Counselor Internships
Counselor internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on client-facing experience, mentorship from working counselors, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated in {{top_industries_phrase}}, with LiveWell Homecare Agency, LRADAC, and BLOOM365 among the employers posting roles now.
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Description
School Counselor Intern Grant Position for UTRGV Project MHS-DGP: A Mental Health Initiative
Role Mission:
Students and families are the most important stakeholders at IDEA Public Schools. The role of School Counselor Intern, with the assistance of the campus assigned School Counselor, co-leads the campus family engagement vision, social emotional learning program, and coordination of mental health and counseling supports for all scholars on the campus.
Our key tenets of family engagement, social emotional learning, and student social emotional support are implemented through the role of the School Counselor Intern, with guidance from the campus assigned School Counselor, to ensure all staff are building authentic relationships with students and families. Data maintenance and analysis is an integral component of effective school-based intervention implementation. The School Counselor Intern will assist the campus assigned School Counselor to direct and hold all campus team members accountable to fulfill their role.
When the work is lead effectively, the entire school staff is clear on their roles in supporting students and families, has the data needed to drive action, inspired, and supported to engage with students and parents in a meaningful way which would result in meeting the goal for all students to have the academic and social skills they need to achieve their goal of going to and through college. Through this work, School Counselor Interns, with the assistance of the campus assigned School Counselor, ensure our schools are a place where students feel safe physically and emotionally safe and therefore can learn, grow, and succeed in and outside of the classroom.
- Fall 26-27 Opening
- Monday – Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm fulfil the required intern hours in 1 UTRGV semester, as set by UTRGV School Counselor Program in collaboration with the UTRGV Project MHS-DGP: A Mental Health Initiative Grant
This is a UTRGV MHS-DGP grant funded position and funding may be extended. A grant-funded position has no guarantee of ongoing and indefinite employment. All duties and responsibilities tied to this position are allowable and allocable to the grant.
Location:
Rio Grande Valley Region: This is a part-time on-site position located in Rio Grande Valley. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the Rio Grande Valley, or who are willing to relocate.
Travel Expectations:
Travel is expected. As part of this role, the Social Worker Intern will serve campuses across the Rio Grande Valley and must maintain a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance. This role qualifies for mileage reimbursement.
- 20%-30% of travel shall be expected
What You Bring - Competencies
Qualifications:
- Education: Working to obtain Master's degree in School counseling through UTRGV School Counseling Program
- Experience: Previous experience in a school or school setting
- License or Certification: Working to Obtain TX School Counselor Certificate or Mental Health Provider License through UTRGV School Counseling Program
Knowledge and Skills:
- Proven track record of success
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage student behavior
- Belief in and alignment with IDEA’s mission and values is non-negotiable
- Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment
What You’ll Do - Accountabilities
90% Student Persistence
- Co-Leads the execution of the school vision for retaining all students at the school by directing and managing all stakeholders at the campus in their roles and responsibilities in family engagement and student persistence.
- Provides individual/group counseling for at-risk students and refers students who need intense or specialized services campus-based Licensed Mental Health Provider and/or outside agencies.
- Co-Leads the planning of and execution of student and family engagement events that are aligned to the school’s culture, community and family needs and promotes the authentic relationship building between the school and the family.
- Co-Partners with the grade level teams to help identify and coordinate intervention for at-risk students with responsibility and accountability structures for Grade Level Admin, API’s, GTLs and Teachers.
- Leads parent conversations and problem solves to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and families in collaboration with campus lead team.
- Maintain knowledge of community agencies as a resource to meet student and school needs.
- Directs implementation of state mandated guidance lessons to all students to develop life skills, promote good character, and develop resilience.
- Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising meetings with students to address social-emotional issues and provide campus-based supports.
90% New Student Persistence
- Directs and manages through influence all campus team members to their role in family engagement to retain new students from year to year.
- Co-Lead the planning and execution of specific new parent events to welcome the new parents to the campus and helps them integrate and get acclimated to the campus culture and expectations with campus lead team.
- Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising sessions with new students to build community and sense of belonging.
90% of assigned teachers use Move This World curriculum with fidelity (as defined by students interact with video program 3 days a week)
- Co-Lead teacher and campus training on Move This World curriculum and implementation expectations.
- Identify and utilize best practice strategies to invest and create a culture of excitement around the integration of an SEL curriculum in the daily schedule.
