Master's-Level Internship

High Plains Mental Health Center • Hays, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

High Plains Mental Health Center (HPMHC) offers an unpaid, in-person, part-time internship or practicum for master's-level students at any of its office locations in Hays, Norton, Phillipsburg, Colby, Goodland, or Osborne, Kansas. The internship provides exposure to outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, care coordination, community-based services, integrated behavioral health care, and rural community mental health. Interns work alongside experienced professionals, attend team meetings, participate in supervision, and develop clinical skills under close guidance. The opportunity is intended for students who are not currently employed by HPMHC, or current employees who do not wish to participate in the separate paid work-study or scholarship program. Candidates must submit a current resume and a letter of interest outlining their academic program, internship or practicum requirements, and career goals to the Recruiting Manager at [email protected] at least 60 days before the beginning of the semester. Selected candidates will be contacted about next steps and additional required documentation.

Requirements

• Be enrolled in an approved academic program and in good standing with the institution.
• Have satisfactorily progressed through required coursework and prerequisites.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental illness and functional impairment.
• Demonstrate competency with computers, technology, and standard office software.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record consistent with agency insurability requirements.
• Successfully complete applicable background checks.
• Successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen.
• Meet all TB testing and health screening requirements.
• Be physically capable of responding appropriately in crisis situations and maintaining personal safety.
• Submit a current resume and letter of interest outlining the academic program, internship or practicum requirements, and career goals at least 60 days before the beginning of the semester.

Responsibilities

• Shadow licensed therapists and behavioral health professionals in clinical settings.
• Observe and participate in individual, family, and group therapy services as appropriate.
• Gradually assume increased responsibility for providing psychotherapy and counseling services under direct supervision.
• Assist with care coordination and collaboration activities for assigned clients.
• Complete clinical and administrative documentation according to agency policies and professional standards.
• Attend staff meetings, case consultations, and supervisory sessions.
• Track practicum or internship hours and communicate with HPMHC and university supervisors.
• Complete required orientation, clinical training, and professional development activities.
• Develop skills in clinical documentation, ethics, crisis response, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based behavioral health practices.
• Gain exposure to multidisciplinary treatment teams and community mental health operations.

Benefits

• Individualized supervision and mentorship
• Hands-on clinical learning opportunities
• Exposure to a wide variety of behavioral health programs
• Training in crisis intervention and community mental health services
• Opportunities to build professional relationships and strengthen clinical skills
• Insight into career pathways within community behavioral health
• Experience serving diverse populations across rural Kansas

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern