Intern, Federal Policy
Organizational Overview:
Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council) is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of nearly 3,500 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults, and families they serve. The National Council is a 501(c)(3) association that advocates for policies that ensure people who have mental health and substance use challenges have access to comprehensive, high-quality services. We also offer state-of-the-science education and practice improvement consulting and resources to ensure services are efficient and effective.
The National Council’s internship program brings together interns from various disciplines to professionally develop together under the auspices of the Business & Strategy Department while being tasked out to specific departments of the organization to integrate into project teams and complete various projects and initiatives.
Position Summary:
Job Level: Paid Intern/Temporary. Interns are paid (minimum wage in DC) per hour, for 20-25 hours per week.
Job Location: Virtual
Duration: Fall Internships typically start in early October and conclude at the end of December, with the option to extend until the end of April 2022 if both parties agree upon the extension.
Responsibilities:
The Federal Policy Intern will be a key member of the Policy Team and work directly with a Policy Associate/Manager to grow and support the National Council’s federal policy agenda. Examples of past intern projects and responsibilities include crafting one-pagers for legislators and advocates; writing blogs for the National Council’s policy newsletter, Capitol Connector; researching the impact of federal legislation on National Council members; tracking key national legislation; engaging with partners and other stakeholders in National Council coalitions.
Responsibilities include:
- Conduct research and analysis on public policy issues, legislation, and legislators
- Track legislation and closely monitor relevant events
- Contribute to the writing of the National Council’s policy e-newsletter
- Assist with the National Council’s Hill Day and annual conference activities as needed
- Research and writing on a variety of behavioral health care topics, including drafting and disseminating policy communications
- Quantitative and qualitative data entry and visualization
- Contribute to formatting, citation, and proofreading in Word and PowerPoints
- Attend staff engagement activities, including department meetings and all-staff meetings
- Participate in professional development opportunities organized for interns, such as virtual meetups with organizational leadership, journal club, peer networking, and other professional development opportunities
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
The National Council welcomes applicants with the following profiles:
- Undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of study by the start of the internship and have relevant education and work experience in a related field
- Individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree
- Graduate students or individuals who have recently completed their graduate education
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
To be eligible to apply, applicants must demonstrate strong analytical, writing, and research skills. Strong attention to detail is essential.
Interested individuals should have basic knowledge in at least one of the following areas:
- Mental illnesses and addictions
- Public policy
- Public health
- Integrated primary care and health care service delivery
- Local, state, and federal funding mechanisms
National Council is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
National Council uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security at 888-897-7781 or visitwww.dhs.gov/everify.