Paid Recreation Therapy Internship - Summer 2026

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 May 26 to July 31, 2026. 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.

• Bachelor's level interns work alongside our residential team and leadership staff. The schedule is Monday to Friday from approximately 1pm to 9:30pm. (Schedules may vary slightly by campus.)

• Master's level interns work alongside our residential clinical staff. The schedule is Monday to Friday from approximately 8:30am to 5pm. (Schedules may vary slightly by campus.)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Residential Summer Intern:

• Provides a positive role model to residents by participating in all activities by demonstrating a healthy and wholesome approach to life and developing a sense of community

• Assists youth with the positive development and implementation of individual goals and objectives

• Attends cottage/courtyard planning meetings and treatment team meetings

• Assists in resolving conflicts with residents using problem solving techniques and role playing

• Gives residents immediate feedback on appropriate and inappropriate behavior

• Plans and leads recreational activities and participates or instructs youth in games

• Facilitates ongoing group evaluations throughout the day for planned groups, activities and responsibilities

• Works with other staff and residents to develop and implement life skills groups

• Maintains a safe program environment through appropriate responses

• Adheres to treatment model and Re-Ed philosophy

• Participates in weekly consultations with other interns and campus leadership

• Assists with treatment planning and facilitating individual, group, and family therapy under supervision from licensed clinical staff (Master's level interns only)

Qualifications:

Please refer to the requirements below to ensure that your education and experience meet the qualifications.

• Bachelor's Degree Applicants Must Be:

• Entering junior year of undergraduate program at minimum (required)

• Pursuing a degree in a qualifying social services major (preferred)

• Master's Degree Applicants Must Be:

• Pursuing a degree in a qualifying social services major (required)

• All Applicants Must:

• Provide their own housing and transportation in Memphis, TN or Nashville, TN (required)

• Commit to completing the 10-week, 40 hour per week internship (required)

• Have experience with at-risk youth (preferred)

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.