About the role#
This is a paid internship for graduate students during the Fall 2026 semester. You will work within community-based programs to support children and families. The schedule is flexible and non-traditional, as it depends on the availability of the families we serve.
What you'll do#
- Shadow counselors during home and community-based family sessions.
- Carry a reduced caseload and implement specific interventions.
- Facilitate individual, group, or family therapy sessions.
- Use evidence-based practices in your clinical work.
- Complete documentation in an electronic medical record system.
- Attend weekly meetings for individual, team, and clinical consultation.
- Provide transportation to various locations as needed.
What you'll need#
- You must be actively pursuing a Master’s degree in a social services discipline.
- Relevant fields include psychology, criminal justice, social work, drug and alcohol counseling, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
- You must have a current, valid driver’s license.
- You need to have an automobile available for work purposes and proof of auto insurance.
Location & details#
- This position is located in Columbia, Tennessee.
- The role is on-site.
- This is a paid internship.
About Youth Villages
Youth Villages is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. It provides mental and behavioral health services to children, families, and young adults. The organization operates from its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. With a staff between 1,001 and 5,000 employees, it focuses on areas including foster care, adoption, and crisis counseling.
How to get in at Youth Villages
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