Non-clinical Suicide Prevention and Response (SPR) internship ​/ fellowship

Overview

How To Apply
Click on the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code
Army-HQDA-DCS-G

Description
The Headquarters, Department of the Army Directorate of Prevention, Resilience, and Readiness (DPRR) is offering internships and fellowships for current or recently graduated students in Arlington, VA. Suicide or self-harm and substance misuse are the result of a complex interaction of environmental, psychological, physical, and social factors. A comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention is used for communities and organizations.

This educational internship is within the DPRR Suicide Prevention and Response Program.

As an ORISE participant, you will join the HQDA G-1 DPRR Ready and Resilient Integration (R2I) Division which implements the Suicide Prevention and Response Program and Army Substance Abuse Program activities to establish Army-wide prevention, intervention, and postvention systems. The program includes a comprehensive approach to reducing substance misuse and suicide through capabilities that create protective environments, promote connectedness, teach coping and problem-solving skills, and improve access to resources.

Education
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing logic models related to suicide prevention (primary), intervention (secondary), and crisis response (tertiary) efforts
• Conducting literature and report reviews
• Designing and developing evaluation framework (policies, programmatic, training, or initiatives)
• Evaluating and assessing outcomes for specified activities
• Identifying and collecting metrics or key performance indicators to support evaluation

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility of renewal for additional periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and participant availability.

The stipend range will be approximately $4,000 to $9,000 per month depending on level and full-time participation, determined by HQDA. Stipends are typically based on academic standing, discipline, experience, and location. Other benefits may include:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants may purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

The Army’s Suicide Prevention Program aligns policies, practices, and programs to promote positive behavioral changes, strengthen bonds, and build readiness and resilience through partnerships and evidence-based programs that are scalable and sustainable. Elements include stigma reduction, help-seeking behaviors, and proactive activities to improve quality of life for Soldiers, the Army, their Families, and installations. In 2025, the Army began modernization actions in Suicide Prevention and Response.

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage ORISE, does not create an employee relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD, or any other agency. Participants are affiliated with ORISE for appointment administration. Proof of health insurance is required.

The candidate will have or be pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in public health, psychology, sociology, or related field. U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged (or medically discharged for a service-connected disability) and who earned a bachelor’s degree within the last ten years are eligible.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Knowledge…