Macro Intern_FASD in Watertown, Massachusetts at Institute for Health

Program/Department: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Services

Position Type: Intern Role, Unpaid 10-15 hours/week – Hybrid Position (remote and on-site)

Location: Watertown

Reports to: FASD Services Coordinator

The Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) is a statewide service, research, policy, program development, and capacity building agency. IHR designs its services based on an understanding of the impact of trauma. IHR’s CARF-accredited treatment programs provide holistic interventions for hard-to-reach and high-risk individuals and families. IHR’s mission, since our founding in 1989, has been to develop and support a comprehensive continuum of care for families, individuals, youth, and pregnant and parenting women affected by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, violence/trauma, mental health challenges, and other health issues, while advancing principles of health equity and social justice. Our work is focused on addressing and eradicating inequities in our health care, economic, and justice systems, especially as they disproportionately affect women and people of color. We are committed to providing services and creating communities that mitigate the effects of substance use, mental illness, and trauma.

MassFASD is a program of the Institute for Health and Recovery funded by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services through the MA Department of Public Health. We focus on increasing awareness and service enhancement for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). FASD is a brain-based lifelong disability that occurs due to prenatal alcohol exposure and causes a wide range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments. FASD is the most common preventable neurodevelopmental disorder, yet is chronically misunderstood, stigmatized, misdiagnosed, and underdiagnosed.

We provide training, technical assistance, and consultation to professionals, organizations, families, and individuals impacted by the disability. Additionally, we organize and facilitate an FASD Massachusetts Task Force comprised of state government, health, medical, and human services organizations. The Task Force focuses on professional education about FASD, increasing diagnostic capacity, and enhancing the development of appropriate services.

Role Description:

We are seeking a graduate student to assist with this crucial work. This intern will contribute to statewide efforts across Massachusetts to increase awareness, knowledge, service enhancement, and capacity building related to FASD. Key responsibilities include conducting targeted outreach to programs and organizations that serve individuals impacted by FASD (e.g. medical offices, state agencies, schools, and community-based organizations). This outreach will support the expansion of FASD training, consultation, technical assistance, task force membership, and broader community engagement. This intern will also support the FASD State Task Force through the development of materials, survey design and dissemination, stakeholder outreach, and collaboration on strategic planning efforts. Additionally, this intern will assist with social media-based community outreach by creating and sharing relevant content and engaging with community partners and prospective collaborators to increase visibility and program reach. Another aspect of this role will include social media centered community outreach, by creating relevant content, sharing/posting, and engaging with community partners and prospective partners for increased exposure. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on program needs and the intern’s interests and skills.

Please note: We are offering candidates a flexible opportunity. Hours offered are between 10-15 hours/week. The timeframe is a 2–3-month period beginning in May/June. This summer commitment can extend past the agreed-upon time, depending on the applicant's preference and our program's ongoing needs.

• Student enrolled in a graduate program for public health, social work, or a similar discipline of relevance
• Knowledge of behavioral health
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel
• Experience using Canva
• Strong ability to analyze and synthesize information from a variety of sources
• Must possess communication skills; verbal, written, and presentations (including development of Power Point presentations)
• Understanding of disabilities
• Ability to address trauma and sensitive topics

Competencies:

• Clear and effective communication
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in teams
• Self-motivated and independent
• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Commitment to ongoing development and learning
• Dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of this position include talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and using hands for activities such as grasping, handling, and reaching. These physical and mental demands are essential for the successful execution of job responsibilities. Reasonable accommodation will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

IHR seeks to create welcoming, inclusive and accessible environments for our staff and the people we serve. We welcome and celebrate the diverse social identities of our staff. We recognize the importance of having staff who reflect the identities of the diverse communities that we serve, and we make efforts to hire from within these communities. We are proud to offer an inclusive, recovery friendly, and supportive work environment, and we welcome, and value lived experience of recovery.