Internships plan to grow behavioral health workforce
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022; Silver City, NM: A new program aims to grow New Mexico’s behavioral health workforce by offering paid internships to serve rural and underserved communities.
The paid internship opportunity is offered by Grow our Behavioral Health Workforce (GrowBHW), a program of the Center for Health Innovation (CHI) which is one of New Mexico’s recognized public health institutes. The internships are funded by a four-year $1.4 million Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
CHI has been working for nearly a decade to boost New Mexican’s access to healthcare by using a “grow our own” model – nurturing local students’ interest in healthcare careers and offering educational opportunities to those pursuing certificates or degrees in health-related fields. Recently, CHI has focused on the nonprofit’s efforts in behavioral health care.
“The paid internships offer students in certificate and degree programs a chance to gain hands-on experience to enhance their professional competencies,” said Gena Trujillo, CHI Director of Workforce Programs.
“Our goal is to increase the number of students completing coursework and field placement requirements in integrated and interprofessional care settings,” Trujillo said.
Internship students are eligible to receive a $5,000 stipend upon completion of the on-the-job internship or practicum. The internship includes an orientation and training on integrated care and technology to enhance your field of study, and on-site supervision. Students must be enrolled, or applying to, an agency that is certified to provide the desired certification.
The internships are open to New Mexico individuals currently enrolled in a degree or certification programs for Peer Support Worker (CPSW), Family Peer Support Worker (CFPSW), Community Support Worker (CSW), Community Health Worker/Representative (CHW), Certified Wrap Around Facilitator (CWF), Wraparound Supervisor, Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA), Prevention Specialist Intern (CPS-I), Prevention Specialist (CPS), and Senior Prevention Specialist (S-CPS).
The individuals must be enrolled in institutions located in New Mexico.
“New Mexico is in high need of behavioral health professionals,” Trujillo explained why the state was selected for the internships funding.
There are 42 awards and internship applicants will be selected based on the quality of the application submitted. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The application is available at: bit.ly/3h1ovxT
For more information on the application process or eligibility call (575) 597-0024 or email BHWET@chi-phi.org or visit chi-phi.org/interns.
This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1.4 million with zero percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
