The Civitan-Sparks Clinics provides interdisciplinary leadership training experiences for graduate social work trainees pursuing careers in the field of developmental disabilities and related family-centered and family-directed practice areas. Graduate level students can also participate in competitive opportunities for long-term training stipends awarded with the support of our Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (LEND) interdisciplinary training grant.

Disciplinary and interdisciplinary training goals are developed individually with each Social Work trainee and are based on:

• The student's respective course curriculum requirements (e.g., field education coursework requirements outlined through her/his respective universities)
• Civitan-Sparks Clinics disciplinary leadership goals which also focus on professional social work practice development to positively address issues impacting individuals with developmental and related disabilities and their families
• Civitan-Sparks Clinics interdisciplinary training goals
• The trainee's personal career and practice interests

The various training goals and methods for assessment and accomplishment of them are incorporated into the trainee's Individual Training Plan (ITP).

Individual schools of social work generally post more information about their respective programs. Our training program emphasizes recruitment of individuals who are affiliated with social work education programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and who, upon completion of the degree program, will be eligible to apply for appropriate licensure. All Social Work trainees, staff and faculty are expected to adhere to the profession's Code of Ethics. While the program emphasizes graduate level training, undergraduate Social Work students may also have opportunities to learn more about family-centered and family-directed practice, consumer empowerment, and other issues of importance to those impacted by developmental disabilities.

Former Civitan-Sparks Clinics social work trainees are affiliated with a variety of community programs and are demonstrating leadership roles as highly regarded clinicians, mentors, supervisors, program directors, and university faculty. They serve on many local, regional, state, and national committees, task forces, and have held leadership positions in a variety of professional and practice related associations.

For more information about social work training opportunities, please contact Teresa Teer, LGSW, at tteer@uab.edu or by calling 205/934-0990.