Internship | M.S Healthcare Administration - Summer 2026

Opportunity Summary:

This Healthcare Administration Internship within the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC) provides graduate-level students with hands-on experience in behavioral health operations and intake processes. The intern will support the intake function for individuals seeking mental health and substance use treatment, while assessing current intake modalities (e.g., phone, Microsoft Forms, and email).

As part of a process improvement initiative, the intern will contribute to a LEAN-based analysis to evaluate workflows, identify redundancies, and develop recommendations to enhance efficiency and better manage intake volume.

The intern will also assist in compiling and analyzing data to support reporting needs, including referral, enrollment, and inquiry volume reports across multiple intake channels. This experience will provide exposure to healthcare operations, data-driven decision-making, and quality improvement in a clinical setting.

Time frame:

This internship will begin in June/July and last approximately 20 weeks. Students will work between 8-10 hours a week.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Master’s-level Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or related program
• Enrolled at a university or academic institution with an active affiliation agreement with Sheppard Pratt
• In good academic standing; must be willing to provide unofficial transcripts upon request
• Submission of a current resume in PDF format required
• Ability to meet healthcare onboarding requirements, including background screening and required compliance training (e.g., Welcome Day)
• Availability to complete internship hours as required by both Sheppard Pratt and the academic program
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated professionalism and ability to handle confidential information

Learning Model:

The supervisor will provide foundational training in outpatient mental health clinic (OMHC) operations, with a focus on intake processes and the revenue cycle. Instruction will incorporate LEAN principles to support process improvement, efficiency, and workflow optimization. The intern will receive guidance through a combination of structured onboarding, ongoing mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of intake operations across multi-site outpatient mental health programs, including workflows supporting individuals seeking mental health and substance use treatment
• Gain hands-on experience interacting with clients in an intake capacity, while building strong customer service and professional communication skills
• Develop proficiency in the use of healthcare technologies, including electronic health records (EHR), reporting tools, and intake management platforms
• Analyze intake processes across multiple modalities (e.g., phone, Microsoft Forms, email) to identify strengths, gaps, and areas of redundancy
• Apply LEAN principles to evaluate workflows and contribute to recommendations aimed at improving efficiency, reducing duplication, and optimizing intake volume management
• Assist in compiling and interpreting data for operational reports, including referral, enrollment, and inquiry volume tracking
• Strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills by contributing to process improvement initiatives within clinic operations
• Gain exposure to healthcare administration functions, including revenue cycle considerations and operational decision-making in an outpatient behavioral health setting

Tasks:

• Conduct intake assessments using DocuSign, supporting individuals seeking mental health and/or substance use treatment
• Develop and update DocuSign intake forms to improve usability and efficiency
• Manage and monitor Microsoft Forms and other intake channels used to capture patient inquiries
• Process incoming referrals, including Continuity of Care Documents (CCD), ensuring accurate and timely data entry
• Compile and analyze data related to referrals, enrollments, and intake volume to support operational reporting
• Evaluate current intake workflows using LEAN principles to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement
• Develop and present recommendations for workflow enhancements to streamline intake processes
• Support the design and implementation of a pilot intervention aimed at increasing referral conversion and intake efficiency

Application Window: Open ended