Therapeutic Recreation Internships

Unlock your potential with Arlington County's Therapeutic Recreation Office. We believe in the importance of practical experience in preparing students to assume jobs in the recreation or leisure service field and in preparation for TR Certification. This program is designed to maximize student involvement in agency operations on three levels: agency organization and administration, agency program operations, and working knowledge of specific areas of programming. This program is a contractual arrangement between the Arlington County, the educational institution and the student intern.

Purpose

• Provide students an opportunity for practical experience in a setting which is providing established professional Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Services commensurate with the student’s educational level, previous experience and professional goals.
• Provide students an opportunity to learn the working aspects of a selected setting equivalent to his/her educational expectations. To experience the delivery of TR services in one or more roles (e.g. leadership, participant intervention, documentation, evaluation, and administration).

Supervision

The TR Office has several Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) employed year-round. Overall supervision is provided by a full time Therapeutic Recreation Programmer, all of whom maintain the CTRS designation. Interns are required to meet biweekly with their supervisor. Meet our Therapeutic Recreation staff.

Who Can Apply

• Undergraduate and graduate students seeking a summer internship placement
  • We support practicum experience too. Contact us for more information.
• Those motivated to learn, grow, and have fun!

Benefits

• Get paid to learn and play - $15.30-$23.00/hour
• Gain experience
  • Assessing diverse participant needs and interventions
  • Planning and leading trainings and activities
  • Modifying activities to create inclusive experiences
  • Evaluating and documenting participant skill development and efficacy of interventions

How to Apply

Please Note: At this time, we are only accepting applications for Summer 2025.

• Submit Therapeutic Recreation Internship Application toTRinfo@arlingtonva.us
  Please note: Agency/University agreement form must be attached with application in order to be considered. Please note that this does not guarantee placement.
• When prompted, submit an application for a Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camp position (typically available in January).
• Student will complete an interview similar to that of a permanent position
• Acceptance will be coordinated by educational coordinator and program supervisor

Deadlines for Application

Summer Internship: March 15

We look forward to providing a supportive, rewarding environment for student interns. Here are just a few of the highlights. Please contact us directly for a complete Student Placement Manual and/or if you have any questions.