Link Associates welcomes interns and service learning students to gain practical and hands on experience for personal and professional growth while enriching the lives of individuals living and working in our community with greater life challenges.  Students and interns have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to meet the varying needs of the consumers we support. There are many opportunities to be involved directly with consumers, or within the organization, based on your interests. Time involvement will vary based on each individual’s schedule and availability. Opportunities will be tailored to the requirements and availability of each candidate.

Therapeutic Recreation Internships:

Therapeutic Recreation services has a rich history with over 25 years of supervising TR interns.  The Department boasts 4 full time Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists providing the student the opportunity to observe and work with a variety of personal styles in TR service delivery as well as the capability to meet NCTRC internship requirements.   The scope of services includes both group and individualized programming within the facility, programming within a residential site, as well as an established community leisure & recreation program. The Leisure Services Department serves over 921 adults and some youth residing in the greater Des Moines area with disabilities.   Currently 90% of participants are individuals with intellectual disabilities and any accompanying physical, hearing, visual, or behavioral challenges.  

For TR internship opportunities, submit your completed resume and cover letter to:                     

Gabrielle Cole, CTRS

Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor / Volunteer Coordinator

1452 29th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Email: gcole@linkassociates.org or Call:  515-262-8888 ext 405

Other Internships:

Link Associates welcomes the opportunity to tailor an internship to meet your educational needs and requirements. Other internship opportunities may include human services, marketing, accounting, clerical, or business.

Service Learning/Field Work:

Looking for an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills through direct contact and observation outside the school or office?  Link has a variety of settings and environments to foster service learning and fieldwork experience.   

For Other Internship and Service Learning opportunities, submit your completed application with
cover letter to:                     

Linda Dunshee

1452 29th Street                                                                                                      

West Des Moines, IA 50266

For questions contact Linda Dunshee at 515-262-8888  or ldunshee@linkassociates.org