Location: West Hempstead / Elmont, NY | Schedule: PT 12-20 hours/week| Status: Non-Exempt | Salary Range: Unpaid for Academic Credit

The Opportunity

Family and Children's Association (FCA) is seeking dedicated and compassionate interns for our Office of Mental Health (OMH) licensed community-based residential programs serving young adults. Our houses provide a supportive, rehabilitative environment tailored to young adults recovering from severe and persistent mental illness, focusing on their unique developmental milestones. This position offers a valuable opportunity to work directly with our multidisciplinary team and residents, gaining hands-on experience in youth-guided mental health systems, crisis de-escalation, and transitional life skill development.

Responsibilities

• Direct Resident Support: Assist young adult residents with daily living activities, including meal planning, medication management support, budgeting, and scheduling appointments.
• Skill Building: Facilitate or co-facilitate therapeutic and educational groups focused on transitional life skills, academic/career goals, wellness, coping strategies, and peer socialization.
• Service Planning: Shadow case managers and housing specialists to assist in developing and updating Individualized Action Plans (IAPs) tailored to young adult independence goals.
• Documentation: Learn and maintain accurate, confidential electronic health records (EHR) in compliance with OMH regulations and HIPAA standards.
• Crisis Management: Observe and assist staff with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques specific to the young adult demographic as needed.
• Community Integration: Accompany residents to community outings, job fairs, educational enrollments, recreational activities, and medical or psychiatric appointments.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills with a natural ability to connect with a younger demographic.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and patient confidentiality.
• Must be empathetic, reliable, and comfortable working with young adults experiencing severe mental health challenges.
• Satisfactory completion of standard background checks and clearances required by OMH regulations.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.

EDUCATION:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior volunteer, coursework, or lived experience working with youth, adolescents, or young adults in human services, mentorship, or mental health advocacy is preferred.