Description Behavioral Outreach Intern Examples of Duties DUE TO A CHANGE IN THE CITY CHARTER, THIS BECAME UNCLASSIFIED.

Minimum Qualifications Must be a bona fide student in an educational institution of recognized standing

Supplemental Information Example of Duties An internship with the Cleveland Department of Public Health, Office of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (OMHAR) provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in community outreach, public health education, event coordination, and data tracking related to behavioral health awareness and harm reduction events.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data entry and maintain accurate records of community engagement encounters.
• Participate in CDPH health fairs and city-sponsored events to promote behavioral health awareness.
• Share information and distribute resources related to mental health, substance use awareness, and harm reduction practices.
• Help coordinate outreach activities and support the logistics of community events.
• Document outreach activities for reporting and program evaluation purposes.
• Support public education efforts by promoting community programs and available health services.
• Contribute to data-driven evaluations that measure community engagement impact.
• Help facilitate informal linkages to care services by connecting residents with information about available resources.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a college or university program preferred (Public Health, Social Work, Human Services, or related fields).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse community members.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating responsible judgment and initiative.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Must be available to work within prescribed hours or during flexible hours as determined by the program schedule.
• Strong commitment to public health advocacy, equity, and social justice.
• Familiarity with health equity principles and social determinants of health.
• Understanding of minority health issues and community engagement strategies.
• Clear and professional communication skills, especially when working with diverse populations.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage and track outreach data.
• Interest in public health, mental health promotion, substance use prevention, or community-based work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in or foundational knowledge of behavioral health topics, such as mental wellness, substance use awareness, and recovery supports.
• Previous experience in advocacy, peer education, or public awareness campaigns focused on behavioral health or related social issues.
• Understanding of community-based approaches to reducing stigma related to mental health or substance use.
• Familiarity with health equity principles, social determinants of health, and strategies for addressing health disparities.
• Understanding of minority health issues, including cultural considerations, barriers to care, and effective community engagement approaches.
• Clear and professional communication skills when interacting with diverse community members.
• Experience with outreach, education, or volunteer work in health fairs, campus health programs, or nonprofit settings.
• Familiarity with local or national behavioral health resources and public health campaigns.
• Knowledge of public health practices and community health promotion, especially as they relate to the initiatives within the Health Equity and Social Justice (HESJ) Division.
• Passion for empowering individuals and communities through access to information, tools, and support.

Duration and Schedule: This internship is part-time for three months to one year depending on the requirements of the academic program. For a typical academic year and summer internship placements, the typical schedule is 15-20 hours per week, with flexibility based on academic requirements These hours include the need for evening and weekend support dependent upon the program and project needs.

Benefits

• Gain valuable hands-on experience in community outreach and public health programming.
• Build skills in event coordination, data tracking, public health messaging, and community engagement.
• Network with professionals working in mental health, substance use prevention, and public health fields.
• Contribute to real-world public health initiatives impacting Cleveland communities.
• Receive supervision, mentorship, and guidance from experienced public health professionals.