Counselor Intern (Unpaid)

Description Counselor Intern (Unpaid) — Residential Program

Commitment

Part-time volunteer internship; minimum 3–6 months commitment preferred; one Saturday per month required for family program.

Compensation

This is an unpaid volunteer internship; academic credit, supervision toward certification, letters of recommendation, and a written evaluation are available where applicable.

Role summary Serve as a frontline counseling intern in a small, faith-based residential program serving up to 12 women in recovery. Under supervision, you will deliver individual and group counseling, support treatment planning, and teach recovery-focused classes that integrate spiritual, emotional, and practical skill development in accordance with Good News Home program standards and New Jersey rehabilitation mandates.

• Key duties and responsibilities Complete initial intake assessments and maintain ongoing assessments and progress evaluations for assigned clients.
• Enter and update client data in NJSAMS and the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Facilitate group therapy and teach addiction-focused classes addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery.
• Schedule, document, and conduct individual counseling sessions in the EHR.
• Modify treatment plans based on observation and clinical supervision.
• Provide crisis intervention and appropriate short-term clinical support.
• Perform case-management tasks, including biosocial/legal coordination and referrals to community services.
• Read and integrate daily logs and shift notes into clinical interactions.
• Support clients’ development of life skills (e.g., personal budgeting, shopping) as part of rehabilitation work.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and supervision; submit certificates for training attendance.
• Participate in the monthly family program on one Saturday each month.
• Learning opportunities and non-monetary benefits Supervised, hands-on clinical experience toward CADC/MSW credentialing requirements.
• Experience with NJSAMS and EHR documentation practices used in New Jersey residential treatment.
• Mentorship from licensed clinicians and program leaders.
• Letter of recommendation and formal evaluation upon satisfactory completion; support for academic credit if requested.

Requirements

Currently pursuing or actively completing CADC credentialing or MSW program; documentation of enrollment required. Prior experience in residential, group-home, or addiction recovery settings strongly preferred. Understanding of addiction dynamics, co-occurring issues, and the role of spiritual practice in recovery. Strong assessment, documentation, and communication skills. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and trauma-informed practice. Self-motivated, punctual, and able to work both independently and as part of a small team. Background check and references required.