YRTC Hastings Internship (Summer 2026)

Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center Internship (Hastings)
Location: Hastings, Nebraska

 

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is offering an immersive internship opportunity at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC) in Hastings. This internship provides students with a unique, hands-on experience in a secure residential facility that serves youth committed through the juvenile justice system.

What You’ll Experience

Interns will have the opportunity to shadow professionals across a variety of departments, gaining exposure to the interdisciplinary approach used to support, guide, and rehabilitate youth. Areas of rotation may include:

• Case Management – Observe how individualized treatment and case planning are implemented.
• Therapeutic Services – Learn about behavioral and mental health support offered to youth.
• Education Services – Gain insight into on-site academic programs and student engagement.
• Food Services – Understand the role of nutrition and meal planning in institutional care.
• Facility Operations – Get a broad view of how different teams work together in a secure treatment setting.

Who Should Apply

We are looking for students with an interest in fields such as:

• Social Work
• Criminal Justice
• Psychology
• Education
• Behavioral Health
• Public Administration
• Human Services

Applicants must be at least 19 years old and able to commit to a schedule agreed upon by both the intern and the site supervisor.

Application Review: March 1st, 2026

Application Deadline: March 27th, 2026 

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university (two-to-four-year institution) OR recently graduated (within one year) from an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university (two-to-four-year institution).
• Must be 19 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Ability to pass a background check and any required facility screenings.
• Ability to commit to the agreed-upon internship schedule.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and willingness to work in a structured, secure environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework or prior experience in youth services, juvenile justice, counseling, behavioral health, social work, or residential care.
• Experience working or volunteering with at-risk youth, schools, mentorship programs, or community service organizations.
• Awareness of trauma-informed practices or an interest in learning about behavioral interventions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving, observation, and documentation skills.

Why Intern at YRTC – Hastings?

This is a great opportunity to:

• Gain direct experience in a youth-focused residential treatment setting
• Explore potential career paths in public service and rehabilitation
• Build professional connections with experienced staff in multiple disciplines