Spring 2027 - Master's Level Paid Internship - Hickory, NC

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 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! Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Master's Level Intern: Shadows counselors in home- and community-based family sessions with Youth Villages staff Carries a reduced caseload and implements interventions Facilitates individual, group, and/or family therapy sessions Utilizes evidence-based practices Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development to help enhance clinical skills Accesses clinical trainings Provides transports to various locations as needed Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR) Performs other duties as assigned Additional Information: Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served. Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance. Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage. Qualifications: Actively pursuing a Master’s degree in a social services discipline (required) Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review) 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.