Community Outreach and Harm Reduction Intern

Internship Opportunity: Community Outreach and Harm Reduction Intern Department: Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol Program Location: Franklin & Fulton Counties, PA Commitment: Flexible, Unpaid Internship (Ongoing)

About the Opportunity

Are you passionate about public health, substance use prevention, and harm reduction? Are you looking for hands-on experience in community outreach and public health programming? This internship offers an exciting opportunity to gain real-world experience while making a tangible impact in the community.

While this is an unpaid position, it provides valuable field experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to work alongside professionals in public health, prevention, and recovery services. It is ideal for students looking to apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings and build a strong resume in public health, behavioral health, and harm reduction fields.

Intern Responsibilities

Community Outreach and Resource Distribution

· Engage with local businesses, community organizations, hotels, motels, restaurants, and other establishments to offer Narkits, Narcan (Naloxone), and drug-checking strips as part of our harm reduction efforts.

· Assist in the distribution of harm reduction materials to businesses and community partners.

Event Planning and Public Engagement

· Help coordinate and staff tabling events at health fairs, community festivals, and outreach programs.

· Support the planning and execution of Recovery Month activities to promote awareness and support for individuals in recovery.

· Assist in organizing and tabling at DEA National Medication Take Back Days in the spring and fall to support medication disposal efforts.

· Participate in school outreach efforts in collaboration with community partners to expand harm reduction education.

Medication Safety and Prevention

· Conduct outreach with local daycare providers to offer medication lock boxes, Deterra (medication disposal bags), and Narcan to promote safe medication practices.

Flexible and Community-Based Work

· May be asked to attend community events outside of typical business hours to help increase engagement with the public.

· Collaborate with the Harm Reduction and Prevention teams to develop new strategies for community engagement.

Supervision

The intern will be directly supervised by a Prevention Specialist within the Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol Program. If only one intern is accepted at a time, this supervision will be provided individually. Depending on availability, the intern may also be paired with a mentor to enhance their learning experience.

Qualifications and Who Should Apply

Minimum Qualifications:

· Currently enrolled in or working toward a bachelor's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Community Health, Substance Use Prevention, Criminal Justice, or a related field.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills—comfortable engaging with diverse populations and community partners.

· Interest in harm reduction, substance use prevention, public health, and recovery support.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

· Willingness to engage in community outreach, distribute resources, and attend events.

Preferred but Not Required Qualifications:

· Experience in event planning, public speaking, or community engagement.

· Familiarity with harm reduction principles, overdose prevention, or behavioral health services.

· Flexible schedule, including occasional availability for evening or weekend events.

Background Checks & Clearances

This position requires the intern to complete the same background clearances as staff, including:

· Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

· Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check

· FBI Fingerprinting Clearance

Clearances may also be required by Franklin County as part of the standard county internship process.

Internship Application Process & Timeline

This internship is available year-round, with rolling admissions. The schedule is flexible to accommodate academic commitments and other responsibilities.

What This Internship Offers You

· Hands-on experience in public health, harm reduction, and community outreach.

· Direct networking opportunities with professionals in public health, behavioral health, and prevention sectors.

· Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by increasing access to harm reduction and prevention services.

· Real-world application of coursework in public health, substance use prevention, and community engagement.

· Flexibility—this internship is designed to accommodate academic schedules.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

· A resume outlining relevant coursework, experiences, and skills.

· A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the internship, relevant experience, and career goals.

Send applications and inquiries to: Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol Program ffda@franklincountypa.gov