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Counselor Internship Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Counselor Internship information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$6

$18

$36

How much do counselor internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor internship in Rio Rancho, NM is $18.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.52 and $20.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a counselor internship?

A counselor internship is typically a training position for students studying mental health, clinical psychology, or substance abuse therapy, or recent graduates of such programs. Graduate students who are preparing to enter into practice often need to complete an internship or fellowship as part of their educational requirements. As a counselor intern, your responsibilities include observing licensed practitioners during counseling sessions, learning diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to different mental health issues, and performing administrative duties, such as taking patient histories and completing insurance reimbursement and billing paperwork.

What is a counselor internship?

A counselor internship is a supervised practical experience for students or recent graduates pursuing a career in counseling. It allows interns to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop essential counseling skills, and gain exposure to various client populations. Typically, counselor internships are required as part of graduate programs in counseling and are necessary for licensure. Interns work under the supervision of licensed professionals who provide guidance and feedback throughout the process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a counselor intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counselor Intern, you typically need foundational knowledge in psychology or counseling, often gained through enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with documentation software, intake assessment tools, and adherence to ethical guidelines is important, and some programs may require progress toward state licensure. Strong active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective support and learning from supervised clinical experiences.

What types of supervision and mentorship can I expect during a counselor internship?

During a Counselor Internship, you will typically work under the close supervision of a licensed counselor or mental health professional. Supervision usually involves regular one-on-one meetings to review your cases, receive feedback, and discuss counseling techniques. Many organizations also offer group supervision or peer discussion sessions to encourage learning from different perspectives. This supportive structure helps interns build confidence, refine their skills, and ensure they are providing ethical and effective care to clients.

What is the difference between Counselor Internship vs Counseling Assistant?

AspectCounselor InternshipCounseling Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in psychology, social work, or related fieldOften holds a relevant degree or is in training, may require certification
Work EnvironmentInternships are usually in clinics, schools, or community centers, supervised by licensed counselorsAssist in administrative and client support tasks within counseling settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as training experience for future counselors, common in mental health and educational sectorsSupport role within counseling agencies, often part of staff training or volunteer programs

In summary, a Counselor Internship is a training position for individuals gaining practical experience in counseling, often with supervision, while a Counseling Assistant typically supports licensed professionals with administrative or client-related tasks. Both roles are essential in the counseling field but differ mainly in responsibilities and experience level.

How hard is it to get a counselor internship?

Securing a counselor internship typically requires relevant coursework, some experience in helping roles, and strong interpersonal skills. Competition can vary depending on the organization and location, but having certifications such as CPR or mental health training can improve chances. Internships often have specific application processes and may require interviews or references.

What do you do in a counselor internship?

A counselor internship involves assisting licensed counselors or mental health professionals by observing client sessions, supporting clients under supervision, and gaining practical experience in counseling techniques. Interns often participate in case discussions, develop communication skills, and may complete required training or certifications during the internship period.
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Counselor Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Counselor Internship job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 59% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,922 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Albuquerque, NM

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Public Administration • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)external