- Conduct regular rotating co-observations of Move This World blocks using observation rubric. Provide teachers feedback on observation rubric at least 1x/month.
- Co-Conduct BOY and EOY assessment on SEL competencies, school climate, safety, and sense of belonging. Review data and create action steps to address campus needs.
Campus earns an “A” on School Counselor Report Card
- Collaborates with key stakeholders to meet district expectations for successful implementation of district family engagement and social emotional learning priorities
- Co-Facilitates Family Engagement Events
- Meets parent and student completion expectations in Fall and Spring survey administrations
- Co-Facilitates bullying prevention month and mental health awareness month activities
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
- Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas
- Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees.
- Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 20 pounds (regularly/occasionally)
- Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs.
- Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency.
- Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold
What We Offer:
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a grant funded position in collaboration with the UTRGV Project – Mental Health Initiative.
Application process:
Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Learn more about IDEA
At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values
Description
School Counselor Intern Grant Position for UTRGV Project MHS-DGP: A Mental Health Initiative
Role Mission:
Students and families are the most important stakeholders at IDEA Public Schools. The role of School Counselor Intern, with the assistance of the campus assigned School Counselor, co-leads the campus family engagement vision, social emotional learning program, and coordination of mental health and counseling supports for all scholars on the campus.
Our key tenets of family engagement, social emotional learning, and student social emotional support are implemented through the role of the School Counselor Intern, with guidance from the campus assigned School Counselor, to ensure all staff are building authentic relationships with students and families. Data maintenance and analysis is an integral component of effective school-based intervention implementation. The School Counselor Intern will assist the campus assigned School Counselor to direct and hold all campus team members accountable to fulfill their role.
When the work is lead effectively, the entire school staff is clear on their roles in supporting students and families, has the data needed to drive action, inspired, and supported to engage with students and parents in a meaningful way which would result in meeting the goal for all students to have the academic and social skills they need to achieve their goal of going to and through college. Through this work, School Counselor Interns, with the assistance of the campus assigned School Counselor, ensure our schools are a place where students feel safe physically and emotionally safe and therefore can learn, grow, and succeed in and outside of the classroom.
- Fall 26-27 Opening
- Monday – Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm fulfil the required intern hours in 1 UTRGV semester, as set by UTRGV School Counselor Program in collaboration with the UTRGV Project MHS-DGP: A Mental Health Initiative Grant
This is a UTRGV MHS-DGP grant funded position and funding may be extended. A grant-funded position has no guarantee of ongoing and indefinite employment. All duties and responsibilities tied to this position are allowable and allocable to the grant.
Location:
Rio Grande Valley Region: This is a part-time on-site position located in Rio Grande Valley. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the Rio Grande Valley, or who are willing to relocate.
Travel Expectations:
Travel is expected. As part of this role, the Social Worker Intern will serve campuses across the Rio Grande Valley and must maintain a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance. This role qualifies for mileage reimbursement.
- 20%-30% of travel shall be expected
What You Bring - Competencies
Qualifications:
- Education: Working to obtain Master's degree in School counseling through UTRGV School Counseling Program
- Experience: Previous experience in a school or school setting
- License or Certification: Working to Obtain TX School Counselor Certificate or Mental Health Provider License through UTRGV School Counseling Program
Knowledge and Skills:
- Proven track record of success
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage student behavior
- Belief in and alignment with IDEA’s mission and values is non-negotiable
- Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment
What You’ll Do - Accountabilities
90% Student Persistence
- Co-Leads the execution of the school vision for retaining all students at the school by directing and managing all stakeholders at the campus in their roles and responsibilities in family engagement and student persistence.
- Provides individual/group counseling for at-risk students and refers students who need intense or specialized services campus-based Licensed Mental Health Provider and/or outside agencies.
- Co-Leads the planning of and execution of student and family engagement events that are aligned to the school’s culture, community and family needs and promotes the authentic relationship building between the school and the family.
- Co-Partners with the grade level teams to help identify and coordinate intervention for at-risk students with responsibility and accountability structures for Grade Level Admin, API’s, GTLs and Teachers.
- Leads parent conversations and problem solves to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and families in collaboration with campus lead team.
- Maintain knowledge of community agencies as a resource to meet student and school needs.
- Directs implementation of state mandated guidance lessons to all students to develop life skills, promote good character, and develop resilience.
- Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising meetings with students to address social-emotional issues and provide campus-based supports.
