Intern Client NavigatorAt — New Mexico Harm Reduction Collaborative

This unpaid internship is designed for students and professionals interested in community health, non-profit leadership, and substance use. Applications are accepted year-round, and internships may be seasonal or ongoing depending on the needs of the intern or their practicum requirements.

Tasks:

Each intern begins in the SSP which is the main client-facing portion of the drop in center. There they will build rapport with community members, learn basic navigation and referral skills, communicate harm reduction strategies and support counseling with people who use drugs. Once the basic SSP functions are mastered, the intern will move to assisting with our peer-based intensive case management program where they will assist clients in navigating housing, basic legal aid, peer support, and SUD/OUD recovery pathways, perinatal harm reduction, and any other stabalizing opportunities.

Training:

NMHRC provides a comprehensive training cycle for all four main programs.

State Certification: Interns are highly encouraged to complete the New Mexico Department of Health Harm Reduction Certification.
Professional Development: Additional curricula are available focusing on anti-stigma, pro-social, and person-centered services for people who use drugs.
Supervision: All interns must be supervised by staff at all times, whether in the building or at outreach sites.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to:
Articulate and apply the principles of harm reduction, participant self-determination, and non-judgmental care in a professional setting.
Demonstrate proficiency in essential harm reduction services, including syringe access, overdose response (naloxone distribution), and substance use education.
Gain experience in HCV and Syphilis peer navigation
Implement anti-stigma and person-centered service strategies when interacting with individuals who use drugs.
Understand the operational workflows of a non-profit organization, including community engagement and resource management.