At ChildServe, we provide compassionate, 24-hour skilled nursing care for children, teens, and young adults with complex medical needs in a family-centered environment. Our team supports young individuals who are unable to live at home by delivering intensive medical care, nursing services, and onsite therapy. We’re committed to helping every child and young adult lead a full, vibrant life through customized care, adaptive therapy, and specialized medical equipment.
Position Overview
As a Therapeutic Recreation Intern, you'll engage directly with our residents and team, gaining hands-on experience while making a positive impact on lives. Through a combination of individual and group sessions, meetings, and interdisciplinary collaboration, you’ll learn from experts and contribute to meaningful projects tailored to enrich our residents’ lives.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, observe, and assist with scheduled group activities.
- Initiate 1:1 sessions, conduct assessments, and design interventions for residents.
- Participate in resident rounds, staff meetings, interdisciplinary cotreatments, and regular meetings with your Internship Supervisor.
- Support intervention planning, evaluation, and documentation processes.
- Complete a project designed to enhance the quality of life for our residents.
What You’ll Need
- Enrollment in an accredited undergraduate Therapeutic Recreation program.
- Completion of coursework and intent to pursue the CTRS exam through NCTRC.
- Experience working with children and young adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
- Ability to make confident decisions in high-pressure situations.
- Strict confidentiality regarding the information of clients, staff, and families.
- Physical ability to lift up to 35 lbs and be active within the work area.
- COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption.
Schedule
Monday-Friday during business hours, with occasional evenings or weekends for special events.
Application Requirements
Complete applications are due by October 1, 2024 (Spring 2025) or February 1, 2025 (Summer 2025). Please send the following in one email to [email protected]:
- Current resume
- Cover letter including:
- Your interest in ChildServe and the Therapeutic Recreation role
- Relevant qualifications and career alignment
- Expected internship outcomes
- One letter of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Proof of COVID-19 and flu vaccinations or exemption requests
This is a non-paid opportunity, suitable for applicants seeking course credit and/or college internship requirements.
Why ChildServe?
ChildServe has earned the title of Top Workplace every year since 2014. Here’s why employees love working here:
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Our work matters. We partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.
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We’re not your average non-profit. We serve 5,800 children each year through over 30 specialty pediatric services in the Ames, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids areas. Many of our programs are one-of-a-kind.
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Our team members rock. Our teams are filled with people who care about their coworkers, and who believe that collaboration is key to providing exceptional care to children.
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Our learning never stops. As a non-profit dedicated to innovation, we’re proud to help many team members gain new certifications, continue their education, take their expertise to the next level, and find new opportunities to advance their career right here at ChildServe.
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We believe our differences make us great. We are on a continuous journey to create an environment where different perspectives are valued, and all feel safe and welcome.
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We’re moving forward together. Experts across multiple disciplines work together to help kids get the best care possible.
ChildServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
