Mental Health America of Augusta - MHA-A Internship Program

The Community Education Director Internship program prepares Service members for roles focused on proactively promoting mental health and well-being with youth, veterans, the homeless, and individual community members. Interns will work on initiatives and programs that prevent mental health issues, reduce stigma, and support overall mental well-being. They will engage in community outreach, educational programs, and awareness campaigns. The intern will be able to develop skills in leading a non-profit organization and be prepared to maximize their skills for a role in the field after the internship.

Job Description: The Community Education Director Internship program prepares Service members for roles focused on proactively promoting mental health and well-being with youth, veterans, the homeless, and individual community members. Interns will work on initiatives and programs that prevent mental health issues, reduce stigma, and support overall mental well-being. They will engage in community outreach, educational programs, and awareness campaigns. The intern will be able to develop skills in leading a non-profit organization and be prepared to maximize their skills for a role in the field after the internship. Length of Training: The internship has the ability to run for 180 days (6 months), consisting of an agreed-upon 30 hours per week.Timeline:•Weeks 1-3: Orientation and introduction to the prevention-based mental health field.•Weeks 4-6: Understanding mental health risk factors and protective factors.•Weeks 7-9: Designing and implementing mental health awareness campaigns.•Weeks 10-12: Community outreach and engagement. (Working with Vets, Homeless, and Youth)•Weeks 13-15: Promoting mental health in the workplace.•Weeks 16-18: Evaluating and reporting on prevention programs.•Weeks 19-21: Foundational principles of running a non-profit business. (Financial Management, Board Management, Staff/Volunteer Management)•Weeks 22-24: Capstone and Development of Internship experience Training Modules and Topics:1.Orientation and Introduction to Prevention-Based Mental Health2.Mental Health Risk and Protective Factors3.Designing and Implementing Awareness Campaigns4.Community Outreach and Engagement5.Workplace Mental Health Promotion6.Evaluation and Reporting7.Non-Profit Management and LeadershipSpecific Learning Objectives:•Objective 1: Understand the importance of prevention in mental health.•Objective 2: Identify and analyze risk and protective factors.•Objective 3: Create effective awareness campaigns.•Objective 4: Develop community outreach strategies.•Objective 5: Implement workplace mental health programs.•Objective 6: Evaluate the impact of prevention initiatives.•Objective 7: Understand how to lead a non-profit organization. Type of Instructional Model:•Instruction manuals for theoretical modules.•Online instruction for select components.•Practical, hands-on experience in community and workplace settings.•Regular mentoring and supervision by experienced professionals.Instructor Qualification (mentorship and instruction):•Experienced professionals in the field of mental health prevention will provide guidance and mentorship.•Internship supervisor has a mental health coaching certificate, MBA, and over 15 years of experience leading and growing non-profit businesses. Assessments:•Regular progress reviews and feedback sessions will occur.•Evaluations will be based on project outcomes, community feedback, and program success.Training Outcomes:Upon successful completion of this Community Education based mental health internship program, Service members will gain:•Practical experience and skills in mental health prevention.•Knowledge and tools to design and implement awareness campaigns.•The ability to engage and educate communities and workplaces on mental health.•A foundation for further education or roles in mental health prevention.