Macro MSW Internship Program

  • Grow with us.

    In this competitive program, foundation or concentration year MSW students will participate in at least 12 hours a week of internship during the following hours:

    Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 8am-6:00pm Mountain Time. We are closed 12p-1p for lunch.

    This position is unpaid and can be done hybrid in Colorado Springs. We meet all CSWE and Department of Labor requirements.

    Our program focuses on trauma in adolescents and adults, as well as social justice and the interplay between privilege, power, difference, and mental health.

  • Thrive.

    It all begins the weeks before classes start with at-your-own-pace trainings. Once the semester has begun, interns spend 2-3 weeks in our intensive training program.

    From there, students begin developing their macro social work skills in areas such as advocacy, public policy, case management, needs assessments, grant writing, data collection and management, public education, community outreach, program development, and research. Interns also have opportunities to support clients individually and in group settings with DBT or life skills.

    Our interns are fully part of the team. Participants in our program have opportunities to make real change in real communities. Our interns work alongside experts in the field, develop professional relationships with politicians, and leave our program with the skills to be an excellent social worker.

  • Plant seeds.

    Students are supported throughout the year with 3+ hours per week of supervision including:

    Mondays 10am-11am Mountain Time: All team meeting (case conceptualization with multiple providers). An additional meeting Tuesdays 11am-12pm is encouraged but not required.

    Thursdays 9am-11am Mountain Time: Intern class (cohort-wide training, case conceptualization, role playing, and problem-solving)

    Ongoing training, consultation, support, and mentorship from leadership, staff, and other interns

    By the time students leave our program, they are prepared to engage in macro social work in other professional settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tell me a little about yourself.

Our clinic primarily serves Medicaid. We are passionate about serving clients who have traditionally struggled to find high quality, long term mental health care from dedicated, caring clinicians who are not suffering from burnout. We believe in equity, inclusion, diversity, and justice in the work that we do. 

Our values: 

  • Integrity and ethics

  • Quality patient care

  • Happy, healthy staff

  • Fiscal responsibility

  • Learning, education, and research

  • Social justice

  • Community

  • Prevention and education

  • Strengths-based

I have a different timeline, availability, or degree. Can I still participate?

Our program has been carefully tailored to give interns and their clients the best experience. Due to this, we are unable to be flexible with the start date, hours of availability (unless more than 12 are required), degree, or other requirements described above. A cohort is started each semester. Students may participate in the program for a minimum of two consecutive semesters.

My school does not have a partnership with you but I am interested. How can I get started?

We proudly have a partnership with several excellent MSW programs across the country. Once you are accepted to the program, you will provide the contact information for your field director if we do not already have an established relationship with them. Our office will then handle any paperwork or agreements required to continue your placement with us. Only CSWE-accredited programs or schools in the process of achieving accreditation will be considered.

How can I make myself a good applicant?

The ideal applicant has an attention to detail, excellent communication and writing skills, good organizational skills, a passion for trauma and social justice, and the ability to work as both a team player and independently. Interns do not need experience in the mental health field, although this is helpful. Preference is given to interns who are located in Colorado, as they may be eligible for hire after the internship ends.

Apply today.

The first step of the application process is to email a PDF format of your cover letter, resume, and unofficial MSW (or undergrad, for first semester students) transcripts to danielle@thepattersoncenter.org. Additionally, please complete our application by clicking here.

Your documents will then be reviewed. From there, our office may schedule an interview with you.

Upon completion of the interview, your references will be contacted and a background check will be completed.

Final decisions will be made on an ongoing basis until the program is full.

Incomplete or incorrect applications will not be considered.