How to Apply

  1. To begin the internship application process, complete the below "Pre-Application Form for a Request for an Internship Placement" and upload your current resume. Select ONE internship placement site location from the dropdown box and electronically SUBMIT the documents.    
  2. If selected for an interview, the student will be contacted and sent an official "Key Internship Placement Application" to complete and bring to the scheduled interview. For the interview, the undergraduate student will be prepared to present two (2) recommendation letters and graduate and doctoral students will present three (3) recommendation letters. 
  3. Students selected to continue in the process will be invited to a second-round interview. 

Pre-Application Form for a Request for an Internship Placement 

Include month and year (example: 5/25)
Note the month, date and year (example: 1/125/25)
Note the month, date and year (example: 5/7/25)

Time Frames for Submission 

MA, NH, and RI Internship Field Placements*:

  • Undergraduate and Graduate-level Students – Internship applications are accepted throughout the semester for the next upcoming semester.  Priority is given to applicants that submit no later than:
    • February for a summer internship
    • March for a fall internship
    • October for a spring internship

Key’s Children’s Charter Outpatient Mental Health Clinic*:

  • Doctoral-level Psychology Students - Apply in January for fall semester

  • 2nd Year Graduate-level Social Work Students - Apply in January and February for fall semester

     

*Applying does not guarantee an internship placement

Background Records Checks

After acceptance and prior to the start of an internship, students must submit to comprehensive background record checks.  These checks are an important part of the screening process to ensure interns are suitable for working with children, youth and adults and pose no undue risk to the clients Key serves.  Key provides appropriate consent forms and the policy that explains the process in detail. Background checks may consist of statewide criminal records; national fingerprint-based criminal records; child welfare supported findings or pending cases of child abuse or neglect; sex offender registries; and motor vehicle driving record check. 

Internships cannot begin until the results of all background record checks are approved.  Key reserves the right to withdraw internship offers when background records do not meet acceptable standards.

Internship Responsibilities

Key’s internship field placement supervisors determine the scope and responsibilities of the internship in accordance with school requirements and the student’s career track.  Throughout the internship, supervisors closely guide, monitor, and evaluate the student’s assignment and provide mentorship, support, and professional supervision.  Students are expected to fully participate in their internship by seeking guidance and clarifications around their assignments, preparing for their supervision meetings, and demonstrating acceptable work environment habits and conduct. 

For More Information

For general inquiries about Key’s internship program, please contact Carol Malone, Recruitment and Training Manager. 

Email Carol

Employment Opportunities after Graduation

Interns are encouraged to explore Key’s career opportunities with their internship field placement supervisor. Although there is no promise or guarantee of a job offer when a student graduates, employment opportunities often are available throughout the agency.  Interns are urged to apply for positions for which they are qualified and will be give priority consideration for employment.

Internship Awards

Commemorative Deborah Feldstein Bartfeld Social Work and Mental Health Professional Award

The Commemorative Deborah Feldstein Bartfeld (DBT) Social Work and Mental Health Professional Award proudly recognizes individuals dedicated to impacting lives by providing vital social work and mental health services to those in need.  The Award honors the memory of Deborah Feldstein Bartfeld, whose passion for social work included an internship with Key.  

Eligible recipients of the DFB Social Work and Mental Health Professional Award are Masters-level or Doctoral-level Social Work, Counseling Psychology, Psychology or Mental Health Counseling students who successfully complete an internship with Key and, upon graduation, are offered and accepted a full-time position at Key.  The award of $5,000 is received upon successful completion of a three-month, new hire orientation period. 

William G. Lyttle Human Service Professional Award

The William G. Lyttle Human Service Professional Award proudly recognizes those special 

individuals whose passion is to make a difference in the world around them. Eligible recipients of the William G. Lyttle Human Service Professional Award are Bachelor-level or Master-level graduates who have successfully completed an internship or co-op placement at Key and, upon their graduation, are offered and accept a full-time position at Key.  The award of $2,500 is received upon successful completion of a three-month orientation period.  

Scholarship Award

Commemorative Deborah Feldstein Bartfeld (DBF) Scholarship Award

This scholarship awards funds to current key employees who are enrolled in a formal master of social work, licensed mental health counseling or counseling psychology program and who have demonstrated commitment to the field of social work or child welfare, specifically with multi-stressed youth and families.