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Harm Reduction Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Harm Reduction Internship jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Harm Reduction Internship job openings:

Harm Reduction Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harm Reduction Internship job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Lion's PRIDE Program Intern

Strength in Peers

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

$6.0K/mo

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Strength In Peers' Lion's PRIDE (Peer Recovery Internship for Development & Empowerment) program is a structured, hands-on learning experience for individuals who want to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in Virginia. Interns complete 500 hours of supervised professional experience required to qualify for the certification exam. Through mentorship, real-world practice, and professional development, interns learn to engage peers with empathy, connect them to community resources, and model hope and resilience through lived experience.


Interns will rotate through Strength In Peers' peer-led recovery services, community resource centers, homeless medical respite house, jail-based support groups, and mobile harm reduction program to experience a variety of professional settings. Interns will also develop an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) where they will select trainings and experiences that align with their professional interests and goals, such as working in crisis services, supporting youth and families, or working with justice-involved populations.


At Strength In Peers, recovery grows in community—our “pride.” This program builds confidence, competence, and compassion on the path to becoming a CPRS and working in the helping professions.


Program Benefits

  • $6,000 stipend over the 6-month program period, disbursed biweekly.
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel to field sites from Strength In Peers’ office locations.
  • Free program supplies (yours to keep upon program completion).
  • Fully funded trainings aligned with your Individualized Learning Plan (no out-of-pocket costs).
  • 500 hours of hands-on field experience with individual and group supervision led by Certified PRS Supervisors.
  • CPRS exam preparation and application support (including paid application fee).
  • Career coaching, resume guidance, job search help, goal-setting, and networking opportunities during program duration.
  • Alumni support with quarterly check-ins for 12 months after graduation.


Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED received prior to program start date of 6/22/2026. GED program registration support is available from program staff upon request.  
  • Completion of 72-hour DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist training prior to program start date of 6/22/2026. Scholarships and registration support are available for those who have not yet enrolled in 72-hour PRS training.


IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, YOU CAN STILL APPLY. GED application support and 72-hour PRS training referral are available upon request. Scholarships are available for 72-hour PRS training if you have not yet registered for a class. Please reach out to Holly Hanks Wanta, Program Coordinator, at Holly@StrengthInPeers.org or 540-282-7404 with any questions or to begin the process.


Program Requirements

  • Lived/living experience in recovery from substance use, mental health, and/or trauma-related challenges, with at least one year sustained recovery.
  • Interest in pursuing a career that applies peer recovery principles.
  • Available to begin June 22, 2026, and commit to a 6-month program term (June-December 2026), for a minimum of 20 hours/week (Monday-Thursday, 9am-2pm).
  • Ability to travel to Strength In Peers sites and partner locations and participate in assigned activities.
  • Basic computer skills (email, word processing, data entry). 
  • You will need to complete a phone and/or in-person interview before being accepted into the Lion's PRIDE program. Participation in an interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Personal vehicle for transportation to and from Strength In Peers offices and partner field sites.
  • Personal, educational, and/or volunteer experience with peer support and/or behavioral health.


Questions about our program? Need more information about the requirements?
Contact Holly Hanks Wanta, Program Coordinator, at Holly@StrengthInPeers.org or 540-282-7404.