Foundation Intern Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Type Internship

Job Shift Any

Education Level Masters

Travel Percentage Up to 25%

Category Internships

Your Clinical Journey Starts Here.

YSS is seeking a Master's Level Therapy Intern to join our team in Ames, Cambridge, Boone, Des Moines, Mason City, or Webster City .

Work alongside licensed therapists, gain hands-on clinical experience, and apply your classroom learning in a supportive, trauma-informed environment. Through quality supervision, meaningful client interactions, and collaboration with experienced professionals, you'll build the skills and confidence needed for a successful career in behavioral health—all while making a lasting difference in the lives of youth, adults, and families.

Learning Outcomes - By the end of this internship, you will:

• Conduct behavioral health assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.

• Gain experience providing trauma-informed therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families under clinical supervision.

• Apply evidence-based therapeutic approaches to meet diverse client needs.

• Strengthen clinical interviewing, case conceptualization, and treatment planning skills.

• Develop confidence in crisis intervention, safety planning, and ethical decision-making.

• Learn to document services accurately using an electronic health record.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while gaining insight into community behavioral health services.

• Build a strong foundation for a career in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or related behavioral health professions.

Job Duties - Responsibilities for this internship include:

• Observe and provide individual, family, and group therapy under clinical supervision.

• Complete clinical assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other required documentation.

• Utilize trauma-informed, strengths-based, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

• Participate in crisis intervention and safety planning as appropriate.

• Collaborate with therapists, case managers, psychiatrists, schools, families, and other community partners.

• Participate in clinical supervision, case consultation, treatment team meetings, and agency trainings.

• Learn and utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems and documentation standards.

• Complete orientation and all required agency trainings.

• Meet regularly with your supervisor for guidance, coaching, and professional development.

• ​Assist with office administration, including filing and data entry.

Who You Are

You're ready to take your clinical skills beyond the classroom and into practice. You're compassionate, curious, and eager to learn from experienced clinicians while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families. You value collaboration, welcome feedback, communicate professionally, and are committed to providing ethical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care .

Schedule / Time Commitment

• Schedule is flexible to meet internship and academic requirements. Interns are responsible for coordinating required practicum or internship hours with their educational program.

• Availability may include daytime, evening, or limited weekend hours depending on program needs and clinical placement.

What We're Looking For...

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit .

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES :

• Master’s degree in Psychology or a related field, or currently pursuing a Master’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Experience building relationships with youth and families.

• Passion for learning and growing as a helping professional.

• Strong communication, observation, and active listening skills.

• Ability to connect with diverse populations through compassion, patience, and empathy.

• Collaborative team approach with strong problem-solving skills.

• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage time effectively.

• Understanding of challenges facing youth and families.

• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and healthy boundaries.

• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, electronic records, and data systems.

• Creative approach to engaging youth and building trust.

The IDEAL Candidate

• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.

• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.

• Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change . By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters . If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others , we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS —one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.

• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer , we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.

• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com . Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add systemmessage@paycomonline.com to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers

• Assessment – We review your skills and experience

• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation

• References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references

• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required

• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom