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Interpretive Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AOD Counselor

Shingle Springs, CA · On-site

$23 - $31/hr

Prepare comprehensive interpretive clinical summaries (as seen in KIPU). * Develop person-centered ... Registered as an AOD intern or a RADT-1 Intern * Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification Desired ...

AOD Counselor

Shingle Springs, CA · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Prepare comprehensive interpretive clinical summaries (as seen in KIPU). * Develop person-centered ... Registered as an AOD intern or a RADT-1 Intern * Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification Desired ...

AOD Counselor

Shingle Springs, CA · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Prepare comprehensive interpretive clinical summaries (as seen in KIPU). * Develop person-centered ... Registered as an AOD intern or a RADT-1 Intern * Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification Desired ...

Interpretive Intern information

What is the difference between Interpretive Intern vs Museum Educator?

AspectInterpretive InternMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a relevant degree (e.g., history, education, museum studies)Often requires a degree in education, museum studies, or related field; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting within museums, parks, or cultural institutionsFull-time or part-time roles in museums, cultural centers, or educational institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly for entry-level internship positions in museums and cultural organizationsUsed for professional staff responsible for educational programs and visitor engagement

While both roles involve engaging the public with cultural or historical content, an Interpretive Intern is typically an entry-level position aimed at gaining experience, whereas a Museum Educator is a more experienced professional responsible for developing and delivering educational programs.

What are some common challenges faced by interpretive interns during their work with visitors?

Interpretive Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting their communication style to suit diverse audiences, managing group dynamics during tours or educational programs, and balancing multiple tasks, such as preparing materials while engaging with visitors. Additionally, interns may need to quickly learn new subject matter and respond to unexpected questions or situations. Successful interns are proactive in seeking feedback and support from experienced staff, which helps them build confidence and improve their interpretive techniques.

What is an interpretive intern?

Interpretive Interns are individuals who work, often temporarily, at parks, museums, nature centers, or similar organizations to assist with educational and interpretive programs. Their main role is to help visitors understand and appreciate the natural, historical, or cultural resources of a site. They may lead tours, design educational materials, and support special events. These positions are usually part of a training program aimed at those seeking careers in environmental education, interpretation, or resource management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interpretive intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interpretive Intern, you need a background in environmental science, education, or related fields, along with strong research and public speaking abilities. Familiarity with interpretive planning tools, educational materials, and sometimes digital presentation software is often expected. Excellent communication, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage diverse audiences are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial for effectively conveying information, fostering public understanding, and creating memorable educational experiences at parks, museums, or nature centers.
What job categories do people searching Interpretive Intern jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Interpretive Intern jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Interpretive Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Interpretive Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Interpretive Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

AOD Counselor

First Steps Recovery

Shingle Springs, CA • On-site

$23 - $31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
AODC Counselors are responsible for coordinating and providing Individual counseling and clinical services, group sessions, individual sessions and intake assessment services to residents both at inpatient and outpatient levels of care if applicable. The AODC Counselor provides development of resident resources, vocational counseling, discharge/continuing care planning, and placement of residents if applicable. Counselors will work in collaboration with the treatment team to plan and coordinate the resident's progress through the continuum of care.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions:
  • Uphold and enforce First Steps Recovery standards, policies and procedures, resident rights, and professional code of ethics and conduct.
  • Ability to utilize agency comprehensive assessment tools in KIPU (Initial Treatment Plan, Discharge Planning, Initial Intake Assessment).
  • Identify and prioritize individual needs and problems of the patient.
  • Prepare comprehensive interpretive clinical summaries (as seen in KIPU).
  • Develop person-centered care plans, including prioritized problem lists, SNAP, resident-reported goals, measurable and achievable objectives, and interventions.
  • Provide individual and group counseling sessions utilizing Evidence Based Practices.
  • Document resident progress toward treatment plan goals and objectives in Golden Thread.
  • Prepare effective care level step-down Transition notes.
  • Develop strong discharge plans and summaries for assigned caseload.
  • Prepare clinical documentation accurately and within agency time frames, including completion and documentation of groups.
  • Intervene during crisis intervention situations.
  • Cooperate with health insurance clinical utilization reviews. Provide daily Progress Notes and detailed Clinical Notes to assist with UR's.
  • Participate in weekly Clinical Treatment team meetings with other team members as needed.
  • Participate in the agency's Orientation training, staff meetings, and in-service training.
  • Provide information to and Spouses/Family Members on the resident's behalf.
  • Provide appropriate treatment interventions relative to the specific needs of each resident.
  • Provide for discharge planning, contacting referring agency as needed.
  • Adhere to code of ethics, legal aspects of clinical practice, professional standards, duty to warn, abuse and neglect reporting policies and procedures, and exercise professionalism at all times.
  • Exercise awareness in cultural competency, resident satisfaction, quality of services, resident needs, and overall health and safety staff and residents.

