Practicum Extern

Overview of Easterseals Serving DC | MD | VA

Who We Are

Including Individuals. Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities.℠

Easterseals DC MD VA (www.eseal.org) is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. 

Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment. And we won’t rest until each one of us is valued, respected, and accepted.

We take a holistic approach, providing comprehensive services to thousands of children and adults in our neighborhoods, no matter their disability, military status, income, race, or age: To help each child reach their full potential, we provide personalized child development and early intervention services. To improve health and reduce isolation in adults with disabilities, we offer engaging activities and expansive resources. To enable military families to integrate into the community, we provide a suite of services, including employment support and mental healthcare. And to sustain families and caregivers, we provide comprehensive services and support.

Together with our partners, we’re reducing poverty and homelessness and improving healthcare and employment by empowering people of all ages and abilities to be full and equal participants in their communities. Join us.

 As the Easterseals affiliate serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, (www.eseal.org) Easterseals DC MD VA works through public-private partnerships to provide community-based services in the most efficient manner possible. These traits were demonstrated in the opening our Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center, which has quickly become an international model of excellence for delivering superior outcomes, including creating meaningful connections between generations. It was opened through visionary partnership among local, state, and national governments, as well as private individual, corporate, and foundation investment. The shared resources created a maximum return on investment for the community. Through a variety of resources, Easterseals provides information and guidance about how to navigate changing needs within our communities.

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:

                                                                        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

• 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.