Internship Program for Behavioral Health Focused on Older Adults

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian (DAAS-PG) introduced the Internship Program for Behavioral Health Focused on Older Adults in September 2021 in response to the needs of the older community. A collaborative initiative between DAAS-PG and California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB), this program serves San Bernardino County older adults aged 59 years and over whose quality of life would be improved through the additional professional services to be provided by university students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work. The Internship Program provides a rare opportunity for students to pursue their degree, earn required internship hours and synchronously serve this vulnerable population. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) interns are supervised by state-licensed DAAS-PG professional staff within the DAAS-PG Age Wise program. The interns provide a vast number of supervised professional services that may include in-home services, case management, peer and family advocacy, behavioral health, wellness and resource services tailored to assist older clients in navigating a healthy life and combat social isolation and food insecurity.