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Harm Reduction Internship Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Harm Reduction Internship information

What is a harm reduction internship?

A Harm Reduction Internship is a position designed for students or early-career professionals to gain experience in programs and initiatives that aim to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use and other risky behaviors. Interns work alongside harm reduction organizations or public health agencies, assisting with outreach, education, and service delivery to affected communities. The internship typically involves learning about evidence-based strategies such as needle exchange, safer use education, and overdose prevention. It offers valuable hands-on experience for those interested in public health, social work, or community advocacy.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a harm reduction internship?

During a Harm Reduction Internship, you can expect to engage in a variety of projects such as community outreach, distributing educational materials, supporting syringe exchange programs, and assisting with data collection. Interns often collaborate with experienced harm reduction specialists, social workers, and public health professionals. You may also help organize events, create resource lists, and participate in training sessions to better understand harm reduction principles. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into public health strategies and client-centered care, while building skills relevant to advocacy and service delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a harm reduction intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Harm Reduction Intern, you need a foundational understanding of public health principles, substance use issues, and community outreach, usually supported by relevant coursework or volunteer experience. Familiarity with data collection tools, harm reduction supplies distribution, and basic case management systems is often required. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and nonjudgmental attitudes help interns build trust and effectively engage with diverse populations. These skills and qualities are important to ensure inclusive, compassionate support and the successful implementation of harm reduction strategies in community settings.

What is the difference between Harm Reduction Internship vs Harm Reduction Coordinator?

AspectHarm Reduction InternshipHarm Reduction Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of related field; no formal certification requiredRelevant certifications or experience often preferred; may require specialized training
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in community health or nonprofit organizationsFull-time role, overseeing programs in community or healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations to train and evaluate future professionalsUsed by organizations to manage and implement harm reduction programs

In summary, a Harm Reduction Internship provides entry-level experience and training, often for students or recent graduates, while a Harm Reduction Coordinator is a full-time professional responsible for managing harm reduction initiatives. Internships are ideal for gaining exposure, whereas coordinators lead program execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Harm Reduction jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Harm Reduction jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Harm Reduction Internship jobs in Minnesota?

For Harm Reduction Internship jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Harm Reduction Internship jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Harm Reduction Internship jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Harm Reduction Internship job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 69% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern (Minneapolis, MN)

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern (Minneapolis, MN)
People Incorporated Mental Health Services is seeking an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern to join our team. This position provides hands-on experience for students pursuing higher education in alcohol and drug counseling. This position will support harm reduction and recovery-based services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs. Under supervision, they will gain experience conducting comprehensive assessments, facilitating individual and group counseling sessions, providing psychoeducation, and supporting treatment planning and clinical documentation. They will also have the opportunity to work as part of an interdisciplinary team while developing skills in person-centered, low-barrier care approaches.
Schedule: Part-Time Monday-Friday during Business Hours (Schedule flexibility based on program and site need)
Location: Hybrid Rotating between Sites:
  • Huss Center for Recovery (2120 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
  • York Mental Health Clinic (317 York Ave, St, Paul 55130)
  • Northside Community Support Program (1309 Girard Ave, Minneapolis 55411)

Pay: Unpaid Internship
People Incorporated Mental Health Services is the largest nonprofit mental health provider in Minnesota. For over 50 years, we have been a leading community partner, transforming the health of our communities through innovative solutions.
Main Job Duties:
  • Participate in comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, treatment plan reviews, and discharge plans under supervision and according to established deadlines.
  • Assist with client intake, admission paperwork, and program orientation.
  • Coordinate services with other providers in the community to ensure clients have access to necessary resources.
  • Facilitate treatment coordination by recognizing client needs and facilitating access to available resources.
  • Provide group and individual counseling addressing various client needs and health issues.
  • Attend clinical care consults as scheduled.
  • Ensure daily tasks are completed in a timely manner.
  • Maintain regular attendance as an essential function of the position.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements
Required Education
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited Alcohol & Drug Counseling program.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Preference given to current People Incorporated employees in good standing.
  • Previous experience working with or knowledge of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, chemical dependency, developmental disabilities, and/or other health conditions that impact mental health.
  • Previous experience working with at risk and underserved communities.

People Incorporated is committed to improving the wellness of our clients, staff, and the communities that we serve by providing a tobacco-free environment.
People Incorporated is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
People Incorporated values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.