Keystone Human Services - Comprehensive community based mental retardation, mental health, autism and early intervention services

Keystone Global Vision

International Practical Training Program

Sustainability is an integral component of Keystone's mission both regionally and abroad. The most enduring acts of restoration are those that can be sustained by empowered individuals and communities themselves, which is why education and training are some of the most powerful tools available in human services. Through Keystone's International Practical Training Program, individuals from all over the world can gain practical and professional experience in human services through a Keystone agency internship and training.

Participants receive practical, hands-on training opportunities with Keystone in the United States, usually supporting individuals with disabilities. They also have the opportunity to develop their leadership, organizational and managerial skills in the nonprofit human services sector, preparing them to support and participate in innovative community-based human services and NGOs in their home countries. Forging lasting friendships with human services professionals who share their goals and visions, participants can also celebrate and be encouraged by their common desire for a safer world and improved lives for people with disabilities.

During the 18-month International Practical Training Program, participants receive training in their field before being placed with a Keystone agency. Arrangements are made for room and board, as well as for some additional travel while in the United States. Most Keystone agencies are located in the Harrisburg or Lancaster region of Pennsylvania, which are only a few hours by car or train from several major U.S. cities: New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Educational opportunities in the program are geared to cultivate core competencies in the human services realm: clinical skills, program management, leadership and community capacity. While necessary to the success of a human services leader, these competencies are only valuable if they are inherently linked to the intrinsic, fundamental rights of all individuals, so a vital element of all training is the instillation of Keystone's foundational philosophy and principles.

Designed to build professional relationships and support community-based services internationally, the International Practical Training Program not only helps participants develop global competencies but also expands the world view of those working in Keystone's regional agencies. From each other's background, services approaches, shared experiences and unique perspectives, we can learn how to support ourselves and our communities better. We are pleased to have hosted trainees from diverse regions such as Moldova, Russia, Scotland, Jamaica and the Philippines.

Requirements

The International Practical Training Program is a J-1 Visa Program: an established J Exchange Program authorized by the Department of State. Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old. Successful candidates are usually enrolled in accredited colleges or universities with a course of study relevant to human services. Participants must have a minimum of 1 year's experience in social work outside the United States, or 5 year's experience without a degree or professional certificate. Participants should come to the program with strong English skills, and they must demonstrate a strong desire to return to their home country, as we motivate program alumni to apply their talents and skills to the formation and advancement of human services in their own communities.

Many participants become empowered social entrepreneurs, poised to return home and establish human-centered services in their own communities. What results from these international exchanges and other global partnerships is ultimately a cycle of collaboration: an invaluable global network of people and organizations who share the same passion for Advancing the Human Spirit.

Interested candidates should contact:

Billie Stuck: International Training Program Specialist; Keystone Human Services
124 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101; Phone: 717-232-7509 ext. 120; Fax: 717-635-2563; Email: bstuck @ keystonehumanservices.org
Jennifer Allison, MA, SPHR: Vice President, Human Resources; Keystone Human Services
124 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101; Phone: 717-232-7509; Fax: 717-635-2563; Email: jallison @ keystonehumanservices.org