Crisis Intervention Specialist Internship
Gryphon Place
1104 South Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (269) 381-1510
Fax: (269) 381-0935
Web Site: www.gryphon.org

Internship objective: To develop crisis intervention skills and enhance interpersonal, conflict resolution, active listening, and assertiveness skills through training, in-service and on the job experience with the Gryphon place HELP-Line. Interns will make significant contacts with community agencies and leaders and government agencies.

About the interning organization: The HELP-Line at Gryphon Place is a 24-hour crisis center located on the corner of Wheaton and Westnedge Avenue. Volunteers have been providing services to Kalamazoo County residents since 1971.

Semesters interns are needed: Fall, Spring, and Su I & S II annually

Number of interns needed: Varies; usually several per semester

Start date: Spring: On or near January 20 annually

Su I & Su II: On or near May 1st annually or on or near July 14 annually

Fall: On or near October 9 annually

End date: Negotiable, after intern has completed their training, in-service requirements and 200 hours of volunteering on the HELP-Line. Academic credit can be obtained after a student has completed 120 hours of work, including training, in-service and HELP-Line work.

Hours per week: 10-15 hours per week/depending upon the number of weeks scheduled.

Academic qualifications: Interns should be a declared major in Interpersonal Communication, Communication Studies, Organizational Communication, or a declared minor in Communication. The Coordinator of Internships will consider other Communication majors.

Desired skills and qualifications: Completion of Com 3700; interest in helping others; considering a career in the helping profession, enjoy personal challenge, interest in being part of a community based organization that helps community members.

Note: All interns apply and are accepted as a potential HELP-line member. Students must pass the required Gryphon Place training and be officially accepted as a HELP-line member in order to receive academic credit.

Description of intern responsibilities: Interns will complete 45 hours of crisis intervention and in-service training. This training includes Basic Crisis Intervention Training, Addictions, Co-Dependency, and Mental Health Intervention training, Suicide Intervention in-Service. Interns will work on the HELP-Line an additional 200 hours. This time may be scheduled at the convenience of the intern in conjunction with Gryphon Place. All training and supervision of interns will be done by certified interventionists and trained social workers.

Location: Gryphon Place
1104 South Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Intern sponsor: Bob Tonander, Team Leader, Crisis Operations

Credit: College credit toward communication major, minor or general electives. One hour of college credit is earned for 40 hours of work, up to 6 credits

Interested students should contact:
Bob Tonander
Team Leader, Crisis Operations
Gryphon Place
1104 South Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (269) 381- 1510, ext 225
Fax: (269) 381-0935
Email: btonander@gryphon.org

Evaluation: The evaluation and grade will be completed by Internship Coordinator Marilyn Kritzman and will be based upon the following:
The student’s journal/log/observation of all intern activities
The student’s copy of all work produced
Final paper
The internship sponsor mid-internship evaluation
The internship sponsor final evaluation

Method of Evaluation:
Student’s journal/log: 20%
Student’s work: 20 %
Paper: 20%
Internship sponsor mid-internship evaluation: 20%
Internship sponsor final evaluation: 20%

Calendar:
E-mail updates to faculty sponsor every month.
Additional communication via email, phone or in person as needed
All materials are to be submitted to Marilyn Kritzman on the Wednesday prior to final weeks of the semester/session registered.
Internship sponsor evaluation due half way through the internship
Internship sponsor final evaluation due the Wednesday prior to finals with the rest of the material. It may be submitted with the student’s materials in a sealed envelope, or the sponsor may submit it separately by the due date.


Student’s Signature


Intern’s sponsor (at internship site) signature


Coordinator of Undergraduate Internship’s (Marilyn S. Kritzman) signature