCBH) FACT SHEET VCBH is part of the Ventura County Health Care Agency s integrated public health care system which includes Ventura County Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, Ambulatory Clinics, Public Health, Emergency Medical Services, and the Medical Examiner s Office. The Ventura County Behavioral Health Department provides a system of coordinated outpatient services to meet the mental health and substance abuse treatment needs of Ventura County. Services are delivered from regionally based Behavioral Health Centers for children and families, adolescents, transitional aged youth (ages 18-25), adults, and seniors. Specialized services are also provided in partnership with city and county agencies, courts, local law enforcement, schools and community-based coalitions. MISSION As an integrated component of the County Health Care system, the department s mission is to promote resiliency, recovery, and hope for our clients and their families by providing services which are client and family-focused, accessible, culturally competent, age-appropriate, cost-effective, and outcome driven. VALUES Respect for diversity, the individual, and each other Excellence achieved by personal and organizational accountability Leadership through innovation and collaboration Integrity evidenced by unquestionable ethics, open and timely communication Commitment to proven, high quality care Alcohol and Drug Counseling Internship (ADTS Intern) The VCBH ADTS Internship Program is dedicated to providing a comprehensive training opportunity in drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Students are exposed to a broad range of experiences in the field of alcohol and drug addiction services. The program provides comprehensive clinical experiences, excellent supervision and supplemental seminars and conferences. VCBH Training Institute CLINICAL TRAINING MFT Traineeship Fact Sheet 2011 VENTURA COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What types of alcohol and drug programs are offered by VCBH? New Start for Moms: Comprehensive day treatment program and outpatient counseling to pregnant and/or parenting women that are using alcohol and/or other drugs. Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers: Outpatient centers that provide assessment, treatment, crises intervention, and referrals for alcohol and other drug abusing adolescents, adults and their families. Driving Under the Influence Program: Education program for persons referred by the Court, Probation or the California Department of Motor Vehicles. This program provides information, counseling, and support system to modify attitudes/behaviors related to alcohol and other drug abuse. Forensic (adolescents in the juvenile justice system): Alcohol and other drug assessment and treatment provided through the mental health juvenile justice program. Alcohol and Drug Prevention Division Utilizes environmental/public policy prevention initiatives and education to prevent underage and binge drinking, impaired driving and other drug abuse. Where would my internship be located? We have a number of different programs and locations throughout the County (Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks). The location of your internship depends on the current openings at the time of your application. You are matched with a program or setting that is the best fit with your skills and individual learning goals. What type of experience would I gain? Your caseload and specific experiences are based on the assigned program and current skill level. Typical responsibilities might include screenings, intakes and assessments, group counseling, case management, providing referrals, conducting educational groups, and completing case write-ups. Typically alcohol and drug counseling students will be supervised by someone that is CAADAC or CAADE certified. This supervisor oversees the student s work responsibilities and provides individual supervision. Depending on the program, students might also participate in group supervision with students from other clinical disciplines such as psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, or art therapists. What are the requirements to participate in a practicum with VCBH? All students must have completed a minimum of 12 semester units in an Addictive Disorders Studies program and be either currently enrolled or have completed a certificate program in Addictive Disorders Studies. VCBH Training Institute CLINICAL TRAINING MFT Traineeship Fact Sheet 2011 VENTURA COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2
Is there a required time commitment and when does the internship begin? VCBH requires a 2 semester commitment and a minimum of 8 hours per week. Internships typically begin in September on the first Wednesday after Labor Day and end in May. Most of the clinic sites are open Monday Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and internship hours are completed during those hours. Your specific schedule is based on the requirements of the individual clinic or program with consideration of your personal preferences. You will discuss a proposed weekly schedule during the interview process and finalize it with your supervisor once you have been accepted into the program. The initial weeks of the internship may require attendance on days that are different from your regular schedule due to the orientation schedule. How do I apply for an internship? You will need to complete an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Internship application form and submit the following: 1. VCBH application form 2. Cover letter 3. Resume 3. one letter of recommendation 4. Copy of college transcripts The application