Competencies:
  • Ability to perform duties as a counselor (12 Core Functions). Competencies: with respect to screening, assessment, individualized treatment planning, crisis intervention, group and individual counseling, referral, discharge summaries, clinical documentation, and professional ethics.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, utilization review, managed health care clinicians, medical and mental health professionals.
  • Ability to positively interact and develop rapport with residents and their families.

Education:
  • Preferred AA or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in the Human Services or Behavioral Health
  • Registered as an AOD intern or a RADT-1 Intern
  • Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification Desired. (CCAPP,CAADE,CADTP or Affiliate)

Experience:
  • 1-2 years experience in the field of addiction and mental health or equivalent human services work experience preferred.
  • Experience in co-occurring disorders treatment a plus

Computer Skills:
  • Computer Literacy in doc, spreadsheet, and email.
  • Proficiency in KIPU Systems Resident Management Software

Certificates & Licenses:
  • CPR/First AID
  • Drug and Alcohol Counseling Credential or Internship Required

Other Requirements:
  • Negative TB test results within past year
  • Medical Clearance to work within past year
  • Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequently: Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
  • Standing
  • Walking
  • Sitting
  • Transverse Stairs
  • Handling / Using Fingers

Occasionally: Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
  • Reach Outward
  • Reach Above Shoulder
  • Squat or Kneel
  • Bend or Twist

Other Physical Demands:
  • Ability to lift/carry 20-50 lbs, Ability to push/pull 20-50 lbs
  • Moderate frequency of computer keyboarding,
  • Moderate frequency of viewing a computer monitor
  • Daily cleaning including but not limited to: wiping, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing, washing dishes
  • Assisting in meal preparation, installing water containers for consumption, and shopping as necessary including pushing of carts and carrying grocery boxes/bags.
  • Conducting garbage disposal, recycling, and collection.
  • Occasional walks, hikes, and sports outings with residents for physical activities.
  • Frequent support of residents in gym environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed during day and night shifts primarily in residential detox facility. This includes work in facility office as well as the grounds of the entire facility including upstairs resident rooms, clinical office, and laundry room that are accessed via staircase, and outdoor grounds. Technicians periodically drive residents in company vehicles for intakes/discharges at other treatment facilities and transportation hubs, to doctor appointments, to outings and recovery meetings. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations.
BLOOD/FLUID EXPOSURE RISK:
Some job tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids and/or tissue. Staff must wear gloves and follow infectious control procedures when interacting with residents in conditions in which exposure is possible such as handling onsite urinary analysis, conducting first aid, and conducting search of resident's belonging and person. Staff may be exposed to infectious disease, needles, and illicit substances during searches.
Work Schedule:
As a non-exempt hourly employee, the employee shall work a designated schedule as assigned by management. Employee shall not work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week without prior authorization from management but if so, will earn overtime for any work performed in excess of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Employee must also follow company's policies regarding required meals and breaks.