*The Human Services Internship (Chapter 4) Wilbert Roberson, Jr.

Wilmington University The Human Services Internship: Getting the most from your experience. Using Supervision From your internship, what have you learned about what you want and need in your supervisory relationship? My site location is the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV). During my initial visit I determined that my site supervisor would be helpful, understanding, and willing to share her knowledge. I have a clear understanding of my position and my site supervisor expectations of me as an intern. Additionally, I will need my site supervisor to review the needs of the DCADV and how I will best serve to help DCADV meet those needs. I need my supervisor to describe the outcome that is expected, including the criteria that must be met, list the reasons why, and discuss the roles, and responsibilities and authority of everyone within DCADV. Most importantly, establishing and discussing goals and opportunities and establishing our learning contract. Establishing the learning contract will allow me to document how, when, how often, with whom, etc., the learning goals will be accomplished. The learning contract, as discussed in class, is a tool to formalize my responsibilities, goals and objectives, and how the objectives will be met and assessed. How have you handled your responsibilities within this role in terms of being an active and open participant in the process? I have handled my responsibilities with care and professionalism while effectively assisting my site supervisor, specialists, and other workers in the office while gaining knowledge within the human services field. I have the opportunity to research and summarize information from files and documents for my site supervisors use in responding to inquiries. Due to the sometimes sensitive nature of the office the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using tact and courtesy is a must. What particular challenges have you encountered in your supervision, and how have you handled them? Flexibility is key especially with the demands of my work schedule, the demands of my internship, and the Wilson Graduate Center. I find that I have to effectively utilize and take advantage of every minute of my day. My site supervisor is very much aware of the internship process and that I am not a traditional student. I have other responsibilities to include my internship. Another way of utilizing my time effectively is independent studythere are some

things such as reading and research that can be accomplished away from my site location. Flexibility and using my time wisely is key to overcoming the very few challenges thus far. How would you like to grow in your skills to use supervision effectively? By being receptive to constructive criticism and feedback from my site supervisor as well as the DCADV staff members. Finally, I would like to test and utilize my leadership skills and management style within a nonprofit organization. Based on your internship supervisory experience, what do you anticipate that you will need in a supervisor when you enter your first professional job? I would like to have a supervisor that is not fearful of sharing work knowledge and experiences. Someone that is trustworthy, dependable, and understanding yet decisive. A person that is strong enough to lead and secure enough to allow staff members to excel and grow professionally.

References Kiser, P. (2012). The Human Services Internship: Getting the most from your experience. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.