Behavioral Health Intern

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Behavioral Health Intern

Milwaukee County Mental Health Clinic - Behavioral Health Services

Hourly Pay: $15.00

Closing Date: 2/16/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Job Summary: One part-time internship opportunity is available working at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Clinic (MCMHC), which is a community-based, outpatient clinic that provides psychotherapy services to youth and young adults with medication management as clinically indicated. In addition, it provides medication management and psychotherapy to youth and young adults engaged with Wraparound Milwaukee and/or youth Comprehensive Community Services (CCS). The clinic's multidisciplinary team consists of child psychiatry, a licensed psychologist, nurse prescribers, and a dedicated team of management and administrative leadership. It is strategically located in a community identified as historically underserved as a means of ensuring that quality behavioral health care services are afforded to all across Milwaukee County.

The Behavioral Health Intern will be responsible for assessment of client's treatment needs and providing outpatient therapeutic services to address identified issues. Duties also include ongoing assessment of risk of harm to self, depression, anxiety, or other behavioral health concerns. Ability to engage with parent(s) or caregivers of youth as clinically indicated is of paramount importance as is a passion and understanding of the needs of the community. A high level of clinical skills, independent decision making, ability to work under pressure, and comfort in a team environment is imperative. Those served by this clinic may be facing a range of behavioral health concerns, as well as potentially life changing, crisis situations, and as such the intern is required to be able to develop rapport, assess the client's individual mental health needs thoroughly, and as needed, in consultation with their supervisor and clinical team. In addition, the ability to provide treatment recommendations regarding crisis management, stabilizing in times of crisis and ability to connect individual and their significant others to community-based resources are a key part of this role's success.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assess and evaluate counseling needs, develop treatment plans and goals, perform treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, or other clinical issues as needed.

• Remain sensitive to understanding the complexities of cultural and language needs of the MCMHC clients and their families.
• Assess clients to determine fit for outpatient treatment and establish provisional diagnosis and initial treatment plan.
• Conduct individual, and/or family therapy, when clinically indicated, in accordance with state regulations and professional licensure law(s) in Wisconsin.
• Counsel clients regarding psychological or emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, child development, family challenges, grief, loss, etc.
• If necessary, provide crisis intervention services to clients to ensure risk levels are properly managed and, when appropriate, triage to a higher level of care.
• Maintain collateral contact with clients' referring physician/professional, teachers, parents, as well as any other pertinent treatment providers, to ensure optimum level of care.
• Maintain appropriate records and adhere to ethical practice.
• Participate in consultation or supervision in accordance with licensure law(s).
• Participate in the multidisciplinary team and seek opportunities to learn and develop clinical skills.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States, able to establish residency in Wisconsin within six (6) months.
• Possession of a valid Untied States Driver's License, able to be maintained throughout employment.
• Currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree program in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or in a closely related field. Recent graduates from a master's degree program are also eligible to apply.
• If enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree program, this position is limited to a student in need of a 2-3 semester placement.
• Availability to work 16-24 hours per week.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Able to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Excellent computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Willing and able to drive up to 5% of the time in this role.

NOTE: This position is unclassified and not subject to Civil Service Rules and Regulations. This original application is open to qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such residency during incumbency. During the application process please upload your updated resume and cover letter outlining experience.

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.