Paid Recreation Therapy Internship - Spring 2026

Youth Villages • GA

122d

About The Position

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services. This internship is specifically for students majoring in Recreation Therapy. Youth Villages’ Residential Treatment programs serve children with emotional and behavioral problems. Our residential campuses provide the setting for an intensive treatment program that combines the unique balance of structure and freedom. This enables children and their families to identify, understand and cope with their individual needs and develop the skills necessary to succeed in less restrictive settings. We have three different types of facilities—Intensive Residential Centers, Open Campuses, and Group Homes. Located in Tennessee and Georgia, all of these facilities utilize the Re-Education of Emotionally Disturbed Children therapy model (Re-Ed).

Requirements

• Must be pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in Therapeutic Recreation and have completed junior year.
• Experience working with children or adolescents.
• Ability to participate in all physical interventions including indoor/outdoor therapeutic activities (hiking, ropes, etc).
• Must have stamina and temperament to work with troubled youth.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Work under the supervision of an NCTRC certified staff member.
• Spend the first half of the internship shadowing one or more recreation therapists and interacting with youth from multiple programs.
• Learn how to complete assessments and clinical documentation.
• During the second half, work with designated group(s) to facilitate group sessions typically held 3 times per week.
• Each session lasts 1-2.5 hours and includes having the child set objectives or goals for the activity and evaluating those objectives at the end of each session.
• Participate in treatment team planning, including setting recreational goals that are implemented during sessions.
• Work one weekend day and four weekdays (i.e. Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday).

Benefits

• Paid internship opportunity.
• On-campus housing is available.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree