Non-clinical Suicide Prevention and Response (SPR) internship / fellowship

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join the HQDA G-1 DPRR Ready and Resilient Integration (R2I) Division which implements the Suicide Prevention and Response Program and Army Substance Abuse Program activities to establish Army-wide prevention, intervention, and postvention systems. The program includes a comprehensive approach to reducing instances of substance misuse and suicide through capabilities that create protective environments, promote connectedness, teach coping and problem-solving skills, and improve access to resources.

Why should I apply?

• Gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals
• Engage in activities and partnerships in several areas including, but not limited to:
• Developing logic models related to suicide prevention (primary), intervention (secondary), and crisis response (tertiary) efforts
• Conducting literature and report reviews
• Designing and developing evaluation frameworks (policies, programmatic, training, or initiatives)
• Evaluating and assessing outcomes for specified activities
• Identifying and collecting metrics or key performance indicators which can be utilized to support evaluation

About HQDA

The Army’s Suicide Prevention Program aligns policies, practices, and programs that promote positive behavioral changes, strengthen personal and collective bonds, and build readiness and resilience through collaborative partnerships and evidence-based programs that are replicable, scalable, and sustainable. Specific elements include stigma reduction efforts, help-seeking behaviors, and proactive activities (for example, financial literacy and skill building) before the point of crises, while supporting activities and services intended to improve the quality of life of Soldiers, Department of the Army, their Families, and installations. The Army’s Suicide Prevention Program improves the Army's readiness by developing and enhancing the Army’s Suicide Prevention Program policies, training, data collection and analysis, and strategic communications designed to prevent suicide and support those affected by suicide. In 2025 the Army began implementing Suicide Prevention and Response IRC transformation actions which include modernization of training, implementation of targeted strategies to utilize non-clinical counseling, and development of leadership focused tools.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Application Requirements

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

Application Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s): Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, or Related Field
• Age: Must be 18 years of age
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).