Ashlyn Kjer

Responsibilities

-Complete orientation and necessary training provided by the agency -Assist with day-to-day administrative tasks to support program operations -Supervise and document family visitation sessions -Observe and learn about court hearings and case review processes -Support inventory management and data tracking related to client needs and services -Assist with compiling reports and tracking client outcomes for data reporting -Build interpersonal and professional skills when working with families impacted by trauma -Attend team meetings, training, and court-related events as needed -Building in additional experiences that are of interest to the intern’s interests and that meet the needs of their course requirements

Accomplishments

One of my greatest accomplishments during my internship was working one-on-one with families and providing extra guidance in their cases. I loved working with the parents from the beginning, and by the end, they were on track to be reunified. It's an incredible feeling to know you were part of the support team that helped them grow to this point.

Learning experience

The biggest lesson I learned is that always come at people with compassion. It's so easy to get caught up in the small things, especially when you work with people day in and day out. It can be easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated, but knowing that, at the end of the day, you're the one helping them through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Always be compassionate, even when it's hard.

What advice would you give?

My advice to future students is to try everything! Give every opportunity a chance, because you may be surprised and find something you love that you thought you never would. All opportunities help you grow in some way and will shape you into being the best professional you can be!