Paid Recreation Therapy Internship - Summer 2026

Youth Villages • Bartlett, TN

79d

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. 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). As an intern in the Recreation Therapy Program, you will have the opportunity to do some of the following: Work under the supervision of an NCTRC certified staff member. The first half of the internship is spent shadowing one or more recreation therapists, as well as interacting with youth from multiple programs. Interns learn how to complete assessments and clinical documentation. During the second half, interns are designated a specific group(s) where they work with the other recreation therapists to facilitate the groups sessions typically held 3 times per week. Each session is usually 1-2.5 hours long. Sessions include having the child set objectives or goals they want to accomplish during the activity and evaluating those objectives at the end of each session. Interns also participate in treatment team planning which includes setting recreational goals that are implemented during sessions in addition to the child’s other therapeutic goals. Interns typically work Monday-Friday, 40/hrs a week (hours can be flexible based on groups and events. Interns would receive a monthly schedule), internship will be from May to August. This will be a paid internship opportunity! Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation.

Requirements

• Must be pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in Therapeutic Recreation and have completed junior year.
• Experience working with children or adolescents.
• Must be lifeguard certified or able to obtain certification by passing swim test.
• Ability to participate in all physical interventions including indoor/outdoor therapeutic activities.
• Must have the ability to bend, stoop, squat and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Work under the supervision of an NCTRC certified staff member.
• Shadow one or more recreation therapists and interact with youth from multiple programs.
• Complete assessments and clinical documentation.
• Facilitate group sessions typically held 3 times per week.
• Help children set objectives or goals for activities and evaluate those objectives at the end of each session.
• Participate in treatment team planning to set recreational goals.

Benefits

• Paid internship opportunity.
• Flexible hours based on groups and events.

What This Job Offers

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