MPACT Community Advocate Intern (56006)

YSS•Marshalltown, IA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

YSS is looking for an MPACT Community Advocate Intern! In this role, you'll assist experienced Community Advocates in partnership with the Marshalltown Police Department, responding to non-violent, non-criminal behavioral health calls. You'll help support individuals experiencing a crisis by fostering a safe, respectful environment, building rapport, assisting with crisis intervention, and connecting participants with community resources that promote long-term stability. Along the way, you'll gain hands-on experience in trauma-informed care, risk assessment, de-escalation, community collaboration, and behavioral health response while learning how multidisciplinary teams work together to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and criminal justice involvement. We offer flexible scheduling, a casual dress code, fun coworkers, and we can generally accommodate school credit requirements. As a YSS intern, you will gain resume-building experience, extend your professional network, and prepare yourself for the next step in your education/ career; maybe even a full-time role at YSS!

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a related field.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements and professional ethical standards.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in challenging situations.

Nice To Haves

Interest in collaborative community response models involving behavioral health and public safety.
Completion of coursework in crisis intervention, mental health, substance use, counseling, or human behavior.
Previous volunteer or work experience in behavioral health, social services, healthcare, education, or community outreach.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Willingness to learn and apply trauma-informed, participant-centered practices.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Reliable, steady, and able to follow through independently.
Rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.

Responsibilities

Assisting Community Advocates in responding safely to non-violent, non-criminal behavioral health calls.
Supporting crisis intervention through trauma-informed de-escalation and participant engagement.
Helping connect participants with appropriate community resources and referral services.
Completing accurate, timely, and HIPAA-compliant documentation under supervision.
Collaborating and communicating effectively with team members and community partners, including the Marshalltown Police Department, as appropriate.
Adhering to the ACA Code of Ethics, HIPAA requirements, and YSS policies and procedures.
Participating in team meetings, training, and supervision to build professional knowledge and skills.
Performing other internship-related duties as assigned.