Outreach Community Center of Carol Stream
Older Adults Program
345 S. President, Carol Stream, IL 60188
Who We Are
The Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream (OCC) is a community based program of Outreach Community Ministries. The Center is a multi-purpose, neighborhood resource center serving primarily the 6000 residents in the southern section of Carol Stream. The goal of the Center is to help the neighborhood residents work together to build a stronger community. This goal is achieved through a wide range of community services that assist people in making positive changes in their personal, family and community lives. Services include casework, counseling, summer and after school programs, tutoring, mentoring, and community development.
Outreach Community Ministries is an interdenominational community service organization, striving to put Christian faith into responsible action. The organization has been called into existence by local churches to respond supportively to the needs of young people and their families. The organization is committed to providing excellence in human services and demonstrating compassion for the whole person. Outreach Community Ministries also offers services through Warrenville Youth and Family Services (WYFS) and Wheaton Youth Outreach (WYO).
Older Adults Program
There are several key values that form the foundation for all of the services provided at the Outreach Community Center. We work from a strengths based perspective, in partnership with the older adults that are being served. Our services are designed to minister to the whole person, providing for physical, educational, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Services are provided with respect for people of all races, cultures, religions, ages, genders, and disabilities.
The Older Adults Program at OCC has been in existence for 9 years and serves those 60 and over. OCC is in the early development of a comprehensive, community-based senior center. There are currently three main areas of service. The Mood and Memory Clinic conducts assessments and treatment for older adults in need of psychological services. Casework services assist clients with referrals and meeting practical needs. Social activities keep neighborhood residents connected and give an outlet for social needs.
Trainee Responsibilities and Opportunities
MSW trainees would be involved in each of the three areas mentioned above. Within the Mood and Memory Clinic there would be the opportunity to assist in conducting psychological assessments, to create treatment intervention plans, conduct both group and individual therapy, complete research on various aspects of the program, aid in program development, and participate in a multidisciplinary team. The trainee will also carry a caseload of clients and become familiar with community resources and programs in order to aid those clients in the primary goal of being able to remain independent as long as possible. The trainee will also be involved with and may implement social activities to the wider older adult community.
Training and Supervision
The trainee will receive experience in the overall working of a Christian, community based social service ministry. They will gain valuable knowledge of successful aging and some of the challenges confronting older adults—poverty, health issues, depression, memory loss, and grief/loss. Weekly on-going training will be required on these issues.
The trainee will also develop skills in assessment, cognitive behavioral interventions, and treatment planning.
Weekly individual supervision will be provided. Weekly group supervision in a multidisciplinary team, case presentations, and clinical training on issues related to older adults. Additional training is offered by the counseling center on a wide range of topics.
Clinical training is provided by Dr. Ben Pyykkonen Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Hours
Older Adult internships are for 10-12 months. Hours per week can be negotiated based on internship requirements.
Requirements
Applicants with training in Geropsychology and Neuropsychology are highly preferred. Applicants must be supportive of the agency’s statement of Mission and Faith. Preference will be given to interns who are able and willing to transport clients as a part of their internship.
For General Information or If You are Interested in Applying
For program specific information, please contact:
Linda Hawkins, LCSW, Older Adults Program Coordinator
Outreach Community Center
345 S. President
(630) 260-7600
Carol Stream, IL 60188
To inquire about all internship opportunities at Outreach Community Ministries or to apply, please contact:
Dolly Cruz, Human Resources Assistant (630) 682-1910, ext 254
Outreach Community Ministries
122 West Liberty Wheaton, IL 60187
