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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Fall 2024 Internship (remote)

The Washington Center (TWC) Academic Internship Program
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Job Description 

Please apply through our portal here! 
 

Program Description 

This full-time and fully funded internship program gives you meaningful work experience and a unique opportunity to chart your career path. SAMHSA headquarters is located in Rockville, MD and employs a wide array of public health, behavioral and social science professionals.  

The SAMHSA Internship Program (SIP) introduces students to the important role SAMHSA plays in ensuring a productive life in the community for everyone. Interns gain practical experience through projects, special assignments, or research that supports federal, state, and community-based programs, policies, and best practices in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental illness. 

Students selected as SAMHSA interns will use their specific skills and knowledge while experiencing the value of their education. Interns will work under the guidance of a SAMHSA manager in one of the Offices and Centers that matches closely with their course of study and interests. 

The SAMHSA Internship Program is specifically designed to equip college students and recent graduates from underrepresented populations to succeed in the public health field. Students from these groups are encouraged to apply: 

  • Women
  • Veterans
  • LGBTQ+
  • First-generation students
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Asian and Pacific Islanders
  • Students of Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Tribal Colleges and Universities.

Eligibility  

  • Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (I-151 or I-551). Individuals on temporary visas are not eligible. Additionally, individuals must be authorized or eligible to work in the United States by law.
  • Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program (AA/AS, BA/BS, Masters, JD, MD, or Ph.D.) at an accredited higher education institution OR be a recent graduate within 18 months of graduation. Students pursuing only a credential or certificate program will be considered ineligible.
  • Have completed their freshman year of college before the internship begins.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be able to work full-time (40 hours per week) for the duration of the internship. 
  • Have a confirmed interest in working with SAMHSA.
  • Reside within the United States throughout the entire duration of the internship
  • Have completed the background check before the start of the internship.

* Preference given to upperclassmen and graduate students and/or those with relevant experience. 

Preferred majors/focuses of study (current master’s degree students or recent graduates of master’s programs preferred) include:  

  • Public health
  • Public administration
  • Behavioral and social sciences
  • Public policy
  • Social work
  • Business communications
  • Business administration
  • Information technology

Program Components 

During this full-time 10-week Summer and 15-week Fall and Spring program, you will intern five days per week. The SAMHSA Internship Program shows highly competent students how they can reduce the community impact of mental illness and substance abuse through a variety of fields: 

  • Substance abuse and mental health prevention and treatment
  • Federal, state, and local government policies and regulations
  • Health IT
  • Program administration, operations, and management
  • Research and data analysis
  • Communications and social marketing
  • Grant management

Program Benefits  

This is a fully-funded program sponsored by SAMHSA. Sponsorship covers the cost of the program, fully furnished housing near the internship site, and roundtrip travel to and from the internship site city. It also includes a stipend to help with other living expenses. In addition, various professional development sessions will be available to enhance students’ knowledge and marketability.  

Housing and Living 

Fully furnished housing near the internship site is provided by TWC for interns who are selected for on-site or hybrid positions. Housing accommodations can, and typically do, require shared-living arrangements with other interns. Every effort is made to arrange housing near essential amenities like grocery stores, public transit and medical facilities.

TWC housing is covered by a portion of the stipend. The cost is approximately $2,000. You can choose not to use the TWC provided housing. Instead, you may take the portion of the stipend reserved for housing and use that to acquire your own housing. 

SAMHSA interns are required to participate in a 1-2 day trip to SAMHSA headquarters, located in Rockville, MD, at the start of the internship. Travel for this trip is arranged and funded by TWC.

Academic Credit 

You may be eligible to receive academic credit for your participation in this program. However, credits are determined and awarded by each university. You are responsible for arranging any academic credit through your college or university. TWC is also willing to work with those who may have practicum or fieldwork requirements. You should discuss arrangements with your institution prior to starting the program and let TWC know the specific requirements of your university. 

Dates and Deadlines 

Fall 2024 (All Fall 2024 positions are virtual)

  • Applications Accepted: March 13, 2024  – May 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET (priority deadline April 24, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET)
  • Decision Notification: Mid July 2024 (applicants are notified when they are selected for interviews until all positions are filled or until mid July)
  • Program Dates: August 26, 2024 – December 6, 2024 (subject to change)

Questions? Email federal@twc.edu  

How to Apply - Official Portal 

Please follow the Application Instructions to ensure proper completion of the application. Proper completion is critical to your application being considered for review. 

Application Documents: 

You need to submit the following documents along with your application: 

  • Resume: Submit a max 2-page resume in PDF format reflecting relevant work experience, volunteerism, awards, leadership, extra-curricular activities, research, and academic experiences. Your resume must include your GPA and your current contact information including email address, home address and telephone number.
  • Transcript: Submit your most recent transcript. Both unofficial and official transcripts are accepted. Please ensure that your Social Security Number is crossed out on the submitted document.
  • Cover Letter: Submit a cover letter (one page maximum, single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, standard margins, PDF format) that addresses your specific interest in interning with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, along with what skills and experiences you have that make you a unique candidate. The statement should not reiterate your resume but can expand on your education, work experience, and/or other specific skills to promote your candidacy.
  • Proof of Citizenship: Proof of Citizenship includes either a scan of your U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or certificate of naturalization. Proof of permanent residency (I-151 or I-551) includes Permanent Resident Card (green card), form I-551 front and back, or foreign passport with I-551 stamp or MRIV.