What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2025- 2026 Prevention Internship position at Youth Outreach Services?
PREVENTION INTERNSHIP
Department: Prevention
Address: Various locations in NW Chicago and near West suburbs
Schedule: Hours will be completed Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Based on intern’s school schedule and program needs.
We are looking for motivated, energetic students passionate about assisting adolescents in making healthy life choices!
Position Overview:
Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Prevention Intern works with the full-time Prevention staff to provide evidence-based curriculum lessons related to substance use and/or teen pregnancy prevention within select schools in Chicago and the Lyons/Proviso Township area. The intern will assist staff in preparing materials for lessons, coordinating schedules with teachers, and maintaining data collection/entry for grant reporting. The intern will also participate in community outreach activities designed to raise awareness of issues related to adolescent substance use and pregnancy prevention.
During summer months, the Prevention Intern will assist in the One Summer Chicago youth employment program. Assists in identifying employers willing to place youth for employment and provide mentoring and monitoring to the youth during their employment term. Assists with data collection and entry for grant reporting.
Position Opportunities:
- Gain experience in providing school-based interventions and community education for public health issues
- Opportunity to work with young people and assist them in making positive choices
- Opportunity to assist youth in developing life skills towards future employment
- Participate in individual supervision and team meetings at least once per month
- Participate in agency-provided trainings as scheduled allows
Qualifications:
- Enrollment in a Bachelor's Degree program in a social services/public health major through an accredited university
- Ability to work at least two days per week throughout the school year (Sept-June) for a minimum of 10-12 hrs per week. May consider a summer only (June-Aug) placement as well.
- Ability to commute to the agency offices and between the office/schools throughout the Chicago/suburban area
- Some experience working with adolescents (teaching, mentoring, coach, camp counselor, etc)
- Knowledge of or prior experience in substance use and/or teen pregnancy prevention programming helpful
How to Apply
📩 To Apply: Submit your application here!
- Cover Letter – Explain why you are interested and what you hope to gain (Optional)
- Resume – Include relevant experience and education.
- References – Contact info for three references (past employers or school personnel).
- Combine all documents into one PDF file.
🔹 Additional Preferences:
✔ Experience working with youth preferred.
✔ Spanish-speaking fluency is a plus!
✔ Reliable transportation to the office.
Why Join YOS?
🌟 Gain direct clinical experience in evidence-based therapy.
📚 Receive professional training and clinical supervision.
💡 Work in a supportive, community-focused environment.
🛠 Develop skills in assessment, treatment planning, and counseling.
💼 Ready to Apply?
Start your counseling career with hands-on training and real-world impact at YOS!
Apply today and be part of a team making a difference in the lives of youth. 🚀
Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace and compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and continued employment.
COVID-19 Policy: In compliance with Illinois Executive Order, Youth Outreach Services is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against or have an approved exemption. Approved exemptions will require weekly testing for COVID-19.
Youth Outreach Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
