Health Research & Data Intern

New Brunswick Counseling Center is seeking a Health Research & Data Intern to support research, data review, and quality improvement activities related to substance use disorder treatment and Medication Assisted Treatment services.

The intern will assist with reviewing qualitative and quantitative information, researching best practices, interviewing clinical and medical staff, and preparing findings for leadership. This internship is intended to connect academic research with community-identified needs and support improvements in behavioral health and substance use disorder services.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn about the agency, the clients served, and current service needs related to substance use disorder treatment.
• Review research, literature, and data related to best practices in substance use disorder treatment and Medication Assisted Treatment.
• Collect and organize information to identify trends, themes, and possible service improvement opportunities.
• Interview medical, nursing, clinical, and leadership staff to better understand client needs and program workflows.
• Assist with developing recommendations based on research findings and staff feedback.
• Prepare a summary of findings for review by agency leadership.
• Present findings to leadership staff at the end of the internship period.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all agency policies and procedures.

Community Engagement Component

The intern will engage with employees who provide direct services to clients in the community, including nurses, physicians, counselors, supervisors, and leadership staff. The intern will meet with staff, gather feedback, learn about service needs, and present findings that may support improvements in care.

Learning Objectives

During the internship, the intern will:

• Practice project management and time management by completing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Develop organizational and analytical skills by reviewing data and summarizing key findings.
• Strengthen professional communication skills by interviewing staff and presenting information to leadership.
• Build critical thinking skills by connecting research and best practices to real agency needs.
• Gain exposure to behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment, and community-based care.

Required Qualifications

• Current student or eligible intern participating in an approved internship program.
• Interest in behavioral health, public health, social work, psychology, research, healthcare, or substance use disorder treatment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with staff.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and email.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in public health, social work, psychology, counseling, healthcare, research, or data analysis.
• Interest in opioid use disorder treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment, behavioral health, or community-based services.
• Experience reviewing articles, reports, data, or research materials.

Physical / Work Environment Requirements

• Office-based internship within a behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Must be able to sit, use a computer, review documents, and participate in meetings.
• No off-site work is required, unless approved by the supervisor and school.