Practicum Volunteer

CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES•Modesto, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Center for Human Services (CHS) is seeking a driven and supportive individual to join our Community Counseling Clinic team as a Practicum Volunteer. This volunteer position is scheduled to start in Spring/Summer 2026. CHS is one of the largest, local non-profits serving Stanislaus County youth and families. Our mission is simple…to change lives and build futures through programs that strengthen and support youth and families. CHS is a place that brings together smart, talented people from diverse backgrounds. We’ve cultivated a truly unique workplace environment that is anchored by our values…integrity, responsiveness, respect, partnerships, innovation and results. To learn more about our programs, check out our website: www.centerforhumanservices.org POSITION SUMMARY: Provide short and long-term couples, family and child counseling for a variety of diagnostic issues. Will participate as a group facilitator and provide assessments.

Requirements

Enrollment in a Master’s program accredited to prepare graduates for a clinical license.
Sufficient course work for approval from the appropriate licensing board to participate in practicum or field work.
Approval from the school of attendance for participation in practicum field work.
Ability to:
Benefit and learn from supervision and consultation.
Perform effective casework and counseling with children, youth and adults.
Prepare clear, concise and accurate clinical notes and agency reports.
Recognize potential crisis situations and have a clear sense of limits, skills and knowledge and when to request consultation.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients, client families and the professional community.
Conceptualize and prioritize client problems and determine clinical needs.
Knowledge of:
Theory, principles, techniques and trends in counseling and therapy.
Community resources
Pass agency paid criminal justice screening including fingerprints.
Pass agency paid TB (Tuberculosis) screening.
Pass agency paid health screening and/or drug testing, if required.
Ability to maintain confidentiality according to agency standards.
Valid California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance coverage.
Pass agency paid MVR clearance with no more than 2 points - if you are under the age of 25 our insurance company will not allow any points.

Responsibilities

Meet all agency requirements.
Work only on site(s) specified by CHS.
Inform all clients of unlicensed MFT, MSW or PCC student status and that client’s case will be discussed with supervisors and other CHS interns/trainees as a part of group supervision.
Show supervisor all written correspondence received or intends to send before it is sent.
Prepare Hours of Experience Log for weekly signature of clinical supervisor.
Include on all written correspondence name and license number of clinical supervisor.
Inform clinical supervisor immediately of crisis issues such as, but not limited to: suspicion of child or elder abuse, potential suicide, hospitalization, Tarasoff situations and dangerous clients.
Document crisis facts carefully and completely in case notes and review those notes with clinical supervisor. All cases notes are to remain in locked files on the premises.
Give copies of current caseload lists and treatment plans to clinical supervisor.
Be on time and attend supervision (group and individual) as scheduled by the clinical team and required by BBS regulations. If in need of help in between regularly scheduled supervision sessions, call assigned supervisor or on-call licensed clinician via the 24-hour clinical cell (209) 380-5632.
Meet with Administrative Supervisor on a weekly basis or as scheduled.
Attend regular staff meetings.
Complete assignments for administrative and clinical supervisor.
Complete evaluations per agency policy.
Agree to only provide treatment services within the scope of your education, training, experience and supervision.
Agree to comply with all Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) regulations and ethical guidelines outlined in their respective professional Codes of Ethics: National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Code of Ethics, or American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics.
Agree to submit an audio taped client session to clinical supervisor on a quarterly basis.
Understand that days and hours scheduled for office use are at the discretion of the agency and may change if needed.
Represent the agency in a professional and competent manner.
Advocate for the best interests of the agency and clients we serve.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, clients, supervisors and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, ancestry, political affiliation, citizenship, disability, medical conditions, marital status, amnesty and military or veteran status.
Will promote and support a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce and be responsive to the population within our service area.
Maintain confidentiality and confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or agency regulations.
Participate in assigned scheduled agency meetings, in-service trainings, conferences and other trainings as determined by the supervisor. This includes serving as an agency representative at assigned community meetings.
Observance of assigned working hours and program appointments by demonstrating promptness and thorough preparation.
Performance of assigned duties with a positive attitude and in the spirit of teamwork, collaboration and cooperation.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Perform job duties in a safe manner to ensure a safe working environment for oneself and others.
Participates in and/or supports agency fund development activities and events.
Preparation of assigned reports, work records, statistical data, job performance evaluations, work plans, etc. in a timely manner.