Harm Reduction Intern

DPH Paid Internship Program, Fall 2026-Spring 2027

Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) 
Project Name: Harm Reduction Unit Internship 
Intern Title: Harm Reduction Intern 

Eligible Academic Level: Master’s 

Preferred Field(s) of Study: Public health or related fields/programs (MPH, MSW, MPP, MPA, etc.) 

• Semester: Fall & Spring 
• Total Hours: 288 
• Hours Per Week: Part Time (approx. 12 hours)  
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid 
• On Site Location: 250 Washington Street, Boston MA     

 
Position Overview:  

This graduate-level intern supports the BSAS Harm Reduction Unit with a core focus on expanding naloxone distribution through the Community Naloxone Program (CNP) and developing overdose and infectious disease (ID) prevention training content. The CNP aims to expand access to naloxone in Massachusetts (MA) by streamlining ordering of naloxone to a broad audience of provider groups. The intern completes the primary review of all applicants to the program and supports data management and record keeping for the program. Additionally, the Harm Reduction Intern will be responsible for developing a resource tool for the BSAS-licensed Prevention and Access to Care Network (PAC-Net). The PAC-Net focuses on ensuring that SUD treatment providers are aware of statewide ID prevention and treatment resources for their clients. The intern will also be responsible for research and drafting of an e-learning module for MA providers focused on a harm reduction topic. The intern will work with the BSAS Training and Practice Improvement Team to implement the module on the e-learning platform, TRAIN. Additional duties are outlined below. 

Responsibilities: 

• Complete primary review and processing of applications to the Community Naloxone Program. 
• Develop a resource tool for the BSAS-licensed Prevention and Access to Care Network (PAC-Net) 
• Research and support draft content of an e-learning module for MA providers focused on a harm reduction topic. 
• Gather and develop educational resources for harm reduction programs to learn more about and potentially expand services such as syringe services, drug checking, harm reduction vending machines, and more. 
• Collaborate with Epidemiologists to develop statewide overdose alert and emergency preparedness protocol. 
• Data collection and operational support for DPH naloxone distribution efforts. 
• Document and summarize key points and action items from program meetings and meetings with partners for team follow up. 
• Contribute to a review and update of the mass.gov webpage harm reduction information and resources. 
• Other tasks as assigned. 

Skills & Qualifications:  

• Interest in harm reduction, substance use disorder, and/or public health education. 
• Strong organizational and written communication skills. 
• Attention to detail, especially in data entry and management. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional setting. 
• Demonstrated commitment to health equity and elevating marginalized communities in public health work.  
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects at a time, checking in when support is needed. 
• Familiarity with data systems or software such as Excel, REDCap, or similar tools preferred.