Practicum Placement (Intern/Student Placement)
Overview
- N Street Village (NSV) is a community of empowerment and recovery for women experiencing homelessness and poverty in Washington, DC.
- Through comprehensive, trauma-informed services, NSV supports women in achieving stability in housing, income, employment, mental health, physical health, and recovery.
- The Practicum Placement Internship program provides students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences within a nonprofit setting serving vulnerable populations.
- Practicum students will gain exposure to direct service delivery, case management support, program operations, and trauma-informed care practices while contributing to the mission of N Street Village.
- This is an unpaid Internship.
- Key Role Responsibilities
- Support program staff in the delivery of trauma-informed, client-centered services, ensuring interactions are respectful, strengths-based, and aligned with best practices in behavioral health and social services
- Assist with client intake processes, including documentation, data entry, and engagement activities, in accordance with organizational policies and program requirements
- Observe and support case management functions, including service planning, resource coordination, and referrals, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
- Participate in and, as appropriate, support facilitation of group activities, psychoeducational workshops, and community-building initiatives
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with program standards, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations
- Provide support for daily program operations, including client assistance, resource coordination, and administrative tasks, as needed
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to support integrated, holistic service delivery
- Actively participate in supervision, training, and reflective learning activities to support professional development and skill-building
- Complete all required practicum hours, academic assignments, and agency expectations in alignment with school and program requirements
- Key Organizational Responsibilities
- Consistently model and uphold the mission, vision, and core values of N Street Village, demonstrating a commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered care
- Treat all clients, colleagues, and community partners with dignity, respect, and cultural humility, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct in alignment with organizational policies, academic standards, and applicable regulatory requirements
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all client, staff, and organizational information in compliance with HIPAA, privacy regulations, and internal policies
- Complete all required trainings in a timely manner, including those related to compliance, safety, infection control, and trauma-informed care, in accordance with organizational and contractual requirements
- Actively contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment, supporting effective communication and coordinated service delivery
- Maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and reliability, recognizing the critical role of dependability in client care and program operations
- Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including those related to workplace conduct and risk management
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations and ensure continuity of care
- Knowledge, Experience, and Skills
- Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, Human Services, or a related field, in alignment with practicum requirements
- Demonstrated interest in working with vulnerable and underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and/or substance use disorders
- Foundational knowledge of trauma-informed care principles, with the ability to apply a client-centered and culturally responsive approach in service delivery
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with clients, staff, and community partners
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations and organizational privacy policies
- Demonstrated ability to receive, incorporate, and apply supervisory feedback in a professional and constructive manner
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a structured learning environment
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
This position is primarily performed onsite within program, shelter, and community-based service environments that support individuals experiencing homelessness and complex health needs. Duties may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 25–50 pounds.
The role involves regular, direct interaction with clients in environments where there may be exposure to communicable diseases, behavioral health crises, and other public health-related risks. All practicum participants are required to adhere to established organizational policies and procedures related to infection prevention and control, OSHA standards, universal precautions, and workplace safety protocols.
Appropriate training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and supervisory guidance are provided to mitigate risk and ensure a safe and compliant working environment. Practicum participants are expected to comply with all health and safety requirements, including any mandated screenings, immunizations, or reporting protocols, in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as contractual obligations.
Equal Opportunity Statement
N Street Village is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
