Youth Alternatives Ingraham Agency and Program Profile for Undergraduate and
Graduate Student Intern Placement: Cumberland County Crisis Response - Mobile
Outreach
Internship available for academic year 2011-2012: Yes
Summer placement available for 2011:
Yes
General Information
Name:
Youth Alternatives Ingraham
Address:
50 Lydia Lane, South Portland, Maine 04106
Telephone:
(207) 874-1175
Website:
www.yimaine.org
Contact:
Deidre Mullen
Coordinator of Relief, Intern, & Volunteer Services
(207) 874-1199 x6003 or dmullen@yimaine.org
Agency Administration
Michael Tarpinian
Gloria Melnick
Joe Everett
Kane Loukas
Pat McKenzie
President
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer
Senior Vice President Children and Family Services
Senior Vice President Adult Mental Health Services
Agency Description
In September 2007 Youth Alternatives and Ingraham joined forces in a merger to provide a
broader array of vital, therapeutic services to youth, families and adults. The agency is now
known as Youth Alternatives Ingraham.
Youth Alternatives, a nonprofit social service agency founded in 1972, advances safe, happy,
healthy childhoods and positive family relationships. Through its comprehensive continuum of
care, Youth Alternatives creates homes for vulnerable children and youth; supports families in
need, conflict or crisis; reaches out to homeless youth; and ensures safety by working to prevent
child abuse and neglect. Through its programs, Youth Alternatives serves more than 5,000
children, youth and family members throughout Maine each year.
Ingraham, a not-for-profit human service agency, addresses some of the most critical issues in
Cumberland County – including suicide prevention, crisis intervention, homelessness, mental
illness, and substance abuse. Since 1970, Ingraham has been improving the lives of thousands of
individuals. Ingraham provides transitional residence to homeless teens and adults living with
mental illness and/or substance abuse issues, offers 24 hour crisis and acute care services to
Cumberland County, and delivers comprehensive mental health care through its outpatient mental
health and community support programs. In addition, Ingraham’s 211 program provides access
to a statewide social services directory accessible online and by phone.
Internship Opportunity
General Information
Name and location of program:
Cumberland County Crisis Response - Mobile
Intervention
50 Monument Square, Portland ME 04101
Contact:
Mary Beth Twomey, Volunteer/intern services
Coordinator of Relief, Intern, & Volunteer Services
(207) 874-1199 x6003 mtwomey@yaimaine.org
Field Instructor:
Steve Addario, LCSW
Intern positions available:
4
Adequate space for student:
Yes
Type of placement:
BSW, MSW, LCPC
Summer placement available:
Yes
Evening/weekend hours allowed: Yes
Staff meeting required:
Yes
Car required:
No, but preferable to fully learn/practice crisis
intervention.
Mileage reimbursable:
Yes when used for agency business.
Handicapped accessible:
Yes
Agency requirements:
Background checks, Immunizations, First Aid,
CPR, MANDT and other program specific
requirements in accordance with state licensing
regulations.
Program and Placement Description
Population served:
Size of staff: 15
CCCR Mobile Outreach provides 24-hour crisis
intervention and response for adults, families and
children during a mental health crisis. This
placement is working with the adult population
providing crisis intervention, assessment and
stabilization services to greater Cumberland
County. We provide intervention at the location
most convenient for the person in crisis – in homes,
in the community or at our office when safety for
everyone can be assured.
Therapeutic model or practice:
Crisis Intervention, Strengths based generalist,
Multidiscipline
Characteristics desired in intern: An individual who is motivated and interested in
helping individuals manage through short term crises, believes that individuals can
achieve recovery with varied supports, and is ready and able to recognize any personal
biases and attitudes that interfere in supporting others. Ability to recognize and maintain
appropriate boundaries. Commitment to keep client information confidential. Desire to
learn crisis management and suicide assessment/prevention skills & strategies. Interest in
working with individuals living with major mental illness, substance abuse. Has an
understanding of various and/or housing issues. Ability to multitask & manage stress
effectively. Strong communication skills. Willingness to work in a variety of settings –
homes, shelters, police departments and other community settings as well as in our office
drop-in center. Action oriented – ability/motivation to seek out learning and helping
options in a fast paced environment. Seeks out consultation from the team and
supervisors prior to taking action.
What intern will learn:
 Conduct crisis interventions that include assessment, mental status exams,
resource and coping skill identification, stabilization and follow up services.
 Propose, present and implement crisis resolution plans in coordination with
multidisciplinary team.
 Provide supportive listening to clients via phone and in face-to-face meetings.
 Gain knowledge of State and Local public service agencies i.e. Child and Adult
Protective Services, Police Departments
 Learn about, collaborate and coordinate with community based resources in
Cumberland County.
 Explore and challenge personal biases and ethical issues. Apply and practice
strength based principals.
 Develop strong clinical documentation skills.
 Participate in crisis debriefing activities.