Clinical Intern at Colorado Dream Foundation in Denver, CO

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Position: Clinical Intern

FLSA Designation: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Classification: Part-Time (.5 FTE)

Position Reports to: Therapeutic Services Manager

Overview

The Clinical Intern is a key member of the Beyond Dreams Therapy team at Colorado Dream Foundation (CDF). This position supports the behavioral and mental health needs of clients ages four through adulthood. Working under licensed supervision, the intern provides therapeutic services to clients and contributes to program facilitation, clinical care, and community engagement.

This role is ideal for graduate students in their concentration year (social work) or practicum/internship phase (counseling) who are seeking hands-on clinical experience in a community-based setting.

Upon successful completion of their internship, Master’s-level candidates will be invited to interview for the Clinical Fellowship Program. Selected fellows will transition into an Associate Behavioral Health Therapist role, where they will maintain and grow their caseload, receive a minimum of eleven months of clinical supervision toward licensure, and receive an hourly pay increase aligned with their advanced training and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Service Delivery

● Provide direct therapeutic care to clients ages four through adulthood, including assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing support.

● Maintain a caseload of 10–12 clients and provide consistent, high-quality care aligned with trauma-informed and healing-centered practices.

● Develop and implement individualized treatment plans that promote clients’ emotional, behavioral, and social well-being.

● Facilitate or co-facilitate educational and therapeutic groups for clients and community members as assigned.

Collaboration and Supervision

● Participate in weekly individual supervision with a licensed clinician (LPC, LCSW, or LSW) to support clinical skill development and ensure high standards of care.

● Attend and contribute to group supervision sessions with other interns.

● Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including youth program team members and external partners, to ensure coordinated support for youth and families.

Data, Documentation, and Compliance

● Conduct behavioral health assessments to inform treatment planning and crisis intervention.

● Maintain accurate, timely case notes, reports, and documentation in compliance with state, federal, and organizational standards.

● Participate in quality assurance processes and support data collection to strengthen program evaluation and reporting.

Community Engagement and Representation

● Serve as an advocate for youth and families within the CDF network and the broader community.

● Maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with current schools, community providers, and referral sources to ensure continuity of support for youth and families.

● Participate in CDF all-staff trainings, meetings, and events, contributing to a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Schedule may vary based on class commitments

Qualifications & Experience

● Currently pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field.

● For MSW students: must be in the concentration (second) year of the program.

● For Counseling students: eligible for practicum or internship placement.

● Developing clinical skills and understanding of child, youth, and family development.

● Demonstrated ability to apply holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches.

● Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.

● Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse communities.

● Flexible, dependable, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining healthy professional boundaries.

● Fluency in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking) is strongly preferred.

● Alignment with CDF’s core values: A Seat at the Table, We Not Me, Whatever It Takes, An Inch Wide/Mile Deep, and Once a Dreamer Always a Dreamer.

● Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

● Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and special events as needed.

● Ability to pass a fingerprint background check.

● Ability to pass the DMV driving background check and transport youth to and from sessions when needed.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Colorado Dream Foundation is committed to fair and equitable compensation. This internship is a paid position, with hourly rates commensurate with experience and funding availability.

Interns also benefit from:

● Flexible scheduling that supports a balanced professional and personal rhythm

● Ongoing clinical supervision toward licensure, meeting state requirements

● Professional development opportunities, including advanced trainings, workshops, and conferences

● Career growth and mentorship opportunities, with pathways to permanent roles within CDF or partner organizations

● Collaborative and supportive team culture, emphasizing wellness, reflection, and shared learning

● Opportunities for leadership development within clinical programming and community partnerships

Colorado Dream Foundation is dedicated to building a workplace where every team member can grow, contribute meaningfully, and sustain a long-term career in community mental health.

Colorado Dream Foundation is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. Colorado Dream Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and the ability to perform a job without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin, creed, ancestry, genetic information, legally protected medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, or on any other basis made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It is our policy to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment, or bias based upon these grounds.

Intent and Function of Job Description: This description has been developed in an attempt to illustrate the job functions and basic duties, in addition to “peripheral tasks” that could generally be considered “other duties as assigned.” In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive. Supervisors may assign additional responsibilities and requirements as deemed appropriate.