Who We ArePawnee Mental Health Services provides compassionate, community-based behavioral health care to children, adolescents, and families across our region. Our Youth Community Services (YCS) team supports young people whose mental health symptoms impact their success at home, in school, and in the community.
Through person-centered planning, skill-building, and strong family collaboration, we help youth develop the tools they need to build confidence, improve functioning, and reach meaningful goals.
What We OfferThis internship offers hands-on experience working directly with children and adolescents in real-world settings. You will gain exposure to youth skill-building interventions, crisis support, family collaboration, and multidisciplinary teamwork.This is an active, community-based internship where you will:

• Apply classroom knowledge in real-life situations
• Learn how person-centered plans guide services
• Build confidence working with youth and families
• Develop professional documentation and communication skills
• Receive supervision and mentorship from experienced YCS leadership  

If you are considering a future in social work, counseling, psychology, case management, or human services, this internship provides valuable, resume-building experience.
The Role You’ll PlayAs a Youth Community Services Intern, you will work directly with children and adolescents experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges. Under supervision, you will assist in implementing person-centered plans and support youth in building skills related to emotional regulation, social interaction, daily functioning, and goal achievement.You will collaborate with families, schools, and treatment team members to help reinforce positive behaviors and promote stability.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide direct support in homes, schools, and community settings to help youth build functional and social skills
• Assist in implementing structured activities such as socialization, goal setting, illness management, and community outings
• Provide one-to-one support for youth who need stabilization or crisis intervention
• Collaborate with family members and treatment team members to reinforce treatment goals
• Transport youth as needed in accordance with agency policy
• Complete timely documentation, maintain scheduling in the electronic health record, and meet agency compliance standards
• Participate in supervision, staffing meetings, and required trainings
• Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques and approved behavior management interventions when necessary  

Work EnvironmentThis position is community-based and active. Interns travel throughout the service area and work directly with youth in home, school, and community settings. The role requires flexibility, professionalism, strong boundaries, and comfort working with families and multidisciplinary team members.
Why Work With UsAt Pawnee, interns are not observers. You are part of the team.
You will gain meaningful experience working directly with youth and families, build confidence in behavior support and crisis intervention, and develop the professional skills necessary for future clinical or community-based roles.
This internship is an excellent opportunity for students who are passionate about supporting children and adolescents and want real, hands-on experience in behavioral health services.