National Council Internships

Interns will work with the Public Policy and Marketing & Communications departments of the National Council, enjoying a unique learning experience. Interns gain substantive experience in state and federal policy on issues affecting adults and children with mental disabilities and organizations that provide community-based mental health and addictions treatment. Interns conduct varied research — e.g., legislative, social science, regulatory — and produce fact sheets and policy papers. Interns also gain experience in writing and developing web, social media, and marketing materials to support our public education program, Mental Health First Aid.

Recent intern projects include facts sheets and issue briefs on a wide array of topics, such as the continuity of health care benefits for justice-involved individuals with mental illness, impact of state budget cuts on the ability of providers to serve clients in their communities, mental health and substance use disorder preventative and diagnostic interventions in the primary care setting, and the impact of national healthcare reform legislation on mental health and addiction services.

Qualifications
Interns should have strong analytical, writing, research and computer skills, including the ability to effectively use the internet. Graduate students are preferred, but stellar undergraduates with a strong interest in mental health, healthcare, disability policy and/or public education are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation
Interns may work for academic credit or a stipend of $12/hour, up to $2,500/semester. Fall internships start in early September and end in mid-December. Both part and full-time positions are available.

How to Apply
A complete application includes the following:

• Cover Letter: Should express your specific interest in the mission and purpose of the National Council and the addiction and/or mental health advocacy field.
• Resume: Please include any relevant professional and academic experience.
• Writing Sample: Maximum 4 pgs double-spaced.

Please submit your application to:

Mohini Venkatesh, MPH
Director, Federal & State Policy
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
1701 K Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006
mohiniv@thenationalcouncil.org

Deadline to apply for fall 2010: August 4, 2010