Behavior Support Intern

Summary Job Description:

The Behavior Support Intern will support the Therapeutic Foster Boarding Home by assisting with services for children and families. Under close supervision, the intern supports fostering home stability by observing, assisting with behavioral interventions, and participating in service coordination activities.

This internship is designed to provide practical experience in therapeutic foster care, behavioral support strategies, and interdisciplinary teamwork within a nonprofit human services setting.

Location:  Wading River (Hybrid opportunities may be available based on program needs)

About Little Flower

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a human services nonprofit supporting the well-being of children, youth, families, and individuals across New York City and Long Island since 1929. Our staff of more than 500 builds well-being by providing prevention services, foster care, residential treatment care, adoption services, programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and medical and mental health services.

Principal Responsibilities

• Shadow Behavior Specialists and Caseworkers during foster home visits (as appropriate)
• Assist with monitoring children’s adjustment to foster placements
• Support foster parents by reinforcing behavior strategies developed by clinical staff
• Observe and contribute to the development of behavior support plans under supervision
• Assist in collecting and organizing documentation such as progress notes and behavior tracking tool
• Participate in treatment team meetings and supervision sessions
• Support coordination with schools and service providers as directed
• Assist with independent living skill activities for youth (age 14+)
• Participate in recreational or program-based activities when appropriate
• Complete assigned professional development and training activities
• Responsibilities may evolve based on learning goals and program needs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this internship, the intern will:

• Develop foundational knowledge of behavior support principles and intervention strategies.
• Observe and apply trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to youth behavior.
• Assist in tracking behavior data and understanding documentation standards.
• Learn de-escalation techniques and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Gain exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians, counselors, and supervisors.
• Understand pathways into roles such as Behavior Specialist or Youth Counselor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or a related field
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Interest in foster care, child welfare, or behavioral health

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior volunteer or internship experience working with youth or families
• Interest in pursuing a career in social services or clinical work

Travel Requirements

Some local travel to foster homes, schools, or community-based settings may be required with supervisory staff. Wading River campus interns preferred to have a Valid NYS Driver’s License

Disclaimer

This internship is unpaid and credit-bearing, in accordance with each participating school’s academic requirements.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required, and responsibilities may evolve based on program needs and learning objectives.

Internship Structure and Supervision: 
This position is a structured educational internship. Interns are not assigned independent caseloads, are not counted toward staff-to-youth ratios, and do not provide independent clinical, supervisory, or crisis intervention services. All activities are conducted under the supervision of designated staff in accordance with agency policy and regulatory requirements.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color. Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage. We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.