Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is looking for one Mental Health Policy Intern under the general direction of the Forensic and Jail Diversion Services (FJDS) Director, or their designee, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. This position will provide support to the Forensic and Jail Diversion Services unit within the Adult, Crisis, and Forensic Mental Health Services (ACF) area. The FJDS unit oversees funding and operations of Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) and Local Behavioral Health Authorities (LBHAs) with current contracts for programs serving people in Texas who are, or are at risk of becoming, justice-involved.
This position will provide support for BHS with a focus on the Forensic and Jail Diversion Services FJDS unit within the Adult, Crisis, and Forensic Mental Health Services ACF area. This position will consult with FJDS staff on relevant policy research, develop internal policies and procedures for FJDS, effectively summarize complex internal policies and procedures, complete data analysis, and assist in developing responses to address FJDS inquiries as applicable.
This position is unpaid and temporary in nature. This position is not client-facing.
Learning Objectives
Increase knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to mental health and substance use disorders.
Increase knowledge of public administration and implementation techniques.
Increase knowledge of best practices related to substance use, mental health conditions, or both.
Utilize and improve project management skills within a state health and human services environment.
Utilize and improve professional research skills to obtain, synthesize, and present information.
Utilize professional writing skills in a state health and human services environment.
Internship Projects:
As applicable, completes work in response to internal and external inquiries and audits of program business processes and practices. This work involves collecting, examining, investigating, and reviewing internal records, reports, invoices, policies and procedures, and management practices to develop or improve program policies and procedures.
Participate in the review and development of internal procedures or processes to maximize FJDS output.
Participate in data entry and/or analysis to improve programmatic oversight and recommendations.
Deliverables:
Develop and implement at least one new procedure or process to improve FJDS operations.
Review, synthesize, and draft documentation related to external inquiries.
Complete other tasks as assigned.
Educational Requirements
Currently enrolled in, or graduated from, an undergraduate or graduate training program for policy, social work, counseling, public health, or a related human services field.
Initial Selection Criteria
Skills working with computer software and Excel spreadsheets;
Skills in professional written and verbal communications;
Ability to gather, synthesize, and analyze data and effectively communicate related information to quantify results;
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to be adaptive to changing work environments and requirements.
Internship Details
Estimated Duration: August to December
About 15-20 hours per week
Remote; must reside in Texas.
Interns must be able to complete the majority of working hours Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Selected interns will be offered a conditional offer. Final placement will require the completion of at least one professional reference check.