Kenneth Young Center·Arlington Heights, Illinois
The intern will support the agency's mission by assisting SOAR Benefits Specialists in providing client-centered services to adults transitioning from or diverting from nursing facilities. Responsibilities include helping clients apply for pharmaceutical assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits, and potentially accompanying them to appointments.
SOAR Benefits Intern Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to individuals of all walks of life.
Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, we offer a wide range of services including outpatient therapeutic care, recovery-oriented support, community prevention, LGBTQ+ outreach, older adult services, and crisis intervention.
Our team welcomes and celebrates unique perspectives and represents the diversity and vitality of our local communities.
Join our team to grow in your career while building stronger, healthier communities.
Internship Description: The SOAR Benefits Intern supports the agency’s mission to increase access to income and public benefits for individuals with little to no income.
Interns assist SOAR Benefits Specialists in providing targeted, client-centered services to adults transitioning from nursing facilities through the Colbert/Williams Transition Program, as well as individuals diverting from nursing facility placement through the Front Door Program.
The intern will receive training in the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model and gain hands-on experience assessing client eligibility for public benefits.
Responsibilities include assisting clients with applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs, SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits (SSDI/SSI).
Interns may also accompany clients to appointments and hearings with the Social Security Administration and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), as appropriate.
One Semester (flexible), Spring 2026.
This internship would prepare interns as they explore positions such as case worker, care coordinator, or benefits specialist. For more information regarding this internship, please reach out to careers@kennethyoung.org (Please note, this is an unpaid internship.)
This internship requires gaining hands-on experience assessing client eligibility for public benefits after receiving training in the SOAR model. Desired skills include experience with social work practices, understanding mental health challenges, and familiarity with SSA and IDES processes.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.
