Train in and provide social work services on an interdisciplinary team of medical and developmental professionals for caregivers of infants, children, and adolescents with or at-risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities. The social work practicum student will have the opportunity to participate in the Child Development Clinic, Infant Development Follow-Up Clinic, and Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Clinic. Trainees will also participate in UW Lend, a fellowship program that trains cross-disciplinary professionals and experientially credentialed individuals in disability justice, and best practices for developmental disability care. Participants in UW Lend receive a stipend as well as specialized training in skills from documentation to family support. To learn more about LEND and IHDD please visit the websites.

Institute on Human Development and Disability

https://uw-ctu.org/uw-lend/

Caregivers in our clinics are more vulnerable to mental health challenges (PMADS, PTSD) because of traumatic birth stories, NICU hospitalizations, and navigating ongoing medical and developmental differences for their children. As part of the interdisciplinary team supporting children, social work meets with caregivers to provide short term therapeutic intervention, provide psycho education about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and connect families to resources. Resources include concrete needs like housing, rental assistance programs, food banks and clothing items.

The Child Development Clinic provides developmental assessments and diagnostic services for children. As part of the interdisciplinary team, social workers help advocate for caregivers priorities and readiness for diagnosis during
case conferences and family feedback sessions. Participate in and present patient during interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences

Social work students begin by observing social workers during assessments with families, screening medical charts, taking notes during assessment, and identifying areas of need for families. Then social worker student co interview with social worker. Finally, social work student assesses families on their own, writes case notes, and follows up with families under supervision.

Learn about and understand systemic barriers to care for families. Certify community resources to support diverse families we serve. During assessments, social workers assess for social determinants of health and connect families to resources that support housing, food, childcare, and other concrete needs.

Applicants will participate in LEND and must complete a separate LEND application as part of their application for the practicum.

The UW LEND serves as a center of excellence preparing the next generation of leaders to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in achieving their full potential.

Practice interdisciplinary care for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Practice family-centered care that is responsive to the diversity of the community and promotes inclusion and equity.
Advocate for systems and policies that best serve individuals with a developmental disability.
Assume leadership roles.

https://uw-ctu.org/uw-lend/

There is no registration cost to enroll in UW LEND. Individuals accepted to the program are offered a
standard stipend of $1,000. Trainees may accept or decline the stipend. A trainee may choose to be
considered for an additional needs-based stipend award. The additional award is not competition-based.
Merit is not considered to determine needs-based stipend awards.

Required:
Completed 1st year of MSW graduate program (MSW Day / EDP Specialized).
Strong interest or experience working with developmental disabilities, neurodiversity, children, and families.

Preferred Skills:
Experience/comfort with trauma informed care.

English

Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, or Amharic would be a plus but IS NOT A requirement

IHDD:
Email Cover Letter and Resume to Mollie Royer, mroyer@uw.edu
If eligible for next round, then applicant will need to submit 2 Letters of Reference

LEND:
https://uw-ctu.org/uw-lend/
Please email Sue Wendel (swendel@uw.edu) or Kathleen Lehman (lehmank@uw.edu) with questions.