Youth Services Intern

Staff positions are supportive roles providing support to our rehabilitation mission.

About the role

The Youth Career Academy Intern plays a meaningful role in supporting justice-involved youth at a critical point in their lives, helping them reconnect to education, build confidence, and explore pathways toward future success. Working alongside experienced program staff, this position offers hands-on exposure to youth development, workforce readiness, and trauma-informed practices within a structured day treatment setting. The intern contributes to a supportive environment where consistency, encouragement, and trust can positively influence a young person’s direction. This is an entry-level, learning-focused opportunity designed to build foundational skills in human services while gaining experience across education, community partnerships, and the juvenile justice system. In alignment with Peckham’s mission, this role helps create positive human and community impact by supporting individuals in developing the skills and confidence to advance.

Responsibilities

• Support program staff in assisting youth as they navigate the justice system and transition back into school and community life
• Support program staff in guiding participants toward education completion and meaningful career pathways
• Support program staff in building trust with youth who may have experienced instability, trauma, or disconnection
• Support program staff in facilitating vocational exploration and career planning activities for participants
• Welcome and orient youth into the Youth Career Academy within the day treatment program
• Assist program staff in providing coaching, encouragement, and accountability to participants within an assigned caseload
• Support program staff in developing and monitoring personalized education and career development plans (e.g., GED, credit recovery, or school re-engagement)
• Observe and support group sessions using cognitive behavioral and strengths-based approaches under staff guidance
• Support participant engagement in vocational exploration and skill-building activities
• Support program staff in collaborating with school districts, court partners, and community agencies to support each youth’s progress
• Assist program staff in completing case notes and maintaining documentation related to participant progress
• Support transition-related activities that help youth prepare for school, training programs, or employment
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to support learning and collaboration within Peckham and the broader youth services system
• Demonstrate a collaborative, team-oriented approach in all projects and program initiatives
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment
• Promote Peckham’s vision, value, culture, and commitment to excellent customer services to all team members, staff, customers and stakeholders
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree in human services, criminal justice, education, social work, or a related field

Skills

• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance through required federal and state background checks
• Ability to maintain professionalism, demonstrate empathy, and follow direction when supporting staff during crisis situations
• Commitment to equity, second chances, and youth advocacy
• Ability to build rapport and effectively engage with youth in a structured, high-accountability environment
• Clear verbal and written communication, with the ability to maintain effective interpersonal interactions and accurate documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with court-involved youth or at-risk adolescents
• Training or experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation, or behavioral crisis management in youth or human services settings

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Business Line: Human Services
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Worker Sub-Type: Intern