Behavioral Health Intern (Clinical, Direct Care & Professional Pathways)

Personalized Nursing LIGHT House (PNLH), a behavioral health provider with over 35 years of experience, is seeking interns interested in gaining hands-on experience in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders within an integrated, recovery-oriented care model.

PNLH provides a full continuum of care for adults, including withdrawal management, residential treatment, outpatient services, case management, peer support, and recovery housing. Our programs are designed to support long-term recovery through coordinated, client-centered services.

This opportunity is designed for students in the final stages of their degree program or recent graduates seeking experience aligned with their professional goals, including those pursuing clinical licensure (e.g., LMSW, LPC) or careers in nursing, healthcare, and human services. 

Candidates interested in transitioning into part-time or full-time roles with PNLH after completing their degree or credentialing requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interns may support clinical, medical, direct care, operational, administrative, and organizational functions under supervision, based on educational background, program requirements, and organizational needs. This internship does not replace licensed, certified, or independently functioning staff roles.

The LIGHT Model of Care

PNLH operates under the Personalized Nursing LIGHT Model, which guides all services and interactions:

• Love – Treat every individual with dignity and respect
• Intend – Act with purpose to improve client well-being
• Give – Provide care in a supportive, client-centered manner
• Help – Support overall well-being and recovery
• Teach – Empower clients with skills for long-term success

Interns are expected to demonstrate these principles in their daily work and interactions.

Responsibilities

• Participate in supervision, training, and interdisciplinary team meetings
• Observe and support individual and group clinical services under supervision
• Assist with treatment planning workflows and care coordination
• Support documentation, recordkeeping, and administrative tasks
• Assist with intake processes and program operations
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries
• Follow organizational policies, documentation standards, and workflows
• Adhere to safety protocols and respond appropriately based on training

Clinical & Medical Training Opportunities

Interns pursuing clinical or healthcare pathways may gain supervised exposure to:

• Individual and group therapy processes
• Interdisciplinary treatment team collaboration
• Behavioral health documentation standards
• Client interaction within structured treatment settings

Responsibilities will align with academic program requirements and licensure pathways.

Additional Exposure Opportunities

Interns may also gain experience in direct support and operational roles, including:

• Residential Aide
• Apartment Monitor
• Case Management / Care Coordination
• Driver and transportation support
• Intake and administrative operations

These roles provide hands-on experience and may serve as pathways to employment.

Specialized Skills & Projects

PNLH welcomes candidates who bring additional skills such as:

• Data analysis or reporting
• Process improvement or workflow systems
• Marketing, outreach, or event planning

Applicants are encouraged to share how their skills could contribute to PNLH programs or operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in, or near completion of, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program
• Fields may include counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, public health, healthcare administration, data/analytics, or related areas
• Completing or preparing to complete an internship, practicum, or field placement (if applicable)
• Interest in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or healthcare services
• Strong communication skills and basic computer proficiency
• Ability to work in a structured, team-based environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrollment in a program leading to clinical licensure or healthcare credentials
• Prior experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or human services
• Interest in trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care
• Strong organization and time management skills

Work Environment

This role operates in a behavioral health setting serving individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. Interns may be exposed to complex or high-stress situations and are expected to maintain professionalism, emotional regulation, and appropriate boundaries.

Compliance & Professional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies
• Follow all organizational procedures and documentation standards
• Maintain ethical conduct and professional boundaries
• Participate in required supervision and training

How to Apply

Please do not apply through Handshake. Applications must be submitted via email.

📧 communications@pnlh.org

Required Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Cover Letter Instructions

Your cover letter should be concise (approximately one page) and include:

• Your academic program and expected graduation date
• The type of internship or experience you are seeking
• Confirmation that you have reviewed the PNLH website and what stands out to you
• How your goals align with PNLH’s services
• Any relevant skills or areas you would like to contribute
• (Optional) A brief idea or proposal for how you could contribute to PNLH

Applicants who demonstrate clear understanding of PNLH and alignment with its mission will be prioritized.

Due to the volume of interest, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Additional Information

PNLH is an equal opportunity organization and considers all qualified applicants without regard to protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

Some internship opportunities may be unpaid and aligned with academic credit requirements.