October 6, 2020

We recently refreshed our practicum-like work experience to aid new graduates in gaining the necessary experience to meet the requirements for a Mental Health Practitioner title, which is used throughout the field. This program removes barriers to employment to those entering the mental health field by offering exceptional, on-the-job learning experiences. In addition to removing barriers, the Practitioner Trainee program is also a key part of our efforts to ensure that our clients have access to practitioners from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The program begins with six weeks of training and shadowing that serves as an orientation to the programs and introduces skills they will use while working in our float pool – a group of mental health employees that fill staffing gaps that may occur across the agency due to time off, illness, or staff transitions.

By mid-October, the Practitioner Trainees will begin working in a wide variety of People Incorporated programming – including:

• Crisis Residential Services
• Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS)
• Adult Foster Care (AFC)
• Customized Living
• Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder Services (MI/SUD)
• Children’s Day Treatment

At the end of the six-seven months in the Float Pool, Practitioner Trainees will be eligible to apply for positions at the practitioner level.

“I had a hard time looking for a job in Minnesota because I am from Arizona. I wasn’t able to qualify for any of the counselor positions. But, luckily enough I found this program. I entered this program because I wanted to help people in a mental health setting and I know there’s a big need for it back on my reservation. I am learning a lot from the program already,” said Shoshonia Clark.

Watch this video to hear from a recent graduate on the impact of this program!

2020 Pathways Practitioner Trainees

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