INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Connect Intern

CompanySomerville-Cambridge Elder Services Incorporated
LocationSomerville
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 9, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will support the behavioral health team by assisting with client engagement, community resource coordination, and behavioral health outreach activities. They will also carry a caseload of older adults, providing therapeutic support and maintaining accurate documentation under supervision.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
116
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page

About The Company
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is a non-profit agency that provides information, services, and advocacy to help older adults live independently in the setting of their choice. Our mission is focused on helping people Age in Place, regardless of income level. We help thousands of older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities in our service communities, often working with them in their homes to assess needs and coordinate assistance. The following are some of our most popular programs: Aging Information Center-- Provides free advice and guidance for anyone facing challenges of aging, caregiving and disability. Our elder care advisors connect people with a wide range of services, at the agency and in the community. Meals on Wheels: Delivers meals to Cambridge and Somerville age 60 and over. Voluntary donation requested. Home Care: Provides case management and services to Cambridge and Somerville residents age 60 and over who need assistance to live independently and safely. Common services such as meal prep, transportation, and personal care. Case management is free. Other services are state-subsidized, with copayments on a sliding fee scale based on income. Adult Family Care: Helps adults receive care from friends and family, by providing training, compensation, and ongoing support for live-in caregivers. Free for MassHealth-eligible adults who cannot live alone due to a medical diagnosis. Serves much of the Greater Boston Area. Adult Protective Services: Helps eliminate or alleviate abuse or neglect of adults age 60 and over. Services are accessed by calling the State Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 and local caseworkers follow up.
About the Role

Description


JOB DESCRIPTION


The Connect Intern will support the behavioral health team by assisting with client engagement, community resource coordination, behavioral health outreach activities, administrative projects, and educational programming. This internship provides students or recent graduates with hands-on exposure to social work, psychology, behavioral health supports, services for older adults, and community-based care.

Under the supervision of a licensed Social Worker and after completing the required training and onboarding, the intern will carry a caseload of older adults requesting behavioral health support. In addition to utilizing therapeutic practices, the intern will participate in resource development, program coordination, and documentation practices while adhering to all agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards.

This unpaid internship offers an opportunity to learn about integrated care services, behavioral health outreach, community resource networks, and person-centered approaches to supporting older adults and other vulnerable populations.


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

  • Work directly with older adults who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioral health challenges:
  • Assess their needs
  • Support stabilization
  • Link with short and long-term services
  • Provide psychotherapy


  • Access crisis intervention services as needed
  • Become knowledgeable of local resources and programs, both mental health-related and otherwise and make referrals as needed
  • Assist Clinical Services staff with outreach and engagement activities for clients and community partners.
  • Research and compile information regarding community resources, behavioral health programs, housing services, and other support services available to clients.
  • Help develop educational materials, flyers, presentations, and resource guides for clients and caregivers
  • Participate in team meetings, case consultations, staff trainings, and professional development opportunities
  • Support quality improvement and special projects within the Clinical Integration Department
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assigned internship activities.
  • Adhere to HIPAA regulations and agency confidentiality standards at all times.
  • Perform other duties and learning assignments as directed by the supervisor.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND CONDUCT

Collaborative and Responsive

  • Demonstrates a willingness to learn and work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community partners.
  • Responds professionally to feedback and supervision.
  • Maintains organization and effectively manages assigned projects and deadlines.

Communication

  • Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Communicates respectfully with diverse populations and professional stakeholders.
  • Maintains professionalism in all interactions.

Analytical

  • Demonstrates curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Assists with gathering and analyzing information to support programs and services.
  • Attendance and Punctuality
  • Maintains a reliable internship schedule.
  • Attends required meetings, training sessions, and supervision meetings.
  • Notifies supervisor promptly regarding absences or scheduling concerns.
  • Commitment
  • Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect.
  • Supports the agency's mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community service.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Current enrollment in or recent completion of a Bachelor's, Master's or PsyD degree program in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Public Health, Counseling, Gerontology, or a related field.
  • Interest in behavioral health, social services, aging services, or community-based care.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook preferred.
  • Experience with data entry, research, or community engagement activities preferred.
  • Fluency in a second language is a plus.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

  • Physical surroundings are comfortable with minimal exposure to injury or hazards.
  • Work may be performed in an office, community setting, or hybrid environment depending on program needs.

SOCIAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

  • Occasional stress due to periodic workload demands, project deadlines, and competing priorities.
  • Regular interaction with clients, staff, caregivers, and community partners.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

  • Frequently sits, stands, walks, bends, reaches, and stoops throughout the day.
  • Frequently uses a computer, telephone, and other office equipment.
  • Occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls materials weighing up to 20 lbs.
  • Periodic eye strain associated with computer work.

Note: This is an unpaid educational internship intended to provide practical experience and professional development opportunities. Academic credit may be available through participating educational institutions, subject to school requirements and approval.

Reasonable accommodation may be considered for qualified individuals consistent with applicable law.


Key Skills
Behavioral healthSocial workCase managementCommunity outreachClient engagementResource coordinationPsychotherapyCrisis interventionDocumentationHIPAA complianceCritical thinkingProblem-solvingMicrosoft OfficeData entryInterpersonal skillsEducational programming
Categories
Social ServicesHealthcareAdministrative