SFSD Internships and Training (SIT) Team

Training Emerging Mental Health Professionals

SIT interns are Master’s or post-Master’s level graduate students in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Professional Clinical Counseling from over a dozen universities nationwide.  SIT provides differentiated internship and instructional experiences based on degree and university expectations. Specialized placements provide additional training and support in specific concentration areas. Trainees also have the opportunity to fulfill the hours required to earn a Pupil Personnel Service Credential (PPSC) in School Social Work. SIT also works closely with current SFUSD employees who are interested in transitioning into the mental health field.

Upon completion of their internship, many SIT trainees go on to become SFUSD school social workers (SSWs) and/or mental health clinicians at community agencies that support SFUSD students and families.

For the most up to date information, including how to apply, please view our SIT Landing Page.

Serving PreK-12 Students and Families

SIT staff are Licensed Clinical Social Workers with experience at SFUSD school sites. Under the supervision and guidance of SIT staff and site School Social Workers, trainees provide school-based mental health support to over 500+ students a year. SIT trainees work with students who are experiencing social, emotional or other issues that impact learning. 

Services can include individual therapy, group counseling, consultation with school staff, support for families and wellness support. Internship activities can vary from site to site depending on the needs of the school.  Trainees serve students in general education and special education throughout the District, with particular emphasis on those who would otherwise encounter barriers in accessing mental health services. Additionally, many trainees provide services in home languages to increase families' access to linguistic and culturally responsive services at school sites.

Supporting SFUSD Staff

SIT staff provide consultation, clinical supervision and professional development to mental health trainees and SFUSD employees across SFUSD. SIT staff coordinate and facilitate weekly clinical supervision groups to employees seeking licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). 

SIT works in collaboration with teams within Student Family Services Division (SFSD) to create and provide:

• Professional development and continuing education units
• Staff training related to school-based mental health 
• Best practices for dropout prevention
• Trauma-informed, healing centered, anti-racist, neurodiversity affirming practice
• Safety risks assessment and suicide prevention

SIT clinical supervisors support other central teams such as communications, crisis response, professional development, and focal services teams to create systems and tools to support SFUSD staff.

We recruit on a rolling basis for year-long placements that begin in the Fall (usually mid-August).  Please view our SIT Landing Page for details on how to apply.