packet is submitted to the Internship and Training Manager for initial screening. Following the initial screening, your information is forwarded to the appropriate program staff to arrange an interview. SEND APPLICATION PACKET TO: Carla Cross, LMFT, ATR-BC, Internship and Training Manager 1911 Williams Drive, Suite 200, Oxnard, CA 93036 Phone: (805) 981-4221 Fax: (805) 981-6838 Email: Carla.cross@ventura.org What is the time frame for the application and interview process? The application deadline for the fall semester is June 1 st of each year. Applications submitted after this deadline may be considered if time allows for interviewing and additional spaces are still available for practicum students. What types of questions will I be asked during the interview process? You will be asked questions that relate to your interest in the alcohol and drug treatment, any prior experience and current skill level. You will also be asked about your time commitment and what you hope to gain from an internship with VCBH. During the interview you are encouraged to ask questions about the program to determine if placement within VCBH would fit your educational goals. VCBH Training Institute CLINICAL TRAINING MFT Traineeship Fact Sheet 2011 VENTURA COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 3
Can you provide more information about the background clearance? Applicants much complete a background clearance prior to formal acceptance into the program. This is a requirement by the County of Ventura for all staff, volunteers, and students. Forms will be provided to you after selection for the program and the background clearance is conducted at no cost to the student. It typically takes 2-3 weeks to complete this process. Students at the Juvenile Justice Facility also complete an additional background clearance through the Probation Department after the initial County background clearance has been completed. Most of the areas that would cause someone to fail a background clearance would include prior convictions of sex offenses, illegal substances, drunk driving, or violent crimes. If you have any questions about this or have any reason to think you might not clear a background check then please contact the Internship and Training Manger during the application process to discuss any questions or concerns regarding this. An applicant would not be accepted into the internship program if he or she is receiving services from the department as a current client or has current outstanding legal matters to resolve. Are there any other requirements? Students must complete a TB clearance which can be conducted by the student s personal physician or can be arranged through the County s employee health services department. There is no cost to the student. Students are expected to carry student malpractice insurance but may also submit a certificate of insurance from their educational institution. You must provide evidence of insurance coverage to the Internship and Training Manager at the beginning of the practicum. What is involved in the orientation process? All applicants complete a background clearance shortly after receiving preliminary acceptance into the program. A TB clearance is completed just prior to starting the practicum. The first few weeks of the practicum are dedicated to a variety of orientation experiences. You will attend a New Student orientation and participate in a variety of other orientation sessions to familiarize you with the department and specific clinic settings. Is there a stipend provided for internship positions? Currently there are no stipends available for alcohol and drug counseling internships. You will, however, receive a wealth of experience, excellent supervision and supplemental seminars that are invaluable to your professional development. VCBH also has a strong interest in maintaining an ongoing relationship with students following graduation in the form of employment when there are available positions that fit the students strengths and experience level. VCBH Training Institute CLINICAL TRAINING MFT Traineeship Fact Sheet 2011 VENTURA COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 4
I am not familiar with the area. Can you tell me more about Ventura County? Ventura County is located in southern California, just northwest of Los Angeles County. There is easy access to Los Angeles County residents with several of the department s clinics located within a 20 minute drive from the San Fernando Valley. With a population just over 800,000, Ventura County is the twelfth most populous county in California. Racial and ethnic minorities comprise 53% of the population with 41% Hispanic/Latino American. Spanish is the primary language of 13% of the residents. Although the median household income in Ventura County is $61,900, exceeding national and state averages, many of the department s clients are low income and/or homeless or displaced from their homes. 25% of children live below the poverty level and 22% of those over 18 live below the federal poverty threshold. Agriculture is a major industry producing just over one billion dollars in County product annually. There are a large number of migrant workers who are homeless or in need of more secure affordable and sustainable housing options. The Ventura County Behavioral Health Department provides outpatient public mental health services in clinics located in various cities throughout the County. The department serves approximately 5,000 clients per year with many clients presenting with severe and chronic mental illness. VCBH Training Institute CLINICAL TRAINING MFT Traineeship Fact Sheet 2011 VENTURA COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 5