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:
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Assist with data entry and maintain accurate records of community engagement encounters.
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Participate in CDPH health fairs and city-sponsored events to promote behavioral health awareness.
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Share information and distribute resources related to mental health, substance use awareness, and harm reduction practices.
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Help coordinate outreach activities and support the logistics of community events.
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Document outreach activities for reporting and program evaluation purposes.
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Support public education efforts by promoting community programs and available health services.
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Contribute to data-driven evaluations that measure community engagement impact.
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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).
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse community members.
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Ability to work independently, demonstrating responsible judgment and initiative.
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Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
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Must be available to work within prescribed hours or during flexible hours as determined by the program schedule.
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Strong commitment to public health advocacy, equity, and social justice.
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Familiarity with health equity principles and social determinants of health.
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Understanding of minority health issues and community engagement strategies.
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Clear and professional communication skills, especially when working with diverse populations.
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Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage and track outreach data.
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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.
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Previous experience in advocacy, peer education, or public awareness campaigns focused on behavioral health or related social issues.
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Understanding of community-based approaches to reducing stigma related to mental health or substance use.
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Familiarity with health equity principles, social determinants of health, and strategies for addressing health disparities.
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Understanding of minority health issues, including cultural considerations, barriers to care, and effective community engagement approaches.
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Clear and professional communication skills when interacting with diverse community members.
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Experience with outreach, education, or volunteer work in health fairs, campus health programs, or nonprofit settings.
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Familiarity with local or national behavioral health resources and public health campaigns.
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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.
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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.
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Build skills in event coordination, data tracking, public health messaging, and community engagement.
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Network with professionals working in mental health, substance use prevention, and public health fields.
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Contribute to real-world public health initiatives impacting Cleveland communities.
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Receive supervision, mentorship, and guidance from experienced public health professionals.
