PTSD Youth Research & Advocacy Intern 100% Remote

# PTSD Youth Research & Advocacy Internship

*Trauma-Informed Mental Health Initiative - Voice Up*

100% Remote 100% Flexible Schedule

Academic Credit, Volunteer, or Potential Stipend

## Position Overview

Voice Up seeks dedicated PTSD Youth Research & Advocacy Interns to contribute to our groundbreaking mental health initiative focused on understanding and addressing post-traumatic stress disorder among middle school, high school, and young adult populations. This 100% remote internship empowers advocates to research trauma-informed care, develop support resources, and create awareness campaigns that help youth, families, and educational institutions better understand and respond to PTSD in young people.

## About Our Mission

Post-traumatic stress disorder significantly impacts youth development, with studies showing that approximately 1 in 4 teenagers experience trauma by age 16, and 5% of adolescents meet criteria for PTSD during their lifetime. Our initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring that middle and high school students have access to trauma-informed support systems, evidence-based treatments, and family-centered care approaches.

## What You'll Do

### Research & Analysis

- Conduct literature reviews on PTSD prevalence among adolescents and young adults

- Analyze current treatment modalities including TF-CBT, EMDR, and family therapy approaches

- Research cultural factors affecting PTSD diagnosis and treatment in diverse populations

- Compile evidence-based resources for educators, families, and youth advocates

### Content Creation & Advocacy

- Develop educational materials explaining PTSD symptoms and treatment options for age-appropriate audiences

- Create family support guides with practical strategies for supporting youth with PTSD

- Design social media campaigns to reduce stigma around youth mental health

- Produce case studies highlighting successful trauma recovery stories

### Community Outreach

- Connect with school counselors, mental health professionals, and youth organizations

- Participate in virtual conferences and webinars on trauma-informed care

- Assist in developing partnerships with educational institutions and mental health providers

- Support the creation of trauma-informed school policies and procedures

### Program Development

- Help design training materials for educators on recognizing trauma symptoms in students

- Contribute to the development of peer support programs for youth affected by trauma

- Assist in creating assessment tools for identifying PTSD risk factors in school settings

- Support the evaluation of existing mental health programs in educational environments

## Who We're Looking For

### Essential Qualifications

- Current enrollment in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Education, or related field

- Strong research and analytical skills with attention to detail

- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

- Genuine passion for mental health advocacy and youth development

- Understanding of trauma-informed care principles

- Ability to handle sensitive mental health content with professionalism

### Preferred Experience

- Previous coursework in abnormal psychology, trauma studies, or adolescent development

- Experience with mental health awareness campaigns or advocacy work

- Familiarity with evidence-based treatments like TF-CBT or family therapy models

- Background in educational settings or youth programming

- Knowledge of cultural factors affecting mental health in diverse communities

### Personal Qualities

- **Empathy**: Deep understanding of trauma's impact on young people and families

- **Resilience**: Ability to engage with difficult content while maintaining self-care

- **Collaboration**: Works effectively with interdisciplinary teams and community partners

- **Cultural Sensitivity**: Respects diverse backgrounds and trauma experiences

- **Advocacy Spirit**: Committed to reducing stigma and improving mental health access

## What You'll Gain

### Professional Development

- Hands-on experience in trauma-informed mental health research and advocacy

- Understanding of evidence-based PTSD treatments and family support approaches

- Skills in educational outreach, community partnership development, and program evaluation

- Experience with grant writing, fundraising, and nonprofit program management

- Knowledge of mental health policy and systemic approaches to trauma care

### Academic & Career Benefits

- Direct application of psychological and social work theories to real-world challenges

- Mentorship from mental health professionals and experienced advocates

- Professional letter of recommendation from Voice Up founder

- Networking opportunities with trauma specialists, educators, and youth advocates

- Portfolio development with research publications and advocacy materials

### Personal Growth

- Deep understanding of trauma's impact on youth development and family systems

- Skills in crisis support, active listening, and trauma-informed communication

- Experience in self-care practices essential for mental health advocates

- Cultural competency in addressing mental health across diverse populations

## Time Commitment & Flexibility

**Duration**: 12-16 weeks (can be extended based on project needs and academic requirements)

**Time Commitment**: 10-15 hours per week

**Schedule**: 100% flexible - work around your class schedule, exams, and personal commitments

**Format**: Entirely remote with weekly virtual check-ins and optional group meetings

## Compensation Options

**Academic Credit**: Work with your institution's internship coordinator to earn course credit

**Volunteer Position**: Valuable experience with professional recommendation letter

**Stipend Potential**: Performance-based stipend available for exceptional contributions and extended commitments

## Application Requirements

### Required Materials

- Resume highlighting relevant coursework, volunteer work, or mental health-related experience

- Cover letter explaining your interest in youth PTSD advocacy and trauma-informed care

- Two professional or academic references

- Unofficial transcript showing relevant coursework

### Optional Enhancements

- Writing samples related to mental health, psychology, or advocacy work

- Examples of research projects, presentations, or community involvement

- Description of personal experiences that motivate your interest in trauma advocacy (only if comfortable sharing)

## How to Apply

**Application Deadline**: Rolling admissions - apply any time throughout the year

**Start Date**: Flexible based on your academic calendar and our program needs

Send all application materials to: ****

Subject Line: "PTSD Youth Advocacy Intern - [Your Name]"

**Questions?** Contact our internship coordinator at the same email address.

## Important Notes

### Trauma-Informed Approach

This internship involves engagement with sensitive mental health content. We provide comprehensive training in self-care practices, secondary trauma prevention, and appropriate professional boundaries. Regular supervision and support are integral parts of this program.

### Confidentiality & Ethics

All interns receive training in mental health confidentiality requirements, research ethics, and appropriate professional conduct when working with youth and family mental health information.

### Professional Development Support

We are committed to your professional growth and provide ongoing mentorship, skill-building workshops, and connections to mental health professionals in your area of interest.

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*Voice Up is committed to creating trauma-informed environments where all young people can heal, grow, and thrive. Join us in this critical work to ensure that no youth faces PTSD alone.*

**Voice Up Publishing Inc. Empowering Youth Through Purpose-Driven Action**