Student Intern- Recovery High School

About the Opportunity Prevention Links is seeking a motivated, compassionate, and dedicated Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) intern to join our Recovery High School team in Roselle, NJ. This internship provides an opportunity for social work students to gain hands-on experience supporting adolescents navigating substance use recovery while pursuing their educational goals.

Interns will work alongside school staff to support students' recovery journeys, strengthen social-emotional skills, develop life skills, and connect students and families with appropriate community resources. Students will gain practical experience in individual recovery support, group facilitation, case management, curriculum development, documentation, family engagement, and community resource coordination.

Interns will also have opportunities to incorporate evidence-based interventions into recovery planning and contribute to programming designed to promote accountability, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and long-term recovery. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with young people, interested in substance use recovery, and committed to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and in their recovery.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support and Recovery Planning Provide individual recovery planning and support to students under appropriate supervision. Assist students in identifying recovery goals and developing strategies to maintain recovery. Support students experiencing social-emotional challenges and help connect them with appropriate services.

Integrate evidence-based interventions into student recovery plans, consistent with the intern's educational level, training, and scope of practice. Build positive, supportive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality. Group Facilitation and Curriculum Development Assist with facilitating weekly groups focused on recovery, psychoeducation, emotional regulation, and life skills.

Help develop a curriculum tailored to youth experiencing substance use challenges, low self-esteem, difficulties with emotional regulation, and challenges with accountability. Support the development of engaging, age-appropriate educational activities and recovery-focused learning materials. Assist with planning and implementing activities that promote healthy decision-making, personal responsibility, coping skills, and positive peer relationships.

Case Management and Family Engagement Identify community-based treatment, recovery, and support resources for students and their families. Maintain and update a resource guide of treatment providers, recovery services, and community supports. Assist Recovery High School staff with parent or caregiver interviews during student intake, as needed.

Collaborate with parents, school personnel, and other programs to help address student and family needs. Assist with referrals and resource coordination to support continuity of care. Documentation and Program Administration Maintain accurate student records and program documentation using the designated online data system.

Assist with documenting student progress, recovery goals, group participation, and other relevant information under staff supervision. Support the administration of student urine drug screenings (UDS) in accordance with program policies, procedures, and supervisory direction. Assist with coordinating end-of-day specimen pickups as assigned and consistent with established procedures.

Assist with scheduling and confirming monthly guest speakers. Support student lunch ordering and pickup when needed. Collaboration, Supervision, and School Activities Participate in weekly supervision with the designated supervisor to review student progress, discuss needs, and identify appropriate support strategies.

Collaborate with Recovery High School staff and the student support team. Attend assigned trainings, meetings, and professional development activities. Assist staff and students during social events, including one Saturday per month when needed. Support additional student services and program activities as assigned.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in an accredited BSW or MSW program and seeking an internship or field placement. For placements requiring clinical or social work supervision, the designated supervisor must hold an LSW or LCSW , consistent with the student's academic institution's field placement requirements. Demonstrated interest in adolescent development, behavioral health, social work, or substance use recovery.

Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries. Willingness to learn, receive supervision, and work collaboratively in a school-based environment. Compassionate, dependable, and committed to supporting adolescents through recovery and personal growth.

Learning Opportunities Through this internship, students will have opportunities to develop practical experience in: Adolescent behavioral health and development Substance use recovery and prevention Individual and group support Recovery planning and goal development Evidence-based interventions Case management and resource coordination Psychoeducation and curriculum development Emotional regulation and life skills programming Family engagement and community referrals Documentation and electronic record keeping Group facilitation and program development Professional collaboration, advocacy, and ethical practice Internship Schedule and Supervision This is an in-person field placement requiring two days per week , scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM, based on program needs and student placement requirements.

Interns will receive ongoing supervision and guidance from a designated supervisor. Weekly supervision will provide opportunities to discuss student needs, review progress, strengthen professional skills, and connect field experiences with academic learning objectives. Additional participation in one Saturday social event per month may be requested based on program needs.

Why Intern with Prevention Links? Join a team committed to helping young people build healthy, resilient futures. This internship offers meaningful opportunities to apply classroom learning, strengthen social work competencies, and contribute to a supportive school environment where adolescents can pursue education while working toward recovery.

Interested in making a difference in the lives of young people? Explore internship and career opportunities with Prevention Links: https://preventionlinks.org/get-involved/work-at-prevention-links/