Internship/Volunteer

Why Work for Gandara:

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!

Job Title: Intern/Volunteer

Work Location: Various Locations

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply 

*EOE M/F/D/V

*Union/Non-Union

Job Summary:

As an intern in the field of mental health services, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and contribute to the well-being of individuals and families. This internship will provide exposure to various areas, including in-home therapy, in-home behavior support, outpatient services, family support, and stabilization. The position requires a strong desire to assist individuals and families in need, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Duties and Responsibilities

In-Home Therapy:

• Deliver mental health services to individuals and families in their own homes.


• Conduct assessments and evaluations to develop treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each client.


• Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and support to clients and their families.


• Collaborate with other professionals involved in the client's care, such as social workers, psychiatrists, and case managers.


• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of client progress and treatment interventions.

In-Home Behavior Support:

• Implement behavior management strategies for individuals with challenging behaviors.


• Develop behavior support plans based on functional assessments.


• Teach individuals and families positive behavior management techniques.


• Collaborate with caregivers and other team members to implement consistent approaches across different settings.


• Monitor and document behavior data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Outpatient Services:

• Support mental health professionals in providing counseling and therapy to clients in an outpatient setting.


• Participate in intake assessments, treatment planning, and progress monitoring.


• Facilitate therapeutic groups or workshops as assigned.


• Assist with crisis intervention and safety planning for clients in need.


• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records and documentation.

Family Support & Stabilization Intern:

• Provide direct support to families facing various challenges, including parenting difficulties, communication issues, and conflict resolution.


• Assist families in accessing community resources and services.


• Conduct home visits to assess family dynamics and identify areas of improvement.


• Collaborate with other professionals involved in the family's care, such as social workers, educators, and community organizations.


• Assist with safety planning and risk assessment.


• Collaborate with community agencies and resources to ensure the provision of necessary services.


• Document interventions, crisis response, and progress accurately and promptly.

Note: The specific duties and qualifications may vary depending on the organization capacity in specific program. It is recommended to review the internship posting or reach out to the Director of Internship directly for detailed information.

Job Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program (e.g., psychology, social work, counseling, etc.) or recently graduated.


• Strong interest in mental health, social services, and working with diverse populations.


• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.


• Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude toward individuals and families in need.


• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Willingness to learn and take direction from supervisors.


• Basic computer skills and proficiency in documenting client interactions.


• Must have a driver’s license and availability of vehicle to support Program needs.


• Must meet agency standards regarding driving record and CORI checks.


• Bi-Lingual Spanish/English preferred.

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.