Toni Aiduk, a senior studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Bridgewater State College (BSC) knows that an internship at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) provides the critical hands-on experience needed to set her up for success upon graduation. Aiduk gains experience while helping elders get the care they need by interning with the Senior Care Options (SCO) team at OCES two days a week. But, there are many students who are still not aware that the OCES internship program exists.
OCES, a private, non-profit corporation, and designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), first started the internship program with BSC in 2006. Any student enrolled in a social work degree program is eligible. Students must work at least two full days per week and serve as an intern for at least three months. That’s how Elizabeth Semedo DosSantos, who is now on staff at OCES, got her start. DosSantos was OCES’ first intern and upon her graduation from BSC in 2007, she was offered a full time position with OCES.
“The program is good for our organization as well as for Bridgewater State College. We’ve been able to give back to the college and the profession,” noted Glenda DeVincentis, LSW, SCO Program Director who has worked at OCES for over 20 years.
With the help of Aiduk as an intern, DeVincentis is able to reduce her team’s workload. The SCO team assists a diverse elderly population of Senior Whole Health and Evercare members. Often there are language and cultural barriers that must be addressed. Doing so broadens the knowledge of both OCES and the intern and both benefit from it.
DeVincentis continued, “Interns at OCES can get a taste of what it is like to work in care management. The program allows them to gain firsthand experience and provides us with better knowledge of whether they might be a good candidate for full time employment at OCES. It is ideal for everyone involved.”
To learn more about the intern program, contact Human Resources at OCES (508) 584-1561.
About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
OCES offers a number of programs such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.
OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.
The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.
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