Internships

Cuyahoga DD provides internships that help students gain experience in specific fields. These internships aim to develop future professionals. When choosing an internship you should consider your values and beliefs to make sure they fit with the agency's goals. This will improve your internship experience.

Please contact our agency early if you want to choose Cuyahoga DD for your internship placement. We try to meet most requests, but our capacity is limited.

Read the information below and click the link to submit the correct inquiry form to be considered:

Traditional Internship, Capstone Project, or Fellowship: 

Faculty advisors and college students set learning goals that earn educational credits when completed. The college and Cuyahoga DD must have a formal agreement to explore these options before considering any opportunities.

• To apply for an internship in the Behavioral Health Department, fill out the online form or click here to download a form.
  • Please submit your application by February 15 to apply for an internship in the Behavioral and Health Services Department (which includes Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, etc.)
  • We will review applications and conduct interviews by April 15.
  • We will announce internship decisions by April 30. 
  • Internships usually start in the Fall and last for one full academic year.
  • Contact the Director or Department Head to request an exception to the application deadline.
• To apply for an internship in other departments, please submit your application at least 6-8 weeks before you expect to start the placement. This ensures that your application will be considered.
• Other departments that may host interns include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Developmental Specialist, and Service and Support Administration.
• You will receive a decision within 2-3 weeks after you submit your application.
• Internships usually last one quarter or semester (about 2-3 months). 
• Fill out an online form or click here to download a form to apply for an internship in any department other than Behavioral Health.

Other Unpaid Opportunities: Non-traditional Internship/Shadowing

• You can "shadow" a professional at Cuyahoga DD to get experience or knowledge in a specific field outside your regular education program.
• Shadowing usually lasts 1-2 weeks and is limited to provide appropriate supervision and unique learning experiences.
• Accommodations will be made where appropriate. 
• Fill out an online form. If a section does not apply to you, write N/A.
• Select “Other” and be specific about your professional goals and personal interests so we can fully consider your request.

Volunteer

• Visit the Volunteer page to get experience and help your community by supporting people with developmental disabilities.
• Please click the appropriate link above to start the process.
• Applicants must submit a complete application to be considered. We do not accept incomplete applications. 
• Enter tentative dates if you don’t have specific start and end dates yet. 

Important Information

Student internships and graduate placements depend on availability and the decision of the agency’s department head. 

Email hr@cuyahogadd.org and include a contact number if you would like to submit an application or have questions about this process.

No internship or placement can start until all paperwork is complete and the Human Resources Department and department head has approved the applicant. 

Internship opportunities can end without notice for violations of professional ethics, confidentiality, or policy. 

Applicants must pass a background check and drug and alcohol screening. 

By submitting a form you are indicating you read and understand all requirements and deadlines. All requests will be routed to the Human Resources Department and forwarded the appropriate department head for consideration. If your submission is accepted, you will be contacted directly regarding next steps. This process may take 2-3 weeks, so please be patient.

Questions? E-mail hr@cuyahogadd.org.