Intern - Bakari Residential Treatment Center

Bakari Residential Center:

Our facility provides treatment services to male youth ages 13-17. All youth are court ordered to our facility for services.

Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility:

Our YCSF program provides crisis stabilization services to male youth ages 10-17.

Multisystemic Therapy: Family Integrated Transitions (MST-FIT):

Our MST-Fit program provides community-based services to all gendered youth and their families. The ages of these youth are typically 13-17 and these youth are court ordered to our MST-fit program.

The Bakari Residential Treatment Center houses three separate programs. All three programs are available to potential intern/practicum students to participate in aspects of depending on their interest.

Bakari Residential Center:

This would be the main aspect of the internship/practicum available to students as it offers a more extensive inclusion of treatment opportunities. The Bakari Residential Center is a 6-month court ordered treatment program. During youth's time at the facility, they engage in a variety of programming including DBT skills groups (3x each week), Making Proud Choices (sexual education curriculum), Safe Dates (healthy relationships group), AODA, Gang Prevention, Bros MKE, Fatherhood skill development, Life skills, Art Therapy, and a variety of clubs. Each youth is assigned a direct therapist to develop and implement their individual treatment plan informed by our Integrated Treatment Model which is based off of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. As we a residential center, youth live and go to school on site in conjunction with their scheduled programming.

Bakari Clinicians are Dialectical Behavior Therapy trained clinicians. They provide treatment services to both Bakari and the YCSF unit. Bakari treatment sessions focus on long term behavior change. During the week, Bakari clinicians engaged in an array of meetings including consultation with our ITM DBT expert, clinical team meetings, DBT based book club, and consultation teams. Additionally, we provide trainings for all clinicians coming into Bakari including specific training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy through our Integrated Treatment Model training. For those who are looking at Bakari as a potential practicum/internship site, you would be extended the opportunity to engage in the included meetings above as well as trainings offered on-site.

Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility:

YCSF is a short term crisis stabilization unit for community youth who are in crisis. The average length of stay is 3 days to a week. During their time at YCSF, youth engage in scheduled programming and schooling. They may go off site for schooling or programming with their team members. They do have individual treatment they receive while in YCSF, and have individual sessions each day with a clinician. Clinicians utilize assessments such as the Safe-T, Columbia, Brief Mood Survey, etc. each day with youth admitted to the unit. YCSF treatment sessions focus on brief therapy. The treatment plan is based on referral and observed behaviors. YCSF is not tied to the specific model that the Bakari center uses due to being a short term stay facility, but can incorporate aspects of the ITM.

Multisystemic Therapy: Family Integrated Transitions (MST-FIT):

MST-FIT is based on a systemic model that provides services to both youth, their families, and those who are providing care to the family. The main goal of MST-fit is to assist families on their journey to being out of all systems, both juvenile and service based. MST-fit serves juveniles who are currently in placement and are at the highest risk of recidivism and in need of complex treatment. The model combines the Integrated Treatment Model delivered while youth are in Bakari with MST-based aftercare to provide a smooth transition out of placement and back into the home.

With MST-FIT, the youth and family get a jump on making the transition from out-of-home placement to home. The goal is to lower recidivism, connect the family with community supports, remove a youth's dependence on drugs and alcohol, promote pro-social behavior and effectively manage the child's mental-health disorders. Our Clinicians additionally take on community youth who are referred from the Department of Youth and Family Services and typically have an active court order.

Characteristics Desired in Student Intern:

• Strong interest in incorporating art therapy into to existing therapeutic models
• Strong interest in helping others hone in on and/or develop their creative skill set
• Strong desire to build up the skills of others to improve their lives and the lives of those around them
• Interest in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Behaviorism, and/or Systemic modalities
• Interest in working with youth within the juvenile justice system
• Ability to display cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth
• Ability to address all situations from a trauma informed approach
• Ability to work closely with other clinical, residential, and management staff members
• Ability to be independent and self-directed; maintain accountability and responsibility
• Eagerness to learn and willingness to ask any questions to enhance ability to perform job responsibilities and meet their own expectations of what they what to learn through the internship/practicum
• Maintain client confidentiality within all written and verbal communications
• Ability to use time efficiently and effectively
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple complex tasks, strong professional communication and teamwork.
• Flexibility in scheduling their time on site
• Working knowledge of positive child/youth development; patience and understanding of difficult life needs
• Ability to interact with escalating youth and/or parents in a calm and professional manner; ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations
• Willing to receive critical feedback and implement any growth plans that on-site supervisor gives
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Perform basic computer functions

Training Requirements:

• Students must be part of a Master's level therapy program
• Mandated Reporter Training
• HR orientation

Health Requirements:

• Students interested in internship/Practicum placement at Bakari must provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.
• Students must complete a TB test prior to starting internship/Practicum (WCS will provide assistance)

How to Apply:

• Please complete the online applications, ensuring that your resume is attached.

If accepted to an internship/practicum at our site, a background check will be required (WCS will provide this)


For Additional Information, Please Contact:

Tiffany Wilhelm

Program Director

Facility Office: (414) 462-6043

Email: twilhelm@wiscs.org