Mental Health Association in DE

MHA is now accepting applications for our internship program. MHA is committed to providing highly informed, skilled, and professionally trained Certified Peer Recovery Specialists.

The Peer Internship Program helps prepare dedicated individuals to step into this role. As a Peer Intern, you are investing four months with a provider agency and receiving valuable professional experience, training, and networking opportunities. You will use your skills and training to help strengthen the organization you partner with and build a career path for yourself.

The program emphasizes both the professional and personal development of each intern. Interns participate in biweekly training sessions—held in person or via Zoom—covering essential topics such as documentation, confidentiality, ethics and boundaries, and self-care. Throughout the internship, you will work as a Peer Support Specialist within your host agency, gaining the 500 hours of hands-on experience required for certification. The peer internship is a full-time commitment, interns work 35 – 40 hours a week at the host agency. 

MHA will provide each Peer Intern with:

• 500 hours of work experience with a partnering agency
• A monthly stipend
• An opportunity and trainings to master skills and concepts that are needed to become an effective Peer Recovery Specialist
• Self-Care guidance and opportunities
• Strengths Based and Recovery oriented Supervision
• Peer Certification Training
• Information and Assistance on applying for the Certification Exam
• Career Planning

Who can Apply?

We work toward a diverse representation of Peer Interns. The program is available to anyone who meets our minimum requirements regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, and disability.

The minimum requirements for participation are as follows:

• Have personal (direct) lived experience with mental health and/or substance use disorder
• Successfully in recovery for at least 1 year
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a US Citizen or permanent resident
• Have a High School Diploma or GED
• Current or past experience working in peer support is not required. 

Basic computer literacy required.

This is a competitive process, applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

• Submitting the application
• Submitting a resume 
• Submitting a personal statement
• Initial screening with Peer Internship Program Coordinator
• Panel interview that includes other MHA staff and representatives from host agencies 
• Reference check 

If selected for the program a background check and drug screening are required.