90% New Student Persistence
- Directs and manages through influence all campus team members to their role in family engagement to retain new students from year to year.
- Co-Lead the planning and execution of specific new parent events to welcome the new parents to the campus and helps them integrate and get acclimated to the campus culture and expectations with campus lead team.
- Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising sessions with new students to build community and sense of belonging.
90% of assigned teachers use Move This World curriculum with fidelity (as defined by students interact with video program 3 days a week)
- Co-Lead teacher and campus training on Move This World curriculum and implementation expectations.
- Identify and utilize best practice strategies to invest and create a culture of excitement around the integration of an SEL curriculum in the daily schedule.
- Conduct regular rotating co-observations of Move This World blocks using observation rubric. Provide teachers feedback on observation rubric at least 1x/month.
- Co-Conduct BOY and EOY assessment on SEL competencies, school climate, safety, and sense of belonging. Review data and create action steps to address campus needs.
Campus earns an “A” on School Counselor Report Card
- Collaborates with key stakeholders to meet district expectations for successful implementation of district family engagement and social emotional learning priorities
- Co-Facilitates Family Engagement Events
- Meets parent and student completion expectations in Fall and Spring survey administrations
- Co-Facilitates bullying prevention month and mental health awareness month activities
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
- Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas
- Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees.
- Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 20 pounds (regularly/occasionally)
- Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs.
- Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency.
- Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold
What We Offer:
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a grant funded position in collaboration with the UTRGV Project – Mental Health Initiative.
Application process:
Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Learn more about IDEA
At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values
Counselor Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Counselor Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large healthcare systems, school districts, and national nonprofits recruit summer counseling interns the preceding fall. Smaller community agencies and co-op placements post much closer to their start dates. Check for openings in both waves so you don't miss either window.
Build a portfolio before you need one
Hiring teams evaluating counselor interns want evidence, not just coursework credits. Document two or three practicum sessions, group facilitation experiences, or case conceptualizations, note the assessment tools and therapeutic models you applied, and keep a supervision log you can reference or share during screening conversations.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Career fairs surface structured practicum and internship programs tied specifically to your university, and counseling faculty often know which organizations recruit from your program before roles post publicly. Applying directly to smaller agencies running their own cohorts alongside campus activity reaches employers who never attend fairs.
Practice your counselor intern interview out loud
Counselor internship screens typically include a role-play or vignette where you demonstrate active listening, reflect content and emotion, and respond to a simulated client scenario. Practice your reasoning out loud before the interview, interviewers weigh how you think through ethical dilemmas and clinical decisions as much as the response itself.
Target structured counseling internship pipelines first
University counseling centers, VA facilities, and large behavioral health networks often run formal cohort-based internship programs built to train people entering the field. These programs recruit early, fill fast, and frequently lead to licensure-hour credit, identify the ones that fit your population interest and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 69% of the counselor internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to, telehealth placement, in-person clinical hours, or hybrid supervision, before sorting listings. Filtering by location and work type on Migrate Mate first saves time and surfaces roles you can actually accept.
Counselor Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a counselor internship?
Lead with coursework and a documented portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level, and a case study log or practicum journal gives recruiters something concrete to assess for counselor candidates. Apply directly to organizations posting roles and attend campus career fairs, where counseling program recruiters often move faster with students they meet in person.
Can a counselor internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it is consistent performance on real client work, available headcount on the team, and how early you signal interest in returning. Position yourself by treating every session and case note as you would a permanent role, without counting on the outcome.
When should I apply for counselor internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers and hospital systems recruit summer counseling interns the preceding fall, sometimes as early as September or October. Smaller community organizations, nonprofits, and co-op programs post much closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round and checking regularly pays off.
Are counselor internships paid?
Most professional counselor internships in the United States are paid, though compensation varies by organization size, industry, and location. Clinical internships required for licensure sometimes follow different compensation norms than corporate or community settings. Listings show pay where the employer discloses it, so you can filter based on what works for your situation.
What should a counselor internship resume include?
Lead with projects and practicum experience, not work history: document two or three complete cases or group facilitation experiences, name the assessment tools and evidence-based models you used, and reference any case study write-ups or supervision logs you can share. Add relevant coursework in counseling theory, ethics, and populations served, and keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote counselor internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 31% of the counselor internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill quickly as telehealth placements grow more common, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
Can international students get counselor internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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