Interprofessional Fellowship in Infant Mental Health
Project IPEP: Interdisciplinary Preparation of Early Childhood Professionals for Mental Health Promotion, Prevention, and Intervention (IPEP)
More than one in five infants, toddlers, and young children meet criteria for a clinical mental health disorder and young children are at highest risk of experiencing child maltreatment such as abuse and neglect. Understanding how to promote mental health in infancy and early childhood requires interprofessional collaboration and specialized training in infant mental health. Recognizing this need, the College of Social Work and the College of Education at the University of Utah have collaborated to offer a two-year fellowship training program to graduate students at the University of Utah. This fellowship, funded by the Department of Education and Office of Special Education, provides two years of funding ($14,000/year) for 4 graduate Social Work students per year to pursue their Social Work course work as well as supplemental trainings in infant mental health. The fellowship will start in the 2023-2024 academic year; students who are beginning the 2-year campus-based MSW program in Fall 2024 are eligible to apply.
The IPEP Fellowship in the University of Utah College of Social Work’s MSW Program consists of two courses, an interprofessional education seminar, an expert speaker series, and a 40-hour in-person coordinated field experience.
We are seeking applicants who meet the following requirements to apply for the Interprofessional Fellowship in Mental Health:
- Full-time Master of Social Work students at the University of Utah entering their first year of the two year full-time campus-based MSW Program in Fall 2024;
- United States citizen or permanent resident (DACA students may be eligible)
- Ability to attend mandatory coordinated activities over Spring Break (40 hours in-person in Salt Lake City, Utah required) of 2nd year program.
- Ability to complete required coursework, and attend mandatory interprofessional education series and expert speaker series, as outlined in the tentative schedule below.
- Committed to working with infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities for at least four years post-graduation. For more information about post-graduation work requirements see Specific Federal Requirements (#8).
- Application
- Copy of acceptance email into the MSW Program
- One letter of recommendation from a supervisor or instructor that has observed your work or volunteer experiences in the human services or strongly related field.
Two information sessions will be held in March. Advance registration is required.
Friday March 22nd, 12-1 pm MT
Register for the March 22nd Session
Tuesday March 26th, 5-6 pm MT
What are examples of post-graduation employment that would quality for the requirement?
An employment setting where a social worker spent at least 51% of their time providing services to infants, toddlers, and children (under age 22) who were eligible under IDEA, which may include case management, advocacy, and therapeutic services. This could include schools, outpatient mental health settings, inpatient mental health settings, extended day treatment programs, and other settings.
Should I select a field placement that complements the IPEP program?
We recommend proceeding as normally with the generalist field experience, the placement does not need to be specific to infant mental health. A placement in a related field, such as mental health or school setting may be a good complement, but is not required.
Do I still need to complete an area of focus?
Yes, students will still complete an area of focus. Student may consider an area of focus that complements the IPEP program, such as child welfare or mental health, but are welcome to complete any of the 7 fields of study. See the following references for more information:
Application Deadline:
- The deadline for application has been extended to April 10th, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.
- Selected applicants will be invited for short interviews in late April.
- Awards will be announced by end of May.
If you have other questions regarding the Interprofessional Fellowship in Infant Mental Health Fellowship, please contact Dr. Alysse Loomis via email at alysse.loomis@utah.edu.
Previously Recorded Information Session:
Recording of the March 17, 2023 Information Session
Disclaimer
The contents of this document were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, H325K190029. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.