2026-2027 General Counseling Internship
Youth Outreach Services
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Quick overview
Interns will conduct individual counseling sessions for youth aged 12-21 dealing with mental health and substance use challenges, while also completing intake assessments and maintaining weekly client progress notes. Responsibilities also include leading group counseling sessions, utilizing the 7 Challenges Program, and engaging with families and community partners.
Requirements summary
Applicants must be Master’s-level students in counseling or social work seeking hands-on clinical experience, and must possess a valid driver’s license with access to a car. Candidates must be able to adhere to the required Monday through Thursday schedule from 12 PM to 8 PM.
Job description
2026-20267 General Counseling Internship Department
- Counseling
- Locations: 📍
- Central: 3445 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 📍
- Melrose
- Park: 4419 W North Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160 (Spanish-speaking preferred) 📍
- Pilsen: 1942
- S
- Halsted
- St,
- Chicago,
- IL 60608 (Spanish-speaking required)
- Schedule: Minimum 16 hours per week (24 hours preferred) Will maintain a caseload depending on how many hours a week they are at the internship.
Hours
- Monday - Thursday, 12 PM - 8 PM (Fridays optional, 9 AM - 5 PM) All interns must have a valid driver’s license and access to a car. Position Overview Are you a passionate Master’s-level student in counseling or social work looking for hands-on experience in the field? Youth Outreach Services (YOS) is seeking counseling interns to support youth ages 12-21 dealing with mental health and substance use challenges.
- As a
- Counseling
- Intern, you will: ✅ Conduct individual counseling sessions to help youth address substance use and mental health issues. ✅ Complete intake assessments and maintain client progress notes weekly. ✅ Lead or co-lead group counseling sessions (e.g., all-girls group, drug/alcohol treatment, anger management). ✅ Use the 7 Challenges Program to guide clients through self-reflection and informed decision-making. ✅ Engage with families, referral sources, and community partners to ensure comprehensive support for youth. ✅ Organize occasional group outings and alternative peer activities for clients. This internship provides valuable clinical experience while allowing you to make a real impact in the community.
- Internship
- Details:
- Duration: August - June (Not accepting summer interns at this time.) Unpaid Internship (Eligible for Academic Credit) YOS is an approved site for many colleges/universities and can coordinate with your school.
How To Apply
Cover Letter – Explain why you are interested and what you hope to gain. Resume – Include relevant experience and education. References – Contact info for three references (past employers or school personnel). Combine all documents into one PDF file. Application Requirements: Cover letter Resume List your preferred office locations (rank in order of preference)
Qualifications
✔ Strong interpersonal and communication skills ✔ Master’s-level student in counseling or social work ✔ Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a car ✔ Ability to work a Monday-Thursday schedule 12 pm-8 pm This is an excellent opportunity for students looking to gain hands-on counseling experience in a supportive, community-focused environment. Apply today and make a difference! Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace, and compliance with this policy is a condition of continued employment. Youth Outreach Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.