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Practicum Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clinic Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Co-supervise the MFT Graduate Student Worker and provide general clinical oversight of the Center's MFT trainees during their one-year practicum experience. * Respond to all clinical questions and ...

Clinic Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Co-supervise the MFT Graduate Student Worker and provide general clinical oversight of the Center's MFT trainees during their one-year practicum experience. * Respond to all clinical questions and ...

Clinic Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Co-supervise the MFT Graduate Student Worker and provide general clinical oversight of the Center's MFT trainees during their one-year practicum experience. * Respond to all clinical questions and ...

Showing results 21-40

Practicum Trainee information

What is a practicum trainee?

Practicum trainees are students or early-career professionals who participate in supervised, hands-on work experiences as part of their academic or professional training. These positions allow individuals to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, often within fields such as education, healthcare, psychology, or social work. Practicum trainees work under the guidance of experienced professionals, gain practical skills, and receive feedback to support their growth and future career success.

What kinds of support and mentorship can practicum trainees expect during their placement?

Practicum Trainees are typically paired with experienced supervisors or mentors who provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the placement. Regular check-ins, observation opportunities, and structured evaluations help ensure that trainees are developing the necessary skills and competencies in a real-world setting. Additionally, trainees often participate in team meetings and collaborative projects, allowing them to learn from colleagues and build valuable professional relationships. This supportive environment is designed to help trainees gain confidence and transition smoothly into their chosen field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a practicum trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Practicum Trainee, you typically need foundational knowledge in your specific field of study and active enrollment in a relevant academic program. Familiarity with standard office software, data entry tools, or specialized systems relevant to the industry may be required. Strong communication, adaptability, and eagerness to learn are crucial soft skills that help trainees make the most of experiential learning opportunities. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable trainees to effectively contribute, learn quickly, and transition smoothly into professional roles.

What is the difference between Practicum Trainee vs Intern?

AspectPracticum TraineeIntern
Required CredentialsOften students or recent graduates, sometimes requiring specific courseworkTypically students or early career individuals, sometimes with minimal prerequisites
Work EnvironmentSupervised, educational setting within a company or organizationVaries from educational to professional settings, often part-time or temporary
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, education, social services, and corporate trainingWidely used across industries including business, tech, healthcare, and non-profits

Both Practicum Trainee and Intern roles provide hands-on experience for students or early professionals. Practicum Trainees often focus on educational requirements and structured learning, while Interns may have more varied responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right opportunity for their career development.

Do you get paid for practicum placement?

Practicum trainees are typically unpaid or receive a stipend, depending on the organization and program requirements. Some placements may offer compensation, especially if they involve extended hours or specialized skills, but many are considered learning experiences without pay. It's important to check the specific practicum program's policies before applying.

What are the most commonly searched types of Practicum jobs in California?

The most popular types of Practicum jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Practicum Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Practicum Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Practicum Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Therapist Trainee - Internship/Practicum Student Opportunity (Unpaid)

First Steps Recovery

Shingle Springs, CA • On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Internship

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY 

Therapist Interns or Practicum Students are responsible for coordinating and providing individual, group therapy and biopsychosocial assessment services to clients as well as group, individual and family counseling for clients within the treatment facility. The intern or practicum student works with the treatment team to plan and coordinate the client's progress through the continuum of care. 

Reasonable Accommodations Statement 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Essential Functions: 

  • Uphold and enforce First Steps Recovery standards, policies and procedures, client rights, and professional code of ethics and conduct. 
  • Ability to utilize agency comprehensive assessment tools in KIPU (biopsychosocial, initial treatment plan, individual therapy notes, suicide risk assessment, PHQ9, GAD7, BAM, or other outcome measurements used. 
  • Identify and prioritize individual needs and problems of the client. 
  • Prepare comprehensive interpretive clinical summaries. 
  • Develop person-centered care plans, including prioritized problem lists, client-reported goals, measurable and achievable objectives, and interventions. 
  • Provide individual, group, and family therapy sessions utilizing evidence-based practices. 
  • Document client progress toward treatment plan goals and objectives weekly. 
  • Prepare effective care level step-down transition notes. 
  • Prepare clinical documentation accurately and within agency time frames. 
  • Intervene during crisis intervention situations. 
  • Cooperate with health insurance clinical utilization reviews by providing detailed clinical notes to assist with UR's. 
  • Participate in weekly clinical treatment team meetings. 
  • Participate in the agency's orientation training, staff meetings, and in-service training. 
  • Provide accurate assessment and referral when appropriate 
  • Provide appropriate treatment interventions relative to the specific needs of each client. 
  • Adhere to code of ethics, legal aspects of clinical practice, professional standards, duty to warn, abuse and neglect reporting policies and procedures, and exercise professionalism at all times. 
  • Exercise awareness in cultural competency, client satisfaction, quality of services, client needs, and overall health and safety staff and clients. 
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 
Requirements

Competencies: 

  • Ability to perform duties as a therapist with respect to screening, assessment, individualized treatment planning, crisis intervention, group and individual counseling, referral, discharge summaries, clinical documentation, and professional ethics. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with fellow staff, supervisors, managed health care clinicians, medical and mental health professionals. 
  • Ability to positively interact and develop rapport with clients and their families. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

  •  Working toward Master's Degree in counseling or psychology from an accredited graduate school.


Experience:

  •  Preparing for or looking for practicum placement while in graduate school.


Skills:

  •  Documentation Skills
  •  Analyzing Information
  •  Decision Making
  •  Research Skills
  •  Verbal Communication
  •  Written Communication
  •  People Skills
  •  Resolving Conflict
  •  People Management
  •  Integrity


Certificates & Licenses:

  •  Valid Driver's License
  •  CPR/First AID


Other Requirements:

  •  Negative TB test results within past year
  •  Medical Clearance to work within past year
  •  Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

  •  Standing Walking
  •  Sitting
  •  Transverse Stairs
  •  Handling / Using Fingers

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

  •  Reach Outward Reach Above Shoulder
  •  Squat or Kneel
  •  Bend or Twist 


Other Physical Demands:

  •  Ability to lift/carry 20-50 lbs., Ability to push/pull 20-50 lbs.
  •  Moderate frequency of computer keyboarding,
  •  Moderate frequency of viewing a computer monitor
  •  Daily cleaning including but not limited to: wiping, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing, washing dishes
  •  Assisting in meal preparation, installing water containers for consumption, and shopping as necessary including pushing of carts and carrying grocery boxes/bags.
  •  Conducting garbage disposal, recycling, and collection.
  •  Occasional walks, hikes, and sports outings with clients for physical activities.
  •  Frequent support of clients in gym environment


WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed during day and night shifts at the outpatient facility. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations.


BLOOD/FLUID EXPOSURE RISK:

Some job tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids and/or tissue. Staff must wear gloves and follow infectious control procedures when interacting with clients in conditions in which exposure is possible such as handling onsite urinary analysis, conducting first aid, and conducting search of client's belonging and person. Staff may be exposed to infectious disease, needles, and illicit substances during searches.


Work Schedule:

The employee shall work a flexible schedule under the supervision of the clinical director.