Elementary School Social Work Intern Program (K-5)

Program Overview
The Elementary School Social Intern Program (K-5) places graduate-level social work interns in our elementary schools under the supervision of a SIFI Certified School Social Worker.

The program runs annually from October through the end of April, following the university academic calendar. Interns work alongside school-based teams to provide additional social-emotional skill-based support to students during the school day. (This is not a replacement for therapy).

We welcome parents and guardians to submit a referral if they believe their child would benefit from support. All referrals are reviewed.

• Click Here to learn more about our Program!
• Submit a Referral through our Referral Form

Who We Support
The program supports elementary students who may benefit from: social emotional skill building, short-term individual support, small group skill based counseling (friendship, coping skills, and emotion regulation), family transitions, school related adjustments.

Services are strength and skill based and designed to support student well-being and school success.

Maplewood Middle School Social Work Intern Program

• MMS SWIP Permission Form
• MMS SWIP Flyer

Columbia High School Social Work Intern Program

• Social Work Intern Request Form

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this program for my child?

A: You may consider a referral if your child is experiencing challenges with emotions, peer relationships, adjustment to school, or changes at home. This program is designed to provide short-term, skill-based support that helps students build coping and problem solving skills.

Q: Is this therapy?

A: This is a school-based social-emotional support, not long-term clinical therapy. If a student requires more intensive or outside services, families will be guided toward appropriate school and community resources once the referral is reviewed.
 

Q: Who are the interns?

A: Interns are graduate level students completing their Master of Social (MSW) degree at accredited universities. They are carefully selected and supervised by a SIFI-Cerfified school social worker throughout the year. (The number of interns placed in our district varies annually and is contingent upon partnerships with participating universities and the number of students assigned to our district. As a result, program capacity and availability may look different from school year to school year). 

 

Q: How long will my child receive support?

A: Services are typically short-term and based on student needs. The length of support may vary depending on the student’s reason for referral, progress, and overall program capacity. Because intern staffing and caseload capacity may different from year to year, the availability and duration of services are reviewed collaboratively by school staff. Families are informed when support begins and when it is expected to conclude.

Important Information About Level of Support

If at any point it is determined that a student requires a higher level of care or more intensive services than the intern program can provide, the student’s needs will be promptly reviewed by certified school-based professionals.

In those situations, the student may be transitioned to a certified school social worker or referred to appropriate outside providers to ensure they receive the level of care that best supports their safety, well-being, and overall needs.

Our priority is always to ensure that every student receives the appropriate level of professional support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is the School Social Work Intern Program (SWIP)?

SWIP is a program that offers short-term, skills-based counseling to students. It is designed to provide extra social-emotional support to students who may need help navigating peer relationships, managing stress, or building self-regulation skills.

Who provides the counseling?

Services are provided by graduate-level Master of Social Work (MSW) interns. These interns are finishing their professional degrees and are trained in modern therapeutic techniques.

Are the interns supervised?

Yes. Every intern is closely supervised by a SIFI-Certified (Supervisor in Field Instruction) School Social Worker. They meet weekly to review cases and ensure all support aligns with district standards and your child’s needs.

How is this different from "Mandated Counseling"?

Unlike counseling listed on an IEP (Individualized Education Program), SWIP is voluntary and short-term. It is intended for students who do not currently have counseling on their "official" service plan but could benefit from temporary support.

Note: If your child already has a school counselor or case manager, please reach out to them directly for support rather than using this form.

What topics are covered in sessions?

Sessions are tailored to the student but generally focus on:

• Social Skills: Making friends and navigating social cues.
• Self-Regulation: Managing big emotions and staying focused.
• Coping Strategies: Dealing with stress or anxiety.
• Peer Relationships: Conflict resolution and healthy boundaries.

Who can initiate a referral for this program?

The SWIP program is primarily for parent-driven requests. However, referrals can be initiated by parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, or guidance counselors. Regardless of who suggests the service, parent/guardian participation and consent are required to move forward.

Does my child have to participate?

No. Participation is 100% voluntary. We also require a signed parent/guardian permission form before any consistent services begin.

How long does the program last?

Because this is a short-term, skills-based program, the duration is typically a set number of weeks (based on availability and the student's specific goals).