At KVC, we want every child and adult to be safe & connected to a strong family and a healthy community. We’re proud to be a leader in innovative, effective and compassionate care. See our services and programs overview.
Launch Your Career at KVC Missouri
Each year, more than 250 students nationwide gain hands-on experience at KVC through internships and practicums in social work and mental health, delivering in-home therapy, psychiatric care and other vital services. At KVC, you’ll learn in a unique environment where government, nonprofits and higher education intersect gaining real-world skills and professional connections that few other organizations can offer.
Ranked among Glassdoor’s Best-Led Companies in 2025, KVC provides interns with an unparalleled learning experience in a supportive, purpose-driven workplace. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals in a culture that values wellbeing, belonging, flexibility and growth, while contributing to meaningful social work and mental health services. Interns are treated as integral members of the team, receiving mentorship, hands-on experience and opportunities to develop the practical skills that prepare them for a successful career. At KVC, your work makes a real impact, your ideas are valued and you become part of a community dedicated to helping children, youth and families thrive.
What an Internship/Practicum Offers
• A unique opportunity to learn directly from experienced KVC professionals who are leaders in social work and mental health.
• Hands-on experience applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations, with guidance and supervision from skilled practitioners.
• Time to build and refine essential skills in case management, client engagement, crisis intervention and individual or group therapy.
• Exposure to a variety of client populations and settings, providing a broad and diverse perspective on social work and mental health practice.
• Opportunities to develop professional connections and mentorships that can shape your future career.
Areas of Interest
• Therapeutic services – Provide in-home therapy, outpatient therapy or aftercare services to families and youth with behavioral health needs
• Inpatient Residential Treatment – Play supportive roles to children and teens undergoing acute psychiatric hospitalization
• Foster Care Case Management – Coordinate and oversee services and supports for youth in foster care
• Independent Living Services and Transitional Living Services – Work with young adults as they transition into adulthood
• Foster Care Licensing – License and support family foster homes
• Treatment Foster Care – Work with youth with emotional or behavioral needs
• Education – Support academic success and advocate for the educational needs of children and teens in care
Qualifications for Students to Be Considered
• 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:
• Bachelors in Social Work
• Bachelors in Education
• Bachelors of Arts in Art Therapy
• Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy
• Masters in Counseling
• Masters in Marriage/Family Therapy
• Masters in Psychology
• Masters in Social Work
• Masters in Education
• Master of Occupational Therapy
• Or a degree that qualifies for licensure in the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.
Locations
Aurora, MO
Columbia, MO
Doniphan, MO
Hillsboro, MO
Kansas City, MO
Kirksville, MO
KVC Academy – Boonville, MO
KVC Academy – Columbia, MO
KVC Academy – Cuba, MO
KVC Academy Edgewood – St. Louis, MO
KVC Academy – Kansas City, MO
KVC Academy Niles – Kansas City, MO
KVC Academy – Lebanon, MO
KVC Academy – St. James, MO
Lebanon, MO
Steelville, MO
Poplar Bluff, MO
Springfield, MO
St. James, MO
St. Joseph, MO
St. Louis, MO
Warrensburg, MO
Waynesville, MO
*Internship opportunities vary by location due to the programs and services being offered on each campus. For more detailed information, click the “View Open Jobs” button on our Careers webpage and filter by Intern Job Type.
How to Apply!
Ready to join our team? Submit your internship application through our Careers webpage.
