Internship Profiles
Each department I worked in at BARC proved to be a very unique experience. Every department at BARC was a diverse learning experience. BARC really challenged me to work hard, try new things and do my best. In the Human Resources department I gained practical knowledge in interviewing and hiring. I participated in interviews, referenced checks on applicants, and was involved in the pre-hire process. Using my computer skills, I designed job evaluation forms and reformatted job descriptions. I implemented a volunteer project and created community contacts. My time in Human Resources allowed me to learn about BARC's various job positions and the type of employees BARC is in search of. I learned how Human Resources functions and how each employee is crucial for team success. At BARC, I enjoyed the challenge and the privilege to be working along side such helpful and professional personnel.
Following Human Resources, the next department I worked in was Early Intervention. I worked with children in BARC's Early Intervention Warminster location in the mornings, and worked for the administrative department in the afternoons. My experience working with children allowed me to see the need and importance for early intervention in their lives. Being with the children taught me patience, and gave me hands-on experience dealing with daily activities and tasks. I became very attached to the children, and once my time with Early Intervention came to a close, I did not want to leave. Early Intervention was very motivating for me and I am glad for the fantastic opportunity. As for my Early Intervention afternoons, I used my time designing and expanding their web pages. I also created and designed a college contact brochure for internship and student teaching opportunities in the Early Intervention department. Early Intervention was a great chance for me to learn so much in one department! I loved it!
After Early Intervention, I worked with BARC's Employment Services department. With the Employment Services I worked in BARC's workshops in Warminster and Quakertown. This point of my internship was very demanding, challenging and rewarding. I worked among individuals whose disabilities varied in many ways. Some were more difficult than others were, but to comprehend and appreciate this type of work was a great accomplishment for me.
The Employment Services also provides a JOBS program, Joint Opportunities for Business and Society. The JOBS program develops employment for individuals with disabilities in the community. Once a job is found a placement is made. The JOBS program then provides a job coach to assist the individuals. The coach supports the individuals with their new job until they are comfortable to work on their own. JOBS is a great program and a super experience. Everything from job developing to job coaching was so much fun for me. While searching for prospective jobs for consumers, I ended up at some of the neatest places. We went to llama farms, candle and cookie cutter factories, shopping malls, restaurants, and the list goes on. I had the privilege of job coaching an individual at a Wawa food markets. Her job was to make coffee and to keep the condiments area clean and stocked. She learned quickly and did a wonderful job. I had a terrific time coaching her and also learned a lot from the exciting encounter.
After my time with the Employment Services, I worked in the Residential department. It was very interesting to see the consumers' homes within the community. I experienced life with the individuals outside of the work environment. I spent some time with one of the individuals at her home and got to know her on a personal level. I enjoyed this department very much and had an excellent time. I went for doctor's visits, grocery shopping, and out for coffee with individuals. The Residential department showed me a different perspective from the other departments at BARC, and it proved to be a great learning experience. I have really benefited from my diverse encounters at BARC I have learned so much, more than I ever thought I would. I will always look back very fondly on an organization that does such wonderful things for so many people.
Now that I am finished, I would like to say Thank You to each and every person who has helped and encouraged me throughout this time. There have been many wonderful aspects about this agency, and the one I will remember most is my experience and relationships with BARC's staff. Each department I worked in, Human Resources, Early Intervention, Employment Services at Warminster and Quakertown, the JOBS program, Quality Resources, Information Systems and the Residential department has been extremely helpful and enlightening. There are many wonderful things I could talk about; I learned something new each day. I will miss the individuals we support, and all the staff at BARC, and I will miss working for an agency that holds such as meaningful purpose behind it. BARC was definitely a fun place to be and a great internship for me. Work can be fun when the people are as great as the ones I have come to know at BARC.
Jennifer Liverman, Penn State University, Internship 1/10/00-4/28/00
B.S. Human Development and Family Studies, May 13, 2000
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During the months of May through August, I had the opportunity to work as a teacher’s assistant in one of the early intervention classrooms at the Central Bucks location in Warminster. This enabled me to complete an internship requirement at Chestnut Hill College. During this time, I had the opportunity to participate in the daily activities of the children. Alice Reilly and Rosina Petrillo were very supportive and willing to share their expertise with me. Noreen Coleman’s door was always open to me, if I needed to call on her. I also spent a few weeks observing at the Croydon Center, where I felt welcomed as well. In addition, to the learning experience this provided, the time spent was also a re-warding and enjoyable experience. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Human Services in August and am looking forward to entering the human services field. Many thanks to BARC for the enriching time I spent with the " Little Dippers."
Linda Rooney
Linda was an intern with BARC's Early Intervention Program. She graduated from Chestnut Hill College with a BA in Human Services August 2000.
