Community & School Collaborative
Practicum Site

Change Inc. serves communities challenged by transition and poverty through education and enrichment opportunities, social and emotional support and training that leads to employment. Change Inc. specializes in creating occasions and relationships for the inevitability of change, to address the challenges of racism and poverty through the development of both human capital and community building strategies. The Community School Collaborative (CSC) is a school based mental health program. The CSC serves youth and families in K-12 schools located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Treatment methods and modalities

The CSC embraces the Relational Diagnostic Assessment (RDA) and Treatment approach. The RDA process was developed as a result of over forty years of therapeutic work in inner-city schools, and focuses on relationships, community and culture. "Strategic Ethnography" is a method employed in the RDA process, beginning with an interest in human problems and challenges, focusing on the analysis of repetitive patterns to illuminate the relational climate and culture of a family. More specifically, Change Inc. utilizes a "Problem-Solving, Solution-Focused" process/brief interview (PSSF). The PSSF is utilized to identify and prioritize (1) perceived challenges, (2) attempted and promising solutions, and (3) visions of a preferred future. Responses are gathered to assess client needs, plan therapeutic interventions, and monitor the client’s improvement over time. Over the course of your practicum you will be trained on the practices of the RDA. Additionally, during your time as an intern, you will be invited to identify your preferred theory(ies) or model(s) and we will focus on your developing competence in integrating theory with your practice. All theories are welcome!

Description of client population

Our clientele is culturally diverse, and many are living in poverty, homeless/highly mobile, involved in the justice system, and facing multiple life stressors. Therefore, we strive to make our services easily accessible. Practicum students provide therapeutic services to children and/or adolescents and their families living in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Each practicum student is placed at a school site and provides outpatient services at the designated school-based office. At times, in-home co-therapy and telehealth services are provided to children and families.

​Internship Summary and Responsibilities

​• Attend orientation and training in mid-August and additional trainings as they are offered throughout the year
• Attend individual supervision, with your site supervisor, once per week and group supervision, offsite @ Change Inc., once per month
• Provide diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, therapy, and supportive services for students and their families—at school, in home, and via telehealth
• Consult, collaborate, and network with school administrators, teachers, and support staff
• Create and maintain client files
• Participate as a member of the CSC and school site team

To Apply​

Please email your resume and letter of interest to Jennifer Garrido Santos, CSC Clinical Director at:​jgarridosantos@thechangeinc.org

​Practicum Hours

​The hours for the position follow the school year calendar for your assigned school site (specifically pertaining to days “off”). The CSC requires, at minimum, a school year Commitment. Furthermore, we ask that practicum students commit to an average of 20 hours per week, spread across three days. If your university requires a longer time commitment or more hours, we are usually able to accommodate your needs. Having an evening available for possible family home sessions is preferable. You will work with your site supervisor to come up with a set schedule for the school year.

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For more information or questions

Contact Jennifer Garrido Santos, CSC Clinical Director: Email: jgarridosantos@thechangeinc.org | Phone:651-338-7380