Communications Intern

Objectives

Assists Public Affairs Director and Executive Director with communications‑related tasks as assigned. Works part‑time schedule with willingness to work evenings and other off‑hours as needed to fulfill job responsibilities. Serves in the unclassified civil service at the pleasure of the Board.

Job Standards

Currently pursuing a degree in communications, public administration, public relations, social work, or a closely related field, with a demonstrable interest in behavioral healthcare systems and programs. Must be enrolled and accepted into the college or university’s internship program and receive an internship assignment from the Board.

Essential Functions

Each intern is expected to perform each essential duty and responsibility and other assigned duties to job performance standards. Reasonable accommodations are made as needed to enable an otherwise qualified intern with an ADA disability to perform job duties, provided the accommodation does not create an undue hardship on the Delaware‑Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board.

Public Information and Communications

Works on assignments designated by the Public Affairs Director to execute the Board’s internal and external communications and advocacy plans. Actively promotes the mission, vision, and strategic initiatives of the Board to build awareness and understanding of substance‑abuse and mental‑health issues within the communities served, and to encourage participation in addressing these issues. Works with the Public Affairs Director to build and maintain coalitions with community partners. Under supervision, crafts and maintains a strong social‑media marketing presence, and manages and updates the Board’s website to remain informative and current regarding Board activities, substance‑abuse and mental‑health issues, and other relevant matters. Helps develop and distribute professional written materials, including the Board Annual Report.

Meetings and Events

Supports the Public Affairs Director and Executive Director at community events, resource fairs, and other public gatherings where the Board seeks to inform residents about the importance of and access to behavioral healthcare. After learning responsibilities and receiving approval from the Executive Director, may be assigned to work events, fairs, and other public gatherings as the sole Board representative.

General Duties Required of All Board Employees and Interns

• Maintains confidentiality of HIPAA and other confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures compliance with public records law and process.
• Performs job responsibilities in accordance with agency policy, procedure, protocol, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintains the highest level of integrity and professionalism in all aspects of job performance.
• Displays teamwork and cooperation when working with management and other coworkers.
• Works effectively and courteously with contract agency representatives, Board visitors, the general public, and other job contacts.
• Displays appropriate social and ethical behavior as a representative of the agency.
• Attends trainings and professional development activities to remain up‑to‑date on issues related to job duties and responsibilities.
• Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance, and works overtime as necessary and approved to meet workload demands.

Supplemental Information

Performs all other duties as assigned by the Public Affairs Director or Executive Director.

Confidential Information

Private protected health information of persons served by contract agencies is handled in accordance with HIPAA requirements. The intern is authorized to access and use protected health information only for the purpose of proper program operation and administration. Any other use of protected health information is prohibited. The intern is also prohibited from disclosing any protected health information to any outside party without written authorization from the privacy official and must participate in HIPAA training and acknowledge understanding of the HIPAA law.

Working Conditions

Normal office working conditions when working in the Board office. Exposure to conditions within contract agencies and to traffic and weather conditions when traveling and working on‑site.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the intern commonly talks, hears, and sits for extended periods of time when meeting with job contacts and performing other responsibilities. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision, with the ability to adjust focus to computer screens and written material for various periods of time. Frequently exhibits manual dexterity when working on a computer, maintaining records, and typing and word‑processing reports. Occasionally lifts and moves items up to 20 pounds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: Board’s Policy Manual for Volunteers and interns; Board operational and personnel policies and procedures; public relations; community social service resources.
• Ability to: develop and maintain effective working relationships with job contacts; maintain confidentiality of sensitive subject matter; exhibit sensitivity and understanding to mental health and addiction issues; exhibit flexibility in work schedule and job assignments; demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Skill in: writing in a clear and professional style; proficiency in various social media platforms, community collaboration building, and advocacy; use and application of computer software including design software such as Canva, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook); operation of general office equipment.