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MHA helps people live their best life. MHA is a human service nonprofit provider of mental health and substance use recovery support services in Western Massachusetts. We serve people impacted by mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, substance use and homelessness. Voted Best Place To Work and Best Nonprofit 7 years in a row, MHA is a great place to begin a rewarding and meaningful career right out of college. Work in a supportive environment, gain real-world experience, and make a positive impact on your community.
Our Programs and Opportunities
***As of March of 2023, MHA will be offering a limited number of paid internships. The rate of pay varies depending on the type of internship. If a student is currently enrolled in a paid work-study program at their college, they must inform MHA.
We are looking for kind, caring and committed students who want to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve to join our internship program! MHA offers a variety of programs and opportunities for interns to gain real-life and hands-one experiences that will help them obtain the skills and experience needed after graduation.
MHA offers two different types of internships :
- Clinical-based internship
- Direct care internship
For all internships
The length of the internship will depend on the student's needs and the needs of MHA's program. The total hours per week will depend on the student and MHA program needs.
- Limited PAID internships available
- In addition to paid internships, at the end of the internship, students will have the opportunity to receive a letter of recommendation from MHA; internship credit, or a job offer.
- Multiple site locations in Western Massachusetts
- Flexibility to accommodate school schedule
Some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship for academic credit. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position.
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Clinical-Based
This internship is available to students who are majoring in either social work, human service, psychology, mental health counseling, or any other related field. Students working towards their undergraduate degrees can intern at our GRIT residential programs to achieve internship/clinical hour credit. To intern at our BestLife outpatient clinic students must be in their master's program.
Clinical-based interns will have the opportunity to work in one of MHA's specialized divisions:
GRIT-
Provides guidance and direction to young adult-adults residents who have a substance use and mental health diagnosis, while participating in the day-to-day operations of the program milieu supports the culture of recovery and are both trauma and gender-informed. This includes one of our programs that houses individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and have a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance-use.
BestLife Clinic-
Work in a community behavioral health setting, providing services to individuals, couples, and or families experiencing mental health and/or substance use need.
Clinical-based interns will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:
- Comprehensive assessment
- Documentation in clinical database-eHana
- Treatment planning
- Case management
- Scheduling
- Coordinating with external stakeholders
- Research and resource development
- Community engagement
- Participation in company initiatives
- Involvement in accreditation preparation
- CIA-Comprehensive Initiative Alliance
Minimum requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have reliable transportation
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Direct Care
Available to all students of all majors. The intern(s) will be providing direct support similar to a personal care assistant by working within one of MHA's uniquely designed residential group homes or day program. Intern(s) will have the opportunity to teach and support individuals how to maximize their independence, mobility, memory, and life management skills. The interns(s) will be providing a supportive and safe environment in a community residential setting that promotes and facilitates growth, independence and community engagement for people who have experienced a disability, substance-use problem, or mental health and/or cognitive issue.
Divisional programs for direct care interns:
- New Way Services- Acquired brain injury program and day program services (The Resource Center).
- Integration & Community Living (Developmental Disabilities)- Residential programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Recovery and Housing- Housing recovery program for individuals with a mental health and co-occurring substance-use diagnosis.
Direct Care interns will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:
- Support and care for individuals
- Provide advocacy
- Diversification initiatives
- Nutrition
- Support Community Integration
- Education in independently managing care
- Facilitating exercises to strengthen memory and mobility
Minimum requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have reliable transportation
Interested in interning with us?
Fill out the form below!
Voted "Best Place to Work" and "Best Non-Profit"
"My experience has been immensely rewarding. It has provided me with valuable insights into person-centered care, and the hands-on exposure with clients has deepened my understanding of the profound impact individualized care can have on people seeking guidance and support.” -Rahmia, intern at Baldwin Young Adult Program
Real Life. Real Support.