MPACT Community Advocate Intern

Job Details

Location:

YSS of Marshall County – Marshalltown, IA 50158

Position Type:
Internship Education Level: High School/GEDTravel Percentage:
None Job Shift: Any Job Category:
Internships

• Apply trauma-informed, participant-centered approaches in behavioral health crisis response.
• Assist with crisis intervention, de-escalation, and on-scene risk assessments.
• Connect individuals with appropriate community resources and support services.
• Collaborate effectively with law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and community partners.
• Complete accurate, ethical, and HIPAA-compliant documentation.
• Strengthen professional communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in real-world settings.

• Assist Community Advocates in responding safely to non-violent, non-criminal behavioral health calls.
• Support crisis intervention through trauma-informed de-escalation and participant engagement.
• Help connect participants with appropriate community resources and referral services.
• Complete accurate, timely, and HIPAA-compliant documentation under supervision.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with team members and community partners, including the Marshalltown Police Department, as appropriate.
• Adhere to the ACA Code of Ethics, HIPAA requirements, and YSS policies and procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and supervision to build professional knowledge and skills.
• Perform other internship-related duties as assigned.

Schedule is flexible to meet interns’ needs. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure the number of hours worked meets their academic requirements.

At least 15–20 hours must be completed each week, with at least two hours during the 8:00am–4:00pm shift.

Available shifts are Monday–Friday:

• Morning 8:00am–4:00pm
• Day 11:00am–7:00pm
• Overnight 6:00pm–2:00am

You’re ready to turn what you’ve learned in the classroom into meaningful, hands-on experience. You’re compassionate, dependable, and interested in behavioral health, counseling, psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field. You enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life, are open to feedback, and are eager to learn from experienced professionals while making a positive impact in your community.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a related field.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements and professional ethical standards.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in challenging situations.

• Interest in collaborative community response models involving behavioral health and public safety.
• Completion of coursework in crisis intervention, mental health, substance use, counseling, or human behavior.
• Previous volunteer or work experience in behavioral health, social services, healthcare, education, or community outreach.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Willingness to learn and apply trauma-informed, participant-centered practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Reliable, steady, and able to follow through independently.
• Rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values – Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.