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Internships Available

Social Work/Public Health

The McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated MSW & MPH students (Community and International Health and Global Health Leadership concentrations) who are interested in interning within an academic environment at the Silver School of Social Work. Students will gain experience in conducting participatory community research, advocacy, government processes and public policy analysis for vulnerable populations, including the health needs of low-income families in New York, nationally, and abroad. Students will gain exposure to research and policy focusing on health disparities and their relationship to poverty. Additionally, students will work closely with the Deputy Director to assist in the organizational development of the McSilver Institute. Students should be interested in performing the responsibilities of a social worker/public health practitioner within a research and academic institution and learning about social change utilizing government and public policy processes.

The responsibilities of this field placement will include, but are not limited to:

Preparing research and grant documents
Assisting in organizational development activities, including planning lectures and writing articles for distribution
Conducting policy research and analysis
Attending and documenting meetings with key internal and external stakeholders
Advocating for policies that promote equality and justice for vulnerable populations

Qualifications: Required

Excellent written and verbal communication
Genuine interest in applying social justice values to public health practice
Demonstrated commitment to serving and advocating for vulnerable populations

Qualifications: Preferred

Comfortable working independently and in collaboration with others
Self-starter attitude, ability to monitor own tasks, and multi-task
Interest or experience in web-based communications or social media management

For additional information, please contact Gary Parker, Deputy Director, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, at gary.parker@nyu.edu.

NYU Summer Study Abroad - Macro and Micro Practice in Buenos Aires, Argentina

The following two courses will be offered starting in July 2013:

Course Description (Micro):

This course will examine key issues in global mental health in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) as well as the Unites States. It will explore current health system responses to mental health needs, using WHO data, regional summaries, and more detailed narratives of case studies from Argentina, other Latin America countries, sub-Saharan Africa and the United States.

This course will look at the challenges to providing mental health care in diverse settings, including resource poor settings as well as evidence-based interventions to addressing the mental health needs and psychosocial well-being of communities. In addition to general mental health, the course will examine four specific topic areas related to health and mental health from a global perspective: HIV/AIDS, Substance Use, Trauma and Positive Youth Development.

Course Description (Macro):

This course will use concepts from the disciplines of history, anthropology, political science, public health and social work to provide students with an overview of social movements both in Argentina and the United States. The course will emphasize the role of social workers in the movements and students will be able to develop an understanding of community organizing. Students will leave the course understanding how to engage in community change processes. The course will begin with a one day intensive introduction to Argentinean history and culture, Spanish vocabulary, in preparation for arrival in Buenos Aires. Once in Argentina, classes will focus on a major topic per day, with weekends devoted to class trips, meals, and/or optional group activities, which compliment what is learned in class. The class will conclude with group projects concentrating on community organizing campaigns.

For more information, please click here.

Summer 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

NYU Summer Study Abroad – Macro and Micro Practice in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Two Separate Course Opportunities (3 credits each course)

Program Dates: July 17 – August 12, 2013 (July 17-19^th pre-departure seminars in NY, Travel to BA July 20^th)

Academic Level: Graduate, Undergraduate and Alumni (Social Work, Public Health, Education, Psychology)

* Spanish language not required but helpful

Program Director: Mary McKay, Ph.D., Professor and Director of McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research

Program Instructors: Gary Parker, MSW, Deputy Director, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research and Gisselle Pardo, LCSW, MPH, McSilver Institute

Both courses include: Spanish language classes for all levels (8-10 hours a week); volunteer placements in local organizations (a day and a half a week); group debriefings to share experiences and discuss course concepts (twice a week).

Program Summaries:

Macro: Social Justice and Systemic Change from a Global Perspective

This 3-credit course will use concepts from the disciplines of history, political science, public health, and social work to provide students with an overview of social movements both in Argentina and the United States. The course will emphasize the role of social workers as agents of change. Students will leave the course understanding how to engage in community-based activism and advocacy from a social justice perspective.

Micro: Global Health Mental Health Care Practice

This 3-credit course will examine key issues in global mental health and explore current health system responses to mental health in low, middle, and high income countries, including Argentina and the US. Students will examine direct clinical practice issues related to providing mental health care in diverse settings, as well as evidence-based interventions at the individual, family, and group levels. The course will also include a service-learning component in partnership with local hospitals and social service organizations.

Costs:

Graduate tuition: $3656 (discount available for alumni)
Estimated Housing: approx. $50 a day (Hotel or apartment option based on double occupancy, includes breakfast) * Alternate housing must be approved by program staff.
Estimated Airfare to Buenos Aires: $1500 (plus $131 entry visa)
Meals: Breakfast included in accommodation price; students responsible for paying for all their other meals on their own.
Excursions: Group Cultural activities will be scheduled within Argentina. Excursion out side of Buenos Aires will also be arranged. All excursions will be an additional fee. Estimated cost will be available Fall 2012
All personal expenses are additional.

How to Apply:

Application available here for Macro Class.

Application available here for Micro Class.

For more information, contact

Gisselle Pardo, LCSW, MPH
gisselle.pardo@nyu.edu

Gary Parker, MSW
gary.parker@nyu.edu

Eileen Wolkstein, PhD
Director Lifelong Learning and Professional Development
eileen.wolkstein@nyu.edu

Reports

The United Neighborhood Houses (UNH) of NY recently released a report championing the settlement house model as a valuable practice to strengthen neighborhoods, families, and civic life, especially for disconnected youth and immigrant families.

UNH’s report, entitled “The Enduring Advantage of Settlement Houses,” is a collaborative effort of UNH members that describes their experiences and challenges in settlement house practice.

You can click here to read the full report on the United Neighborhood Houses' website.