A Family or Behavioral Therapist works with clients who need help dealing with emotional disorders or problems with family and relationships. Addresses client problems in the context of family relationships; helps clients develop ways to recognize and change behavior patterns. Works with individuals, couples or families.
This unpaid internship provides students with the opportunity to fulfill the practicum requirements of their Human Services or Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) program while gaining meaningful, hands-on experience in a professional treatment setting. Designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world practice, the internship allows students to develop clinical, communication, and case management skills under the guidance of experienced behavioral health professionals while working with individuals on their recovery journey. This internship is designed to help students build the knowledge, skills, and professional confidence needed for a successful career in substance use disorder treatment. Through meaningful client interactions, structured supervision, and individualized learning objectives, students gain valuable hands-on experience while satisfying practicum requirements and contributing to services that support recovery and strengthen the health of our community. As a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) Practicum Student, you will: Provide an array of client-centered services under the supervision of qualified professionals. Apply classroom knowledge in a professional behavioral health or human services setting. Practice effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication with clients, staff, and community partners. Identify appropriate community resources and assist with referrals that support client needs. Participate in case discussions and critically analyze challenging client situations while receiving clinical guidance. Learn the history, mission, strengths, limitations, and goals of the practicum organization and integrate this understanding into daily work. Maintain accurate documentation, including practicum hour logs and required coursework. Demonstrate professionalism by adhering to agency policies, maintaining confidentiality, arriving as scheduled, and following workplace expectations. Collaborate with supervisors, faculty, and interdisciplinary team members to support quality client care and professional growth. Learning Objectives Each practicum experience is individualized to align with the student's educational goals and the opportunities available at the practicum site. Students will work collaboratively with the SUDP supervisor to develop learning objectives that are meaningful, measurable, and achievable.
Learning objectives may include:
Applying counseling, case management, and human services concepts learned in the classroom. Developing new clinical, communication, and professional skills. Building knowledge of substance use disorder treatment practices and community resources. Strengthening professional attitudes, ethical decision-making, and motivation. Participating in activities that support competency development in behavioral health settings. Demonstrating growth toward individualized learning goals established with the supervisor.
Objectives should clearly identify:
What the student intends to learn. Activities or duties that will support achievement of each objective. How progress and successful completion will be measured. At the conclusion of the practicum, the site supervisor will evaluate the student's progress toward the established learning objectives.
What You Bring Educational requirements:
Currently enrolled in an accredited Human Services or SUDP academic program that requires completion of a practicum, internship, or capstone experience, or have successfully completed an accredited Human Services or SUDP academic program and are completing the supervised experience hours required for SUDP certification.
Professional Commitment:
A demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, or human services, with a commitment to ethical and professional practice.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, supervisors, faculty, and interdisciplinary team members while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Learning Mindset:
A willingness to receive feedback, engage in self-reflection, and apply classroom knowledge in a professional practice setting.
Professional Standards:
Ability to consistently demonstrate reliability, accountability, punctuality, professionalism, and adherence to agency policies and procedures. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed prior to each quarter Academic Quarter Application Review / Selection Intern Start Fall July-August August-September Winter November-December December-January Spring February-March March-April Summer May-June June-July
OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION
Who May Apply :
This position is open to students enrolled in a Human Services or SUDP program. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills. Prior to employment, the successful candidate must: Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration. This process is conducted in compliance with the Washington Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94). Information received is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. FCA-Flyer_June 2026_English_
Update Supervision:
Intern will receive supervision from an administrative superior as assigned. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and accepted practices. Work is reviewed through status reports, meeting and observations. Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, p olitical affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other re lated materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection. No benefits are offered with this position exceptthose required by the state or federal law.
