Description

We are seeking a practicum student to join the Early Childhood Center (ECC) at FamilyForward. The ECC serves children ages three to six with histories of adversity who are experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. The preschool provides a highly structured environment utilizing trauma-informed, developmentally sensitive interventions tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. Practicum students will be able to work directly with highly trained teachers and therapists in administering individualized care and treatment to clients with a focus on sensory integration, regulation, and increasing relational health. 

FamilyForward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the treatment of developmental trauma. The agency’s overarching philosophy is based in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), developed by Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD of the ChildTrauma Academy. NMT is a trauma-informed, developmentally sensitive approach to understanding the impact of a child’s history on current functioning. NMT provides the structure to best recognize the presenting behaviors and needs of each child.”

FamilyForward is committed to upholding the Organizational Health Anchors that we have set for the agency, including safety; mindfulness and self-regulation; relational health; cultural diversity, inclusivity, equity, and anti-racism; clinical lens; vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. 

What to expect as part of the Internship Experience:

• A robust and supportive orientation process to both the Therapeutic Preschool and the agency.
• Exposure to and participation in individual play therapy, Theraplay-informed family therapy, group therapy, occupational therapy, and the therapeutic classrooms
• Opportunities to build rapport with children, families, and staff, and support staff in meeting the individualized needs of clients
• Practice composing progress notes and utilizing a variety of assessment tools to track progress 
• Exposure to clinical and organizational frameworks such as the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, ARC Model, and Sunshine Circles 
• Develop projects/programs that align with relevant coursework 
• Consistent supervision with your field work and/or task supervisor 

What to expect on a given day as a Practicum Student: 

•  You will observe, assist and/or participate in the program delivery of client services.
• You will learn and apply effective techniques for communicating and interacting with children who have experienced developmental trauma
• You will identify the personal needs of children and implement therapeutic care to children by assisting classroom staff and therapists, with a focus on play, felt safety, and co-regulation 
• You will continually build your “toolbox” of strategies through training and supervision to proactively support the regulation of the children through sensory integration, regulation, and relational domains. 
• You will implement strategies and individualized therapeutic intervention to support students when they present with challenging behaviors and big emotions while maintaining your own regulation
• You will implement individual and group therapeutic activities with assistance from teachers, educational therapists, and therapists.
• You will provide timely documentation of therapeutic services provided, keep up with emails and other administrative tasks.
• You will engage in activities agreed upon between student and Practicum Supervisor to be detailed in the Educational Learning Agreement.
• You will perform other tasks as assigned by the Program Manager, Supervisor or Practicum Supervisor.

You would be a good fit for this position if you: 

• Are enrolled in a master’s degree program in social work, counseling, public health, or a related field.
• Have excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Are flexible, creative, and have the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, highly collaborative, and mutually respectful environment.
• Are willing to grow your knowledge of developmental trauma to better understand our clients and engage in regular training, skills-building and self-reflection. 
• Can develop trust-based relationships with children, caregivers, and co-workers.
• Are passionate about the work, coupled with strong work ethic.
• Have demonstrated interest and commitment to the specific vision and mission of FamilyForward.
• Are comfortable supporting children experiencing challenging behaviors 
• Have the energy and flexibility to meet the needs of children.
• Have the personal characteristics to provide children with safe, nurturing, secure, and continuous care.

Qualifications