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) provide and coordinate a wide range of rehabilitation, counseling, and case management services to disabled Veterans and other eligible individuals. The purpose, objectives, services, and outcomes are developed by the VRC during the evaluation. The program's primary focus will be on helping the Veteran find work and set goals and objectives to help them become more independent in their daily lives.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the cut-off date and/or closing date of this job opportunity announcement, 09/04/2026.
This position is covered by a single agency qualification standard, VA Handbook 5005/157, part II, appendix F2, dated July 28, 2023.
NOTE: Applicants must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience as stated below.
1. BASIC REQUIREMENT:
A. Education. Successful completion of a master's degree (or higher) in rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation services, clinical rehabilitation counseling, counseling psychology, mental health counseling, career counseling or social work from an accredited college or university.
B. Internship or Experience Requirement. The required (1) supervised internship or (2) post-master's degree experience is described as follows:
  • Supervised Internship: The education in paragraph 1A must have included a supervised internship in rehabilitation counselling or case management specialization. The internship must have been supervised by a professional in vocational rehabilitation or a closely related professional field that typically has oversight for vocational rehabilitation programs.
OR
  • Experience: One-year post-master's degree work experience in direct delivery of professional vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities.
C. Grandfathering Provision. VRCs employed in the Veterans Benefits Administration on the effective date July 28, 2023, of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including certifications that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:
  • VRCs who are grandfathered into the GS-0101 occupational series may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level of a career ladder, changed to a lower grade within the occupation or placed in a supervisory or managerial position.
  • VRCs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of this qualification standard may not be extended or reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of this standard.
  • If VRCs who are grandfathered under this provision leave the occupation, they lose protected status and must meet the full qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation
2. CREDITING EXPERIENCE:
A. Creditable Experience. Creditable experience must have required the use of KSAs associated with current professional vocational rehabilitation counseling practice. Creditable experience can be obtained through employment as a VRC. This may be demonstrated by providing direct rehabilitation counseling services to individuals with disabilities in the context of a professional counseling relationship, which may include vocational rehabilitation and personal adjustment counseling, case management, assessment, or rehabilitation, training, and employment services coordination.
B. Quality of Experience. Creditable experience must have been obtained post-graduate and be directly related to the duties to be performed to qualify to work as a professional VRC. Qualifying experience must also be equivalent to professional vocational rehabilitation counseling experience at the next lower level. NOTE: If work experience is credited for the basic requirement, that experience cannot also be used for qualifying at the GS-11 or GS-12 levels.
3. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must meet the specialized experience listed below:
To qualify at the GS-09 grade level: None above the basic requirements listed above.
To qualify at the GS-11 grade level: Applicants must have completed at least 1 full year (52 weeks) post-graduate work experience providing professional vocational rehabilitation services equivalent to the next lower grade level of GS-09, in a federal, state and/or private setting. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience that reflects the management of vocational rehabilitation counseling or case management workload involving persons with a wide variety of disability conditions (e.g., mental health, physical, cognitive, visual/auditory, substance abuse).
OR
EDUCATION
In addition to meeting the basic educational requirements, applicants may substitute experience with successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral degree) in rehabilitation counseling or counseling psychology, as described above.
To qualify at the GS-12 grade level: Applicants must have completed at least 1 full year (52 weeks) post-graduate work experience at the GS-11 or equivalent of professional management of vocational rehabilitation counseling or case management workload involving persons with a wide variety of disability conditions (e.g., mental health, physical, cognitive, visual/auditory, substance abuse) in a federal, state and/or private vocational rehabilitation setting. Note: This is the journey (or full performance) level for this occupation. Specialized experience is defined as: professional vocational rehabilitation counseling work in delivery of service to adults with disabilities; providing case management that involved determining entitlement ranges from simple to complex; AND direct delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to adults with disabilities in rehabilitation programs, other than those in correctional facilities.
There is no substitution for work experience for the basic educational requirement nor the GS-12 grade level.
4. MODIFICATIONS OR WAIVERS: Management officials who are delegated the authority may modify or waive the specific requirements of this standard in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraphs 8-12 of this part.
Note: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience you document, including volunteer experience.Education:Transcripts are required for all applicants and must be uploaded prior to the closing date of the job opportunity announcement. Delaying the upload of your transcripts can result in a later submission and review of your application. Applications will be reviewed once all required documents are received. An omission of transcripts by the closing date will result in an ineligible rating.
The required education under this single-agency standard is the successful completion of a master's degree (or higher) in rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation services, clinical rehabilitation counseling, counseling psychology, mental health counseling, career counseling or social work from an accredited college or university.
Awarded/Conferred master's degree is required and must be reflected on transcripts submitted at the time of application. Transcripts (unofficial and/or official) must show evidence of a supervised internship and must also show that the degree has been awarded/conferred and the date awarded.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of EducationEmployment Type: OTHER

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