Behavior Support Specialist Intern

Description of Facility:
Opportunities for Positive Growth, Inc. (OPG) is a human service agency committed to providing meaningful and dignified support to individuals with developmental disabilities, focusing on skill development to improve quality of life. We are certified through The Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DDARS) and The Bureau of Disabilities Services (BDS) to provide specialized services for people with developmental disabilities. OPG has been recognized as an Indianapolis Top Workplace for many years and is proud to hold the international Person-Centered Excellence with Distinction accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership.

Professional Staff:
Our team includes Behavior Specialists, Music Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Direct Support Professionals, and other professionals who collaborate to provide individualized supports and person-centered services across Fishers, Kokomo, Lafayette,  Northwest Indiana and Marion.

Internship Experience:
The Behavior Support Specialist Internship provides hands-on experience in behavioral health services with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Interns will:

• Assist with developing and implementing behavior support plans under the supervision of a Behavior Specialist.
• Gain experience in direct support sessions (primarily one-on-one, with possible opportunities for small groups).
• Participate in data collection, progress monitoring, and documentation.
• Observe and contribute to team meetings, case consultations, and interdisciplinary planning.
• Complete a research paper and/or project on a topic of professional interest related to behavioral health.
• Develop a “legacy project” that contributes lasting value to OPG.

Educational Opportunities:
Interns may have opportunities to:

• Attend internal trainings, workshops, and professional development events hosted by OPG.
• Participate in Human Rights Committee meetings.
• Network with professionals across behavioral health and developmental disability services.

Stipend/Housing:
This is an unpaid internship, but there are options for this to be an employment-based internship through coordination with the Internship Director, Casey Zeigler. 

Locations & Dates:
We are currently interviewing candidates for 3-6 month internship placements at the following locations:

• February 2027 – Fishers, IN
• May 2027 - Kokomo, IN

• Enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s level program in psychology, social work, applied behavior analysis, counseling, or a related behavioral health field.
• Strong interest in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and demonstrate professionalism.
• Reliable transportation (mileage reimbursement provided for work-related travel outside of the office).
• Liability insurance in place before the first day of internship.
• Successful background check (paid for by OPG).