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Practicum Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Practicum Trainee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$26.3K

$44.8K

$65.4K

How much do practicum trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for practicum trainee in Chicago, IL is $44,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Practicum jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Practicum Trainee jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Practicum Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Practicum Trainee job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,843 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Clinical Adjunct Faculty, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) On-Ground

Adler University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$1.4K/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Adler University's CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program invites applications for adjunct faculty positions focused on supervising practicum and internship experiences. The role involves providing clinical supervision, academic instruction, and professional development support to master's-level counseling trainees, ensuring adherence to CACREP standards and the program's commitment to social justice and diversity. The Clinical Adjunct Faculty-CMHC On-Ground position leverages industry knowledge and best practices to promote the mission and vision of the Department of Professional Counseling Programs and the institution. This position supports culture development and management efforts.
Education/Experience:
  • Earned doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from a CACREP-accredited program preferred; a master's degree with significant clinical experience will be considered.
  • Minimum of two years of post-master's clinical experience in mental health counseling.
  • Demonstrated commitment to multicultural competence and social justice in counseling.
  • Experience teaching at the graduate level, preferably in a CACREP-accredited program.
  • Familiarity with online and hybrid teaching modalities is advantageous.
  • Experience supervising counseling students during practicum and internship placements.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active membership in professional counseling organizations (e.g., ACA, AMHCA).
  • Engagement in ongoing professional development and scholarship.

Certifications/Licenses:
  • Licensed or license eligible as a professional counselor (e.g., LPC, LCPC) in Illinois.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Proficiency in delivering effective supervision and instruction to graduate students.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with students, faculty, and site supervisors.
  • Ability to consistently identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations based on observations
  • Strong demonstration of alignment with Adler's social justice mission and vision
  • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and visioning acumen
  • Ability to proactively identify challenges and barriers to stated objective and employ assistance in addressing these
  • Strong collaboration acumen and abilities
  • Demonstration of Emotional Intelligence and professional maturity
  • Proficient and functional knowledge of MS Office (Work, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
  • Strong research acumen and abilities
  • Strong communication acumen including written, oral, and listening

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Teach assigned practicum & seminar graduate courses in the CMHC program;
  • Deliver course content that meets CACREP accreditation standards.
  • Utilize effective teaching strategies to engage diverse student populations.
  • Provide timely and constructive feedback to students.
  • Maintain accurate records of student performance and attendance.
  • Participate in program meetings and trainings if required.
  • Stay current with developments in the counseling field and integrate relevant knowledge into teaching.

Work Environment (Physical Demands):
The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Compensation: $1,400.00/Credit Hour
Universal Core Behaviors:
Communication:
  • Effectively expresses oneself in all oral and written communications.
  • Exhibits good listening and comprehension skills.
  • Keeps others informed, as well as responds, in a timely manner.
  • Demonstrates match between words and actions.
  • Responds with tact, diplomacy, respect and composure when dealing with others.
  • Promotes the spirit and essence of the School's Vision, Mission, Values and Key Strategies through both verbal and written communication.

Teamwork and Collaboration:
  • Cooperates with others toward the achievement of common goals.
  • Seeks consensus and win-win solutions to problems and conflicts.
  • Contributes actively and participates fully in team initiatives.
  • Puts success of the team above own interests.
  • Builds and maintains constructive work relationships.

Responsive to Change:
  • Supports changes in the work environment.
  • Displays a proactive, problem-solving approach toward work.
  • Committed to life-long learning by continuously increasing skills, knowledge and effectiveness.
  • Actively seeks and initiates creative and innovative solutions.
  • Exercises sound, accurate and informed independent judgment when needed.

Quality-Driven and Accountable:
  • Results-oriented and committed to quality through continuous process improvement.
  • Eliminates ineffective activities and closes performance gaps.
  • Anticipates and responds to customer needs.
  • Monitors own performance, accept responsibility for actions and actively seeks feedback.
  • Meets deadlines and completes projects and activities in professional, timely manner.
  • Seeks opportunities to increase productivity and/or reduce costs while maintaining highest quality standards (fiscally responsible).

Support of Vision, Mission, Values, Key Strategies:
  • Supports and models the School's Values of social interest, compassion, justice, respect for the individual, honors diversity and difference, intellectual rigor, optimism and collaboration.
  • Articulates the School's Vision, Mission, and Key Strategies in a way to educate others.
  • Demonstrates active commitment in advancing the School's Vision, Mission and Key Strategies.
  • Exhibits personal integrity, honesty, zeal and compassion.
  • Aligns work processes to advance the school's strategic plan and key strategies.

Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Adler University that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) protection. The University does not discriminate against any individual for employment because of age, religion, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status (including unfavorable discharge from the military), or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.