Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Program Description

For each 15-week SAMHSA Internship Program session, interns will work 40 hours a week at SAMHSA headquarters in Rockville, MD under the guidance of a SAMHSA manager. SAMHSA will place each intern in a department whose function closely matches the student’s course of study. This allows interns to expand their knowledge and gain practical experience in their field of interest. Interns also will see how SAMHSA supports innovation and new perspectives. The SAMHSA Internship Program gives students the opportunity to move forward in their career while also contributing to the health of the Nation.

Stipend

Interns will be paid on the 15th and last day of each month.

• Undergraduate student stipend: $380
• Graduate student stipend: $480

Housing

SAMHSA provides shared housing for non-local interns who live more than 50 miles from SAMHSA headquarters. Non-local interns who find and pay for their own housing are reimbursed up to $600 each month for their housing costs.

Four or six interns share either a two- or three-bedroom apartment, respectively. Apartments are safe, clean, close to SAMHSA, and accessible to public transportation. Each apartment includes:

• Bedroom furniture: Two full size (double) mattresses, box springs, closet, two chests of drawers, two desks, two desk chairs, and two desk lamps.
• Living and dining area furniture: A loveseat, sofa, and/or lounge chair, end table, kitchen table/breakfast bar with chairs or stools.
• Fully equipped kitchen: A stove, refrigerator, plates, mugs, glasses, juice cups, serving platter and bowl, and four place settings of flatware.
• On-site washer and dryer.
• Utilities: Local phone service, heat, and air conditioning.

Travel

SAMHSA handles all travel arrangements and pays for roundtrip fares and baggage fees for non-local interns traveling from their home to their temporary housing by plane, bus, or train.

Selection process

A review panel selects applicants whose skills and course work are most aligned with SAMHSA’s current workforce requirements. All applicants are evaluated based on the strength of credentials, previous experience, and letters of recommendation. SAMHSA calls all applicants selected for a phone interview with a prospective SAMHSA manager. After the phone interviews are completed, SAMHSA calls the applicants to notify them of their selection for the upcoming internship session. Applicants who are not selected are notified by email.

Arrival at SAMHSA headquarters

SAMHSA interns work at SAMHSA headquarters, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857. On the first day, interns fill out paperwork for their ID badges, which must be worn on the premises at all times. They also must provide two documents showing proof of US citizenship. These include:

• Original birth certificate;
• Social security card;
• Passport; or
• Driver’s license.

Permanent residents need to provide a permanent resident card (I-151 or I-551).

A SAMHSA spokesperson conducts an orientation session where interns learn about SAMHSA’s mission, functions, roles, and responsibilities. This session also gives interns the opportunity to meet one another and begin building a network of personal and professional contacts.

After the orientation session ends, interns meet their manager and are escorted to their assigned department.

Expectations of interns

SAMHSA strives to maintain a pleasant, efficient, and professional work environment that fosters cooperation and understanding. SAMHSA’s workplace policies are designed to create an environment where all staff, including interns and members of the public, are treated respectfully and with consideration. All staff, including interns, are expected to work 40 hours a week, fulfill their assigned tasks, present a professional appearance at all times, and behave in a manner that will not discredit the agency or the US Department of Health and Human Services.

SAMHSA may request that an intern be removed from the program because of security reasons or intern misconduct.

Dress code

All interns are expected to maintain a clean and neat appearance. Business casual attire is preferred. This means that interns should not wear shorts, undershirts, or clothing that is too tight or revealing or has offensive messages or political statements. When in doubt about attire, interns should ask their manager.

Absences

Interns should contact their manger when they are unable to come into the office or if they need to leave early.

Last updated: 10/16/2012