Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital is seeking a detail-oriented student intern to join our Patient Benefits department. This internship offers a deep dive into the intersection of healthcare, social work, and law. You will work alongside our benefits and social work teams to navigate the complexities of patient advocacy, gaining rare exposure to the legal and financial structures that support patient care in a clinical setting.Please Note: This position is 40-hours per week, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.  The days off will be Saturday and Sunday.Key Responsibilities

• Social Work Collaboration: Partner with patient benefit staff to support the Social Work department in coordinating essential patient services and transitions.
• Legal & Advocacy Exposure: Gain firsthand insight into specialized legal areas, including Guardianship, Legal Status, and Representative Payeeship.
• Application Support: Assist staff and patients with the completion and submission of critical benefit applications.
• System Navigation: Help patients and families understand the requirements for various state and federal assistance programs.
• Reference Project: Lead the development of a Patient Reference Guide, creating a clear, user-friendly tool to help patients navigate the benefits system successfully.

Learning Objectives & Requirements

• Educational Alignment: Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or a related field.
• Systems Thinking: Ability to learn and explain complex bureaucratic processes to diverse audiences.
• Confidentiality: Strict adherence to HIPAA and facility protocols regarding sensitive legal and financial records.
• Communication: Strong writing skills, specifically for creating the Reference Guide and filling out official documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Period of Service:

May 26, 2026 through September 04, 2026

Additional Information:

Benefits are unavailable with the exception of sick leave accruals.

All employees will be paid on a biweekly basis and must have direct deposit.

The salary for this position is $28.00 an hour.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH):
Located on over 20 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient, and culturally competent mental health services.  It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients.Learn more about WRCH: Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) | Mass.gov
DMH Mission Statement:The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines,
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Human Resources at (800) 510-4122, Option 4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

     Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have          taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The                Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19      and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.