Get practical experience with Oregon VR
Oregon VR invites students from Rehabilitation Counseling, Human Services, Public Administration and related programs to complete their clinical coursework with us. Students will work directly with Oregonians with disabilities, helping them find and maintain employment in their communities.
View the flyerTo applyHow to qualifyFinancial supportPracticumContact us
If you are interested in internships outside of VR, or in volunteering with VR in a non-student role, visit the
ODHS Volunteer Services page.
2025-26 Internship positions available!
We accept applications year-round for positions throughout the state.
For graduate students in Rehabilitation Counseling programs, applications submitted by November 1 will be prioritized for placements in the Portland Metro and Salem offices. Later submissions will be considered if openings remain. All internship placements require students to be onsite.
The details
- Work on site in one of 30 offices around the state.
- Work 20 hours or more per week during internship.
- You'll be supported by an internship hosting team at your office.
- Placements are offered for the full 600-hour internship experience.
Why Oregon VR?
- Gain specialized knowledge in areas of interest. This could include mental health diagnoses, intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, youth, the Deaf community or serving rural areas.
- Get access to jobs! In the past five years, VR hired 75% of those who completed an internship with the program.
- Be a part of Oregon Department of Human Services, which is committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency, guided by the
Equity North Star.
- We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, people with disabilities, veterans, queer community members and others to apply.
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 position.
To apply
To be considered for a practicum or internship placement, please complete the
Oregon VR Internship Application and be prepared to attach the following documents in PDF format:
- A cover letter describing your interest.
- A current resume.
- A copy of your most recent university transcript (unofficial or web versions preferred).
If selected, you will be invited to participate in an in-person or virtual interview with the local internship hosting team.
Financial support
A limited number of paid internship positions may be available. 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.
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Contact us directly to learn more.
Practicum
Graduate Counseling students must be accepted as interns before their practicum can be considered. Students from other graduate or undergraduate degree programs can apply for internship, practicum, or both based on their degree program’s requirements.
- Students seeking a site for practicum will be able to select this option on the
Oregon VR Internship Application.
- Academic practicum hours for graduate students in Counseling programs cannot be completed during the same term or semester as your internship.
- Practicum is unpaid.
For more information about practicum and internship experiences with VR, please contact the VR Internship Coordinator.
Email
vr.internship@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone 503-945-5880 or 877-277-0513
Fax 503-947-5025
US Mail
VR Internship Coordinator
500 Summer St NE, E87
Salem, OR 97301