Summer 2027 Paid Internship - Nashville, TN

Location: Nashville, TN

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.

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