Description
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:
Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI) is a dynamic, community-focused non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, seniors, and families through comprehensive, whole person, innovative services. Our mission is to provide a haven in which everyone has the potential to grow, achieve dignity, and find purpose for a fulfilled life. As part of our strategic growth plan, we are expanding our behavioral health services to meet evolving community needs.
SUMMARY:
Volunteers of America Michigan is seeking a compassionate and motivated Behavioral Health Intern to support our Behavioral Health Services team. This is a paid internship designed for graduate students currently enrolled in a Master's-level program in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a closely related field. Under the direct supervision of a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), the intern will assist in delivering trauma-informed, person-centered behavioral health services to Veterans experiencing challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance use disorders, and housing instability.
This opportunity offers meaningful hands-on experience working with a historically underserved and resilient population, while supporting personal and professional development in the behavioral health field.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
โข Support the development and implementation of individualized, strength-based treatment plans aligned with client goals.
โข Assist in facilitating therapeutic group sessions on topics such as trauma recovery, reintegration, and recovery support.
โข Co-facilitate psychoeducational workshops focused on coping strategies, relapse prevention, wellness, and resilience.
โข Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and clinical consultations.
โข Assist in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies under direct supervision.
โข Advocate for client needs with sensitivity to cultural, social, and lived experiences, demonstrating cultural humility and professional boundaries.
โข Engage in ongoing professional development and training related to trauma-informed care, military culture, and evidence-based practices.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
โข Adhere to all VOAMI policies, procedures, and ethical standards
โข Complete assigned tasks efficiently to support program effectiveness
โข Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
โข Current enrollment in a Master's program in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related behavioral health discipline.
โข Foundational coursework in areas such as clinical assessment, trauma-informed care, substance use, and ethical practice preferred.
โข Demonstrated interest in serving Veteran populations and/or familiarity with military culture is highly desirable.
โข Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
โข Ability to engage compassionately with individuals affected by trauma, mental health disorders, and housing insecurity.
โข Lived experience in or connection to the military community is appreciated but not required.
โข Commitment to ethical practice and maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational standards.
โข Willingness to participate in crisis de-escalation, safety planning, and support techniques under appropriate clinical supervision.
DOCUMENTATION AND RECORD KEEPING:
โข Demonstrate proficiency in clinical documentation, electronic health records (EHR), related data systems and Microsoft Office.
โข Maintain accurate, confidential clinical documentation in accordance with organizational policies and HIPAA compliance standards.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
โข Strong communication, motivational interviewing, and active listening skills.
โข Ability to reflect empathy and cultural awareness in client interactions.
โข Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, active listening, and organizational skills
โข Time management skills to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
โข Ability to receive feedback and integrate supervision into practice.
โข Professional conduct, discretion, and ethical integrity in all settings.
SUPERVISION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
โข Interns will receive weekly individual clinical supervision from an LMSW.
โข Opportunities for group supervision and Veteran-focused training sessions may be provided.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical application in a behavioral health setting serving Veterans.
โข Build competencies in trauma-informed assessment, suicide prevention (e.g., SAFER model, ASIST), and Veteran-focused case management.
โข Expand knowledge of VA systems, Veteran-specific benefits, and community-based care strategies.
โข Enhance skills in clinical documentation, diagnostic formulation, and therapeutic communication.
SCHEDULE AND COMMITMENT:
Flexible scheduling is available to meet academic requirements.
โข Minimum time commitment: 6 hours per week for the duration of the internship term.
Additional Requirements:
โข Sound and accurate judgment with ability to support and explain reasoning for decisions. Include appropriate people in decision-making process; ensure timely decisions are made
โข Strong professional ethics which include approaching others in a tactful manner, reacting well under pressure; treating others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position
โข Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and driving record that meets insurability requirements
โข Have access to reliable transportation.
โข Flexibility to work occasional non-traditional hours or travel to other Michigan sites as needed.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of the internship. Reasonable accommodations will be made to support individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Primary work location is an office setting with frequent interaction with staff and members of the public.
Occasional exposure to emotionally charged or crisis situations.
Frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, and use of hands required.
Vision requirements include close and distance vision.
Occasionally may be required to lift up to 15 pounds
VOAMI is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.