Practicum Extern

Easterseals DC MD VA, we know that creating a hopeful, inclusive community where all people realize their potential and live meaningful lives can be done only when we value our greatest asset – our staff. More than 200 employees across the greater Washington, DC area, from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Falls Church, Virginia, value the rewarding work that enables Easterseals to lead the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families, and communities.

If you want to do well while doing good, Easterseals DC MD VA may be the place for you.

Core Values

• Our entire staff shares our Core Values which are an integral component of the success of ESDCMDVA:
• Respect: We respect each other. We value the uniqueness and dignity of each individual and appreciate the strength of diversity and inclusion.
• Responsibility: We share a sense of responsibility for doing things right, being good stewards and being accountable for our actions.
• Integrity: We conduct business ethically with a commitment to moral integrity and we expect people to hold a high moral standard. We communicate openly, honestly and directly.
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas, take measured risks and find better ways to help more people.
• Care: We show compassion for others and continue to live our mission each day.

Practicum Externship Position Description

Department: Cohen Clinic

Reports To: Licensed Clinical Psychologist / Clinical Supervisor

FLSA Status: Externship / Training Position (Non-Stipend-Based)

Position Overview

The Practicum Externship provides supervised clinical services as part of an APA-accredited or university-approved doctoral training program in Clinical Psychology. The candidate will gain advanced experience in psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration while serving children, adults, veterans, families, and/or individuals with behavioral health needs.

This position offers hands-on clinical training under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and is designed to support the candidate’s professional growth, competency development, and preparation for licensure.

Essential

Duties & Responsibilities

• Clinical Services
• Provide individual, group, family, and/or couples counseling under supervision
• Conduct biopsychosocial and diagnostic assessments
• Develop treatment plans and clinical recommendations
• Provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation

• Psychological Assessment
• Administer, score, and interpret psychological and behavioral assessments under supervision
• Assist with diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations
• Prepare written assessment summaries and reports

• Crisis Intervention
• Respond appropriately to behavioral health crises and safety concerns
• Participate in risk assessments and crisis management planning
• Coordinate care with supervisors and interdisciplinary team members

• Collaboration & Consultation
• Participate in case conferences, treatment team meetings, and clinical consultations
• Collaborate with medical providers, case managers, educators, and community partners
• Maintain professional communication with clients, families, and staff

• Training & Professional Development
• Attend supervision sessions regularly
• Participate in trainings, seminars, and continuing education opportunities
• Demonstrate openness to feedback and commitment to professional growth
• Adhere to ethical standards established by the American Psychological Association and applicable licensing boards

• Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain confidential client records in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies
• Complete documentation within required timelines
• Comply with all regulatory, ethical, and organizational standards

Qualifications

• Education
• Currently enrolled in an accredited doctoral program in Clinical Psychology (PhD or PsyD)

• Experience
• Prior practicum or clinical experience preferred
• Experience working with diverse populations preferred

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Knowledge of psychological theories, assessment tools, and therapeutic interventions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with trauma-informed care
• Experience working with children, families, veterans, or underserved populations
• Bilingual abilities preferred (if applicable)

• Work Environment
• In the clinic or telehealth hybrid
• Regular use of computers, electronic health records, and standard office equipment

• Physical Requirements
• Ability to sit, stand, and communicate effectively for extended periods
• Ability to travel between sites if required

Supervision

The doctoral candidate will receive ongoing individual and/or group supervision from a licensed clinical psychologist in accordance with university, state licensing, and accreditation requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Easterseal Serving DC|MD|VA is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.