CONNECTIONS INTERNSHIP CONSORTIUM

The Connections Internship Consortium (CIC) requires that Interns demonstrate minimum levels of achievement across all competencies and training elements.  Interns are formally evaluated by their primary supervisor twice annually, at the midpoint and end of the internship year, using the CIC’s evaluation form. This evaluation includes space for supervisor comments regarding the Intern’s performance and progress, or lack thereof.  The evaluation form includes information about the Interns’ performance regarding all of CIC’s expected training competencies and the related training elements. Supervisors are expected to review these evaluations with the Interns and provide an opportunity for discussion at each timepoint.

 

A minimum level of achievement on each evaluation is defined as a rating of “3” for each competency.  The rating scale for each evaluation is a 5-point Likert scale, with the following values:

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5 = Advanced Proficiency: demonstrates advanced skills for autonomous practice at the licensure level (displays a superior level of skill in this area)

4 = High Intermediate: demonstrates the clinical skills required for autonomous practice at the licensure level (internship exit/postdoc entry - displays strengths and competencies in this area demonstrating readiness for decreased level of support)

3 = Intermediate: should remain a focus of supervision

2 = Entry-level training: continued intensive supervision is needed (displays minor, though noticeable difficulties in this area, however these may improve given time and guidance)

1 = Needs remedial work: performance is significantly below expectations (displays serious difficulties in specific area of functioning that requires prompt remediation)

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If an Intern receives a score less than “3” on any training element, or if supervisors have reason to be concerned about the Intern’s performance or progress, CIC’s Due Process procedures will be initiated. The Due Process guidelines can be found in the CIC Training Manual.  Interns must receive a rating of “3” or above on all competencies and training elements to successfully complete the program.

 

Additionally, all CIC Interns are expected to complete 2,000 hours of training during the internship year, including a minimum of 500 hours of direct face-face contact with students.  Meeting the hours requirement and obtaining sufficient ratings on all evaluations demonstrates that the Intern has progressed satisfactorily through and completed the Internship program.  Intern evaluations and any other relevant feedback to the Interns’ doctoral programs are provided at the midpoint and end of the internship year. Doctoral programs are contacted within one month following the end of the internship year and informed that the Intern has successfully completed the program.  If successful completion of the program comes into question at any point during the internship year, or if an Intern enters into the Remediation Plan step of the CIC Due Process procedures due to a grievance by a supervisor or an inadequate rating on an evaluation, the intern’s doctoral program will also be contacted.  This contact is intended to ensure that the doctoral program, which also has a vested interest in the Intern’s progress, is kept engaged in order to support an Intern who may be having difficulties during the internship year. The doctoral program is also notified of any further action that may be taken by CIC as a result of the Due Process procedures, up to and including termination from the program.

 

In addition to the evaluations described above, Interns complete an evaluation of their supervisor and a program evaluation at the midpoint and end of the training year in order to provide feedback that will inform any changes or improvements in the training program.  All evaluation forms are available in the CIC Training Manual and the CIC website.

 

Intern Evaluations, Certificates of Completion and a description of the Interns’ training experience are maintained indefinitely by the Site Director at each campus.