Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and motivated intern pursuing a master’s in social work or related graduate level behavioral health fields. Interns will gain hands-on experience working with diverse populations through shared case load case management and group facilitation, using evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help maintain a shared caseload (40-60 clients) for individualized addiction treatment care coordination by:
  • Collaborating with clients to complete biopsychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans
  • Collaborating with providers to ensure care coordination and provider adherence with individualized treatment plans
  • Providing referrals for Acute Treatment Services (ATS), Clinical Support Services (CSS) and Transitional Support Services (TSS)
  • Clinical documentation, reporting, and record keeping
• Provide intake and shared case management care coordination services using harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused modalities
• Facilitate 2–4 weekly therapeutic or recovery groups incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Group Theory, and Stages of Change
• Deliver both structured, evidence-based and process-oriented group sessions
• Ensure compliance with all confidentiality and documentation standards as per 42 CFR Part II, HIPAA, Department of Public Health (DPH), and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) policies
• Learn and apply laws and professional standards related to client confidentiality
• Engage in ongoing evaluation, assessment, and intervention strategies with individuals, groups and systems
• Participate in regular supervision and training to support skill development and preparation for future licensure

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain real-world experience using psychological theories and therapeutic frameworks including Harm Reduction, Stages of Change, Motivational Interviewing (MI) Group Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Narrative Therapy
• Learn a general understanding of the continuum of care for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
• Develop professional clinical language for documentation
• Learn best practices in ethical and legal standards for clinical work
• Strengthen ability to work effectively with diverse populations and within a multidisciplinary team
• Receive supervision aligned with educational and licensure requirements

Program Description:

PAATHS connects individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorder to services. Staff help navigate the admission process, secure transportation, and document the referral for future care coordination efforts. PAATHS also performs follow-up outreach to help clients progress maintain progression along the continuum of care. The program is located at the Finland Building in the South End.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a Master’s in Social Work Program or equivalent
• Must be enrolled in internship/field related coursework and have approval from the college/university to participate in the internship
• Strong interest in behavioral health, substance use disorder services and working with diverse populations.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn about utilizing a harm reduction framework. Candidate must be comfortable working in an environment with individuals who are currently using substances (prior experience not required, but candidate must be open to learning).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and engage in reflective practice.
• Commitment to engaging in anti-racism work to examine and address systemic racism
• This position requires direct client/patient contact and as a result of such direct contact, certain immunizations will be recommended and/or required prior to commencement of employment duties.
• A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for.
• Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification.
• The Boston Public Health Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are eligible to apply.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of anti-racism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.

Additional Information

• City of Boston residency is required; Allston, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mid-Dorchester, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West End, West Roxbury, Wharf district.
• A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for.
• Certain immunizations will be recommended and/or required prior to commencement of employment duties.
• Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may be Grant Funded.
• The Boston Public Health Commission is an EEO Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum requirements are eligible to apply.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may require Child Protective Service Background verification.
• The advertised shift and schedule are subject to change at the department's discretion.

Shift

Varies (30-33 hours per week)