What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Intern - Master's (Spring or Summer Block) position at Kenneth Young Center?
Mental Health Intern - Master's (Spring or Summer Block)
Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to individuals of all walks of life. Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, we offer a wide range of services including outpatient therapeutic care, recovery-oriented support, community prevention, LGBTQ outreach, older adult services, and crisis intervention. Our team welcomes and celebrates unique perspectives and represents the diversity and vitality of our local communities. Join our team to grow in your career while building stronger, healthier communities.
Internship Description: Interns will be placed with a mental health program serving adults. Activities geared towards Master's level, 1st year or practicum. May include:
- Outreach to adults recently discharged from hospital or emergency room to support their transition
- Home needs (psychiatric and medical), build rapport, provide support, connect to resources, and engage in care.
- Complete intake sessions with new clients.
- Observe initial mental health assessments and participate in re-assessments.
- Complete documentation regarding service activities and client contacts.
- Meet with clients in community settings or supported housing environments.
Skill Development:
- Client engagement and outreach, learning to build rapport, active listening and supportive counseling, exposure to inpatient and outpatient services, gain familiarity with client population of adults with mental health and co-morbid conditions, exposure to variety of settings for counselors and social workers, learn to coordinate and work with multi-disciplinary team
Time Frame: Spring 2026 (Jan 2026-May2026),or Summer 2026 (May 2026-August/September 2026)
Career Development: This would assist a new MA/MSW graduate be more competitive for positions in social services, mental health, and community engagement. Would also be greatly helpful for current MA/MSW students to gain experience to make them more qualified candidates for 2nd year internship placements at various settings (KYC and other sites).
(Please note, this is an unpaid internship.)