Mental Health Program Intern

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Refugee Mental Health internship will provide individual(s) with an opportunity to gain experience in mental health screening procedures, data collection and tracking, and mental health referral protocols. The individual(s) will provide direct support to the Mental Health Program Coordinator in identifying clients in need of services and supporting clients accessing treatment. They will engage in program development and improvement to support mental and emotional wellbeing of refugee and immigrant families and individuals, and work to reduce stigma around mental health within these communities.

COMMITMENT: 5-6 months starting in January 2020, 15-20 hours per week

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Participate in weekly health program meeting and weekly supervision

•Assist clients in accessing mental health services, and gaining self-sufficiency in access to mental and emotional health resources

•Strengthen relationships with partner organizations and identify improved avenues for treatment

•Identify areas of growth and development for program and assist in program development goals

•Provide public transit orientations to clients (if applicable and while following safe COVID19 protocols)

•Offer relevant resources to support mental and emotional wellbeing in the context of mental health screening, referral and post-screening follow-up

•Provide psychoeducation to refugee individuals and families

•Other, as assigned and/or determined by Mental Health Program Coordinator

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The intern will gain professional experience in working with refugee mental health screening tools and administering these assessments to individuals and families, supporting in post-screening intervention, and helping with referrals to appropriate treatment

2. The intern will expand knowledge of mental health needs unique to refugee and immigrant communities, and ways to address these needs and reduce stigma around mental health with these communities.

3. The intern will deepen understanding of therapeutic interventions and modalities that are effective cross-culturally, and utilize this understanding to improve program function and design.

4. The intern will gain experience with different data tracking systems and record notes when supporting refugee and immigrant families and clients in achieving emotional wellness as a staple of self-sufficiency and growth.