Training Opportunities
Externship
CAPS has an active training program at both the Hawk Hill and University City locations. We operate as a unified training program, with students having the opportunity to work at either location.
CAPS fills up to six total externship positions annually, which run from August through May. We participate in the PENDELDOT uniform timeline for 3-4 of our open positions which are primarily reserved for trainees in a doctoral program, with the remaining positions being reserved for trainees in master's programs in Counseling or Social Work. Please visit the PENDELDOT website for information on the application process and deadlines. Applications for non-PENDELDOT candidates are accepted starting in mid-December, and interviews are generally conducted during January and February.
Externs receive an hour of weekly supervision from full-time licensed psychologist, LPC, or Social Work staff, depending on their program of study. Externs are expected to be available throughout the fall and spring semesters each academic year, as our program runs between August and May, and commit to a minimum of two full days at CAPS while serving in the primary role of providing individual psychotherapy to undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to managing a caseload of 10-12 clients, Externs may also be available for drop-in/urgent concerns appointments. Externs also participate in weekly professional development with full-time staff and are responsible for presenting a case and/or a didactic seminar once a semester.
Please address any inquiries or email materials required for application (cover letter and resume or CV) to Dr. Ernie Hermosisima, Assistant Director (ehermosi@sju.edu) and Dr. Benjamin Barnes, Assistant Director (bbarnes@sju.edu).
SJU Are Not Alone Gatekeeper Training
The SJU Are Not Alone Gatekeeper training program teaches participants to effectively recognize and respond to emotionally distressed individuals who may be at risk for suicide. In an interactive format attendees will learn:
- How to identify warning signs of severe emotional distress and suicide
- The myths about suicide that can impede an effective response
- How to skillfully engage a distressed person and ask about suicide
- How to persuade a person to seek help and refer to appropriate resources
Gatekeeper trainings typically run for 75 minutes. Interested participants can register for a scheduled training. Student groups that request a training will be contacted to set up a mutually convenient time & date. Trainers include SJU professional staff from Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Outreach and Support and Student Disability Services.