Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon Department of Human Services Search Site

Vocational Rehabilitation Practicum and Internship Program

Get practical experience with Oregon VR

VR invites students from Rehabilitation Counseling and related programs to complete their clinical coursework with Oregon VR. Students will work directly with Oregonians with disabilities, helping them find and maintain employment in their communities.

To applyHow to qualifyFinancial supportPracticumContact us

If you are interested in internships outside of VR, visit the ODHS Volunteer Services page.

To apply

2024-25 Internship positions still available!

Students are still encouraged to apply for internship for the 2024-25 academic year. Current site availability tends to be outside of Salem, Corvallis and the Portland Metro area. Annually, the priority application deadline is in early November for the following academic year.

To be considered for a practicum or internship placement, please submit the following to vr.internship@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

  • A cover letter describing your interest.
  • A completed VR Practicum and Internship Application (Word or PDF format preferred).
  • A current resume (PDF format preferred).
  • A copy of your most recent university transcript (unofficial or web versions accepted, PDF format preferred).

How to qualify

You must be:

  • Enrolled in an accredited college or university program and be in good standing.
  • Seeking a degree that will assist you to be qualified to fill a VR counselor position.
  • Able and willing to follow the rules, laws, policies and procedures required by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
  • Willing and able to fully comply with the Code of Professional Ethics for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors.

Applicants must:

  1. Complete VR's practicum and internship application process.
  2. Participate in an in-person or virtual interview with local internship hosting team.
  3. Successfully pass a comprehensive background check, which may require fingerprints.
  4. Once placed in a practicum or internship, students must complete the ODHS Volunteer Program's application and orientation.

Financial support

During years when Oregon VR budget allows, a limited number of paid, temporary intern positions will be available.

  • Paid, temporary positions are only available for students doing their full 600 hours of internship with Oregon VR. 
  • Students are not required to have a paid position with Oregon VR to be an intern.
  • A paid internship position constitutes an employment relationship with Oregon VR.
  • We encourage students wanting to stay on in a permanent employment role with Oregon VR to apply for positions during their internship.
  • Contact us directly to learn more about current funding availability.

Practicum

Practicum is only available for students who have been accepted as an intern. 

  • Students seeking a site for a practicum will need to note this on the VR Practicum and Internship Application. 
  • Once a student accepts an offer of an internship, then a conversation can begin about the availability of a practicum. 
  • All practicum hours need to be completed before the internship begins.
  • Practicum is not paid.


Contact us

For more information about practicum and internship experiences with VR, please contact the VR Internship Coordinator.

  Email vr.internship@odhsoha.oregon.gov

 Phone 503-945-5880 or 877-277-0513

  Fax 503-947-5025

  Address
VR Internship Coordinator
500 Summer St NE, E87
Salem, OR 97301