Therapist Internship * Unpaid*

Join a Mission. Build a Future. Save Lives.

At First Steps Recovery, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives daily. If you're driven by compassion, grounded in integrity, and thrive in a supportive, recovery-focused environment, you're exactly who we’re looking for.

When you join First Steps Recovery, you become part of a tight-knit, multidisciplinary team that values empathy, growth, and evidence-based care. Whether you’re working directly with clients or behind the scenes, every role here matters — and every day is an opportunity to make a difference.

Position Summary

Unpaid Therapist Internship

Therapists are responsible for coordinating and providing individual, group therapy and biopsychosocial assessment services to patients as well as group, individual and family counseling for patients within the facility.

The Therapist provides development of client resources, vocational counseling, discharge/continuing care planning, and placement of clients. The therapist works with the treatment team to plan and coordinate the client’s progress through the continuum of care.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Uphold and enforce First Steps Recovery standards, policies and procedures, client rights, and professional code of ethics and conduct.

Ability to utilize agency comprehensive assessment tools in KIPU (Biopsychosocial, Initial Treatment Plan, Individual Therapy Note, Transfer Note, Discharge Planning upon admission).

• Identify and prioritize individual needs and problems of the patient.
• Prepare comprehensive interpretive clinical summaries (as seen in KIPU).
• Develop person-centered care plans, including prioritized problem lists, SNAP, client-reported goals, measurable and achievable objectives, and interventions.
• Provide individual and group therapy sessions utilizing Evidence Based Practices.
• Document client progress toward treatment plan goals and objectives in SOAP progress notes.
• Prepare effective care level step-down Transition notes.
• Develop solid discharge plans and summaries for assigned caseload.
• Prepare clinical documentation accurately and within agency time frames.
• Intervene during crisis intervention situations.
• Cooperate with health insurance clinical utilization reviews by providing detailed Clinical Notes to assist with UR’s.
• Participate in weekly Clinical Treatment team meetings with other team members.
• Participate in the agency’s Orientation training, staff meetings, and in-service training.

Provide accurate assessment and referral when appropriate. Provide information to Probation Officers, Lawyers and Spouses/Family Members on the client’s behalf.

• Provide appropriate treatment interventions relative to the specific needs of each client.
• Provide for discharge planning, contacting referring agency as needed.

Adhere to code of ethics, legal aspects of clinical practice, professional standards, duty to warn, abuse and neglect reporting policies and procedures, and exercise professionalism at all times.

Exercise awareness in cultural competency, client satisfaction, quality of services, client needs, and overall health and safety staff and clients.

Requirements

Competencies:

Ability to perform duties as a therapist with respect to screening, assessment, individualized treatment planning, crisis intervention, group and individual counseling, referral, discharge summaries, clinical documentation, and professional ethics.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with subordinate staff, supervisors, managed health care clinicians, medical and mental health professionals.

Ability to positively interact and develop rapport with clients and their families.

Education

Candidate must have a Master’s Degree in counseling or psychology from an accredited graduate school, current state license and/or certification.

Experience

1-2 years experience in the field of addiction and mental health or equivalent human services work experience preferred.

Experience in co-occurring disorders treatment a plus

Computer Skills

• Computer Literacy in doc, spreadsheet, and email.
• Proficiency in KIPU Systems Client Management Software

Certificates & Licenses

CPR/First AID

Other Requirements

• Negative TB test results
• Medical Clearance to work
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening

Physical Demands

• Frequently: Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Transverse Stairs

Handling / Using Fingers

• Occasionally: Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
• Reach Outward
• Reach Above Shoulder
• Squat or Kneel
• Bend or Twist

Other Physical Demands

• Ability to lift/carry 20-50 lbs, Ability to push/pull 20-50 lbs
• Moderate frequency of computer keyboarding,

Moderate Frequency of Viewing a Computer Monitor

• Daily cleaning including but not limited to: wiping, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing, washing dishes
• Assisting in meal preparation, installing water containers for consumption, and shopping as necessary including pushing of carts and carrying grocery boxes/bags.
• Conducting garbage disposal, recycling, and collection.
• Occasional walks, hikes, and sports outings with clients for physical activities.
• Frequent support of clients in gym environment

Work Environment

Work is performed during day and night shifts primarily in residential detox facility. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations.

Blood/Fluid Exposure RISK

Some job tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids and/or tissue. Staff must wear gloves and follow infectious control procedures when interacting with clients in conditions in which exposure is possible such as handling onsite urinary analysis, conducting first aid, and conducting search of client’s belonging and person. Staff may be exposed to infectious disease, needles, and illicit substances during searches.

Work Schedule

As a non-exempt hourly employee, the employee shall work a designated schedule as assigned by management. Employee shall not work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week without prior authorization from management but if so, will earn overtime for any work performed in excess of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Employee must also follow company’s policies regarding required meals and breaks.