Undergraduate Internships at JSSA

JSSA provides undergraduate students with internship opportunities across our agency.
APPLY HERE

JSSA offers valuable internship opportunities for undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on
experience in a human services non-profit environment. Many interns come to JSSA through
recommendations from former interns, community partners, local clergy, or academic advisors.

 

Location Requirement

JSSA serves the National Capital Region, including parts of Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. To be eligible for this internship, candidates must be able to live and work in this region and have the ability to commute to JSSA locations as required.

 

Internship Overview and Time Commitment

This internship is flexible and designed to fit part-time schedules during regular JSSA business hours. To
ensure a meaningful and immersive experience, students are encouraged to dedicate 12-16 hours per week.
This level of engagement allows interns to interact with multiple departments and gain a deeper understanding of being part of a human service non-profit organization.

Students who thrive in JSSA’s internship program are typically independent, willing to take initiative, and eager to engage with various members of the JSSA team. Those who are responsible, reliable, and comfortable working with minimal structure tend to have the most meaningful and enriching experiences.

 

Learning Opportunities

Interns work under the guidance of licensed mental health professionals or other trained staff. They participate in a variety of activities, which may include:

  • Critical Thinking and Evaluation: Entering data and preparing reports that support program
    development and service delivery.
  • Administrative Support: Assisting with the coordination of continuing education training for licensed
    mental health professionals. Interns are also invited to attend these trainings, which cover a range of
    clinical topics.
  • Curriculum Development: Collaborating with clinicians to create presentations for community
    education programs. Topics may include managing teenage anxiety, parenting skills, and more.
  • Hospice Orientation and Support: Participating in hospice training and, with support from the Volunteer
    Education Coordinator, potentially conducting patient visits.
  • Project Development: Contributing to ongoing or new projects across various departments by
    researching resources, offering insights, and learning from staff across different disciplines.
  • Summer Program Support: Assisting with organizing and facilitating summer programs and camps for
    children. Interns may assist with activities, logistics, and supervision, and have the opportunity to be
    considered for camp staff positions.
  • Personalized Learning Experience: Intern responsibilities are often tailored to individual interests and
    the needs of the organization.

 

Internship Logistics

Interns begin their experience with an orientation to JSSA and collaborate with their assigned supervisor to
create a personalized schedule. Interns are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from
agency sites.

Each intern receives one hour of dedicated supervision per week and has daily access to task instructors for
real-time support, guidance, and problem-solving. All required paperwork, including HIPAA and other
compliance documents, must be completed prior to beginning fieldwork.

 

Participating Universities

JSSA welcomes undergraduate interns from both local and out-of-state colleges and universities. While we’ve had interns from a wide range of schools—from those in the DC Metro area to institutions across the country—students from any accredited university are encouraged to apply.

JSSA has previously hosted students from universities including, but not limited to:

  • James Madison University
  • Penn State University
  • Tulane University
  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • University of Virginia
  • University of Miami
  • Tufts University

 

How to Apply

 

Have questions or want to connect with a former intern? Email Kiran Dixit, Director of Learning and Inclusion,
at kdixit@jssa.org.