Behavioral Health Homes Internship - Biddeford & Portland

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

The Behavioral Health Home (BHH) Care Coordinator Internship at Alternative Wellness Services (AWS) provides students and emerging professionals with hands-on experience in behavioral health case management. Interns will receive training, supervision, and mentorship while assisting individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness.

Under guidance from AWS professionals, interns will support clients through resource navigation, crisis intervention, and advocacy, ensuring access to essential health, social, and community services. This role emphasizes skill development in communication, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Interns will engage directly with clients to observe and assist with needs assessments, individualized treatment planning, and care coordination. The internship provides exposure to a multidisciplinary team, community resources, and trauma-informed care practices.

This internship is strictly educational and designed to complement an academic program with practical experience. It is unpaid, temporary, and does not guarantee a paid position upon completion.

PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Client Work :

• Shadow and assist in carrying a small caseload of individuals receiving BHH services.
• Observe and participate in psychosocial assessments to identify client needs and strengths.
• Support the development of individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and evidence-based interventions.
• Assist with supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and care coordination under the guidance of licensed professionals.
• Learn to advocate for clients and connect them with appropriate services to meet their health, housing, employment, and social support needs.
• Practice goal setting and community resource referrals in collaboration with clients and supervisors.

Clinical Documentation and Assessment :

Professional Development and Supervision :

Resource Navigation and Community Engagement :

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

This internship offers a structured, educational experience in behavioral health case management, bridging academic learning with hands-on practice in a supportive environment.

Key Learning Opportunities :

SCHEDULE AND DURATION

Requirements : QUALIFICATIONS

Academic Requirement : Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.

Background Check Requirement : Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check, Child Protective Services (CPS) check, and verification against state and federal suspension and debarment lists.

Certifications : Current or provisional MHRT / C certification is required to engage in direct client work. Interns without certification may shadow client interactions under supervision.

Preferred Experience : Prior experience in case management, behavioral health, or social services is preferred but not required. This internship is designed as a learning opportunity.

Skills and Knowledge :