Graduate Clinical Practicum & Internship (Summer 2027 Term Only)

Description

Internship Title:   Graduate Clinical Practicum & Internship 

*This internship opportunity is available for the Summer 2027 term only.*

Applicants interested in a different internship term are encouraged to visit our website and review the currently available application opportunities. If the application for your desired term is open, you may apply for that term. Please note that if a term is not listed as an available application option, placements for that term have already been filled or the application has not yet opened.

Please be sure to apply to the specific term you are seeking.

Team:  Mental Health /Clinical Training 

Time Commitment:  Aligns with the requirements set by the state of VA and the student’s academic institution for practicum and internship direct client and supervisory required hours for their Master’s level program. 

Reports To:  Assigned Clinical supervisor AND Mental Health Services Engagement Coordinator 

Work Location: In order to meet the needs of the families and communities we work in, students are required to meet with clients in Lynchburg and one other location (Appomattox, Altavista or Bedford) throughout both their practicum and internships. 

Compensation: Unpaid 

Duration:  Semester (students will be able to remain in the program from Practicum through Internship 1 & 2 if this aligns with the needs of the organization and if the student is fulfilling requirements and expectations within the program.)

Organization Summary: 

Because every child has the right to a safe and healthy home supported by a faithful community, FIVE18 Family Services is leading the charge in confronting the reasons foster care exists. Our staff seeks to meet families right where they are to provide healing, restoration, and hope.

Position Summary: 

The purpose of this position is to provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults, and/or couples and families in an outpatient setting. Group therapy opportunities may also be provided in partnership with other organizations in the community. As needed, opportunities to provide counseling in a  public school-based setting may be available. If counseling services are provided in a public school-based setting, graduate students will be asked to be an advocate and resource to students, families, and staff and linking to other resources.

The student will partner with FIVE18 Counseling to fulfill the requirements of your academic institution. FIVE18 will offer quality supervision at no cost to the student. 

Essential Functions:

• The Graduate Student will provide professional mental health counseling with clients as assigned in order to meet the requirements of their academic institution, meeting regularly with the approved supervisor. The Graduate Student will maintain all necessary records required by the Virginia Board of Counseling and/or their respective academic institution.
• The Graduate student will maintain a schedule feasible to the needs of the clients we serve while also seeking to fulfill their required clinical hours. Management of their schedule and organization of it should be prioritized in order to optimize continuity of care for clients and also required clinical hours. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

N (Not Applicable)  Activity is not applicable to this position. 

O (Occasionally)  Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day) 

F (Frequently) - Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day) 

C (Constantly) - Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

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Stand:  F    Walk: F   Sit:  F

Manually Manipulate  F  Reach Outward   O  Reach Above Shoulder  O

Climb O    Crawl N   Squat or Kneel  F

Bend O    Grasp  O   Speak  F

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Education: Pursuing Masters in Mental Health Field
• Computer Skills: General understanding of Microsoft office suite and Google applications
• Completed and cleared background and reference checks with FIVE18 Family Services (done after acceptance) 
• Obtain and maintain personal malpractice insurance in compliance with state guidelines
• Complete process of registering supervisor with academic institution

Knowledge of:

• Human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis and treatment of conditions found in the DSM-5.
• Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Basic computer programs such as: Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Internet, and Database applications.
• Current counseling/therapy techniques and methodologies.
• Public schools functioning and operations.

Abilities:

• To communicate both verbally and in writing.
• To report necessary counseling information in a clear, concise, and complete way.
• To make informed, objective decisions with integrity.
• To collaborate effectively with other team members.