For students, there’s no better learning lab than the real world. That’s why KVC is proud to help undergraduate and graduate students nationwide complete their social work or mental health internships or practicums and gain real world experience. These students, who learn about and help deliver KVC services like foster care, in-home family therapy, educational support and adoption, are working in a unique space where government, nonprofit agency providers and higher education intersect. Few other organizations offer students this diverse experience.

KVC’s internship and practicum opportunities are structured to meet your program requirements. Our interns enjoy unparalleled flexibility due to KVC’s in-home model. KVC’s commitment to meeting with families in their homes leads to evening and weekend appointments that work well for students and families alike, and students learn some of KVC’s best practice approaches.

What a KVC Social Work or Mental Health Internship/Practicum Offers

• An exclusive opportunity to learn directly from experienced social work and mental health professionals at KVC
• An opportunity to apply many of the techniques learned in the classroom to real situations under the supervision of a KVC professional
• Time to develop skills in case management, client engagement, crisis intervention or individual and group therapy

“My internship and time spent shadowing the case managers at KVC West Virginia allowed me to feel as if I was apart of their family. I was able to gain valuable experience through the work while building rapport among the company. As a result of my internship, I have pursued a career with KVC.” — Ashley H., former Intern and current KVC Foster and Adoptive Care Case Manager

“During my internship with KVC, the staff and leadership genuinely cared about my experience with them and offered me many opportunities for growth. If you are looking for a program where communication is exceptional and concerns are validated, KVC would be a top choice.” — Grace M., former Intern

“The KVC West Virginia staff truly made this a wonderful experience for our students. Teaching calls were interactive and engaging with staff members including students in all aspects of the experience. Students were able to see the concepts they learned in the classroom applied in practice through an innovative, telehealth approach.” — Heather Coddington, Clinical Instructor, West Virginia University School of Nursing

Areas of Interest

• Adoption – Work with children who are currently seeking a forever family
• Case Management – Support a child’s safe reunification with their family
• Educational Support (First Star KVC West Virginia Academy) – Help high school students in foster care create meaningful school experiences and achieve academic success
• Foster Family Care – Share resources and support to family foster homes
• Independent Living Services – Work with young adults as they transition into adulthood
• Kinship Care – Support a relative placement by sharing the skills and resources needed to be a successful caregiver
• Therapeutic Services – Provide in-home therapy, outpatient therapy or aftercare services to families and youth with behavioral health needs

Qualifications for Students to Be Considered

BSW interns from Shepherd University celebrate the completion of their internships

• Passion for making a difference in the life of children and families
• Complete orientation and training requirements
• Maintain current driver’s license and automobile insurance
• Provide own transportation to appointments if necessary
• Maintain flexibility in scheduling and attend appointments after normal business hours, including evenings and weekends

Must Be Pursuing a Degree in:

• Associates in youth development, human services or medical coding
• Bachelors in social work or related field
• Masters in social work, psychology, or family therapy

Locations

See additional details about these locations here.

• Berkeley (Martinsburg, WV)
• Kanawha (Charleston, WV)
• Jackson (Ripley, WV)
• Lincoln (Branchland, WV)
• Logan (Verdunville, WV)
• Mercer (Princeton, WV)
• Raleigh (Beckley, WV)
• Roane (Spencer, WV)
• Wayne, WV

“Staff from top to bottom have been very helpful and put me at ease from the very beginning. Hearing about the foster care crisis in our state, it has been a pleasure to work with KVC West Virginia. They have demonstrated why they are a leader in giving kids a chance at a better life. I like that KVC is willing see interns as prospective employees after their internship is complete.” — Michael S, former Intern

How to Apply

We’re excited you’re interested in a KVC social work or mental health internship/practicum opportunity! Complete and submit the interest form below. Then, a member of our team will be in contact with you soon.

For questions, contact Cathy Buckland at (304) 553-8759 or cbuckland@kvc.org.