For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org
Program Overview:
Youth Villages offers paid internship opportunities for bachelor’s and master’s students across select residential and community-based programs. Placements are determined during the interview process based on availability, academic requirements, and your individual experience.
We collaborate with you and your academic program to design an internship that fits your practicum needs and class schedule to ensure you can obtain course credit. Additionally, internships can serve as a valuable opportunity to gain professional experience beyond an academic requirement. Internships are offered nationwide during the fall and spring semesters, with select locations in Tennessee over the summer semester.
Spots are limited and offers are extended on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. If you're seeking meaningful hands-on experience with a leading mental health agency, Youth Villages may be the right fit for you!
Position Overview:
The summer internship is a 10-week, full-time, paid position running from June 1, 2027 to August 6, 2027. The internship is a 40 hour per week position, and interns must commit to working the duration of the summer. Schedules will vary depending on residential treatment program assignment, training, and/or other events.
Interns serve as assistants to the treatment team for a specific group of youth who have been referred for a variety of behavioral and mental health needs. Initial training will be provided on child development, trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, and more before beginning work with our youth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Residential Summer Intern:
Qualifications:
Please refer to the requirements below to ensure that your education and experience meet the qualifications.
Each year, we receive 500+ applications for the summer internship program. We appreciate your patience as you wait for a response. Each candidate will be notified of their status by phone or email regardless of the decision.
Youth Villages Benefits
Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
Time off:
2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
Growth & development through continuous training
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
