Job Posting: Graduate Student Assistant - Masters Social Work Intern

Department of State Hospitals

JC-519601
-
Graduate Student Assistant - Masters Social Work Intern
GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT

$3,724.00 - $4,873.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 6/10/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Graduate Student Assistant - Masters of Social Work Intern receives supervision from the assigned Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker in Social Work Services at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

  • In a trainee capacity, participate as a team member with other treatment disciplines, provide group treatment for patients, assist program staff in evaluating patient readiness for discharge, and assess needs related to the patient's discharge to the community.
  • Treatment and discharge planning
  • Documentation and recording
  • Professional, resource, and training functions
  • Program evaluation and development

Expectations for entering the internship include but are not limited to:
  • Working on coursework towards a degree within the area of Social Work and anticipated completion of a Master's of Social Work Degree from an accredited college or university.  
  • Social Work internships are offered to eligible MSW students currently enrolled and in good standing with a CSWE accredited education program. Prior to the commencement of an internship at DSH-Atascadero, students must have successfully completed at least one previous year of internship placement or have an equivalent period of forensic mental health facility experience.
  • Social Work students considering applying to DSH-Atascadero for internship are encouraged to discuss with their university field internship coordinator their interest. The university field internship coordinator should make contact with the Supervising Social Worker of Professional Education at DSH-Atascadero to establish a contact between agencies (if no current contract exists). 
  • Learn macro and micro levels of social work by conducting discharge planning and working with community partners.
  • Learn to co-facilitate treatment groups.
  • Conduct psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and documentation.

**Applicants possessing experience with adult psychiatric patients and/or prison inmates are preferred** 

Follow this link for additional details: California Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero Social Worker Internship Program.


Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

  • This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).
  • A maximum of 1500 hours worked per year is allowed for this position.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-519601
Position #(s):
455-501-4872-902
Working Title:
Graduate Student Assistant - Masters Social Work Intern
Classification:
GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANT
$3,724.00 - $4,141.00 A
  • Salary range shown is the minimum and maximum for a full-time appointment. Salaries for part-time and/or intermittent appointments may vary.

$4,021.00 - $4,471.00 B
  • Salary range shown is the minimum and maximum for a full-time appointment. Salaries for part-time and/or intermittent appointments may vary.

$4,167.00 - $4,679.00 C
  • Salary range shown is the minimum and maximum for a full-time appointment. Salaries for part-time and/or intermittent appointments may vary.

$4,340.00 - $4,873.00 D
  • Salary range shown is the minimum and maximum for a full-time appointment. Salaries for part-time and/or intermittent appointments may vary.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
3
Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Student Assistant
Facility:
DSH - Atascadero

Department Information

The Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.


Logo for Department of State Hospitals

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Social Work students considering applying to DSH-Atascadero for internship are encouraged to discuss with their university field internship coordinator their interest. The university field internship coordinator should make contact with the Supervising Social Worker of Professional Education at DSH-Atascadero at DSH-ASocialWorkRecruitment@dsh.ca.gov to establish a current contact between agencies (if one does not already exist). 

Please note: Selected candidates may have a delay with internship start date if school affiliation/contract is not yet established between the university and DSH-A.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 6/10/2026

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating “preference under Government Code section 18220”. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.
Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Postal
Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
PO Box 7005
Atascadero, CA 93423-7005

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Drop Off
DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
10333 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
Building 105 - After Hours Dropbox
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other -
    • You must provide proof of application for, or enrollment as a student in, an appropriate college or university program.
  • Other -
    • Candidates must submit a copy of their unofficial college transcripts with their application (STD. 678).
      • Transcripts must include candidate's name, the name of the school, and the date the degree was conferred, if applicable, in order to be considered for this position.
      • Foreign transcripts must include verification for US equivalency from an independent company.
      • Please ensure that the birthdate and social security number are redacted from the transcripts.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

**Applicants possessing experience with adult psychiatric patients and/or prison inmates are preferred** 

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:
  • Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
  • Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually – specific accrual rates can be found here)
  • Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
  • Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
  • Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
  • School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Commute Program
  • Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
  • ScholarShare (college savings account)
  • On-the-job training and professional development
  • Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero/Social_Work_Careers.html
Human Resources Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
(805) 468-3384
ASHEmployment@dsh.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Monarose Amian-Skamfer
(805) 468-2038
DSH-ASocialWorkRecruitment@dsh.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Pearl Melena
(805) 468-2007
Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

  • Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
  • Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
  • Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
  • Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
  • Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
  • Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
  • This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

Additional Information

* Please note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

* Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.

*
This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

*
Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted. Scanned, copied or faxed applications will not be accepted.

*
Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off