Mental Health Intern

Description We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team. Under the direction of the Mental Health Director, the Mental Health Intern will support a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, optimistic, nurturing, and determined while also supporting staff training, youth development and community research regarding Mental Health. The Mental Health Intern will collaborate with team leaders across the Association to help maximize opportunities for growth in this area of focus. Requirements Essential Functions: Promote awareness of mental health issues and services for program participants, parents/caregivers, and the public at large. Conduct community research on mental health trends and provider resources/availability. Lead social-emotional learning and mindfulness activities with youth attending summer camps across the Association of branches. Assist with team member trainings. Assist in the research and development of website and/or blog content related to mental health topics in areas such as: Trauma-responsive service delivery How to identify signs/indications that youth participants may need mental health and/or substance abuse services Suicide awareness and prevention De-Escalation Strategies Interventions for Challenging Behavior Other topics based on assessment of training needs Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Intern should be current student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, preferably one focused on mental health, psychology, and/or counseling. Passion for the YMCA mission. Relevant current coursework and/or prior internship experience preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and Zoom. Experience in working collaboratively with volunteers and staff. Strong writing, organizational, presentation and communication skills. Ability to take initiative and demonstrate out of the box thinking. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, volunteers, members, senior leaders, and the public. Understanding of and enthusiasm for the mission of the YMCA. Motivated while working in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work with integrity, discretion, and a professional approach. Must have reliable transportation, as there is some travel between branches within the Metro YMCA of the Oranges territory. Metro Y Internship Program Information: The 2026 Summer Internship Program runs from June to August. However, this schedule is flexible based on college schedules. Intern must be able to work week day hours as well as limited evenings and weekends. Metro YMCA of the Oranges is based in Livingston, New Jersey. This internship is a mix of remote and in-person assignments. Intern will have the option of working at various branch locations with the Association including , New Milford, Livingston, Hardyston, Newton, East Orange and Maplewood. This is not a paid internship. However, credit can be given when necessary and federal work-study students are welcome to apply. All interns will be given will be given the opportunity to use the skills they have learned throughout the session to put together an individual presentation and work on collaborative group projects. The presentation and group project topics will focus on ways to improve processes, products, designs, and programs.