Doctoral & Clinical Practicum Program

Job Description:

Doctoral & Clinical Practicum Program

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The City of Fort Lauderdale is offering an exciting doctoral, clinical practicum opportunity with Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Psychological Services Program (FLPD-PSP). The NSU- FLPD- PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student is responsible for the application of behavioral science principles, theories, and techniques to a variety of problems (inclusive of substance usage and/or substance abuse), circumstances, and situations encountered in the provision of the police & public safety profession with FLPD personnel and/or their immediate family members.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

A NSU- FLPD- PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student will potentially glean and apply knowledge of educational, managerial, communication, law enforcement, personality, and social psychology principles, methods, and techniques to FLPD personnel and/or their immediate family members. A NSU-FLPD-PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student will assist in the development process of the FLPD Co-Responder pilot program (i.e. collaboration with FLPD’s grant specialists and City of Ft. Lauderdale HR section specialists, collaboration with FLPD command supervisors, shadowing training of FLPD’s sworn personnel and supervisory psychologists who work directly with the FLPD’s Co-Responder program, and assisting with adjunctive responsibilities in the development and success of the program.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS:

A NSU- FLPD- PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student will potentially assist with developing and providing a network of community-based referral resources including mental health services, financial counseling services, and after care substance usage/abuse programs as resources for FLPD clientele and/or their family needs. A NSU- FLPD- PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student will attend and participate in mental health workshops and meetings as needed; A

NSU- FLPD- PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student can also recommend (under supervisory approval) resources within a researched behavioral health, referral service delivery system for FLPD personnel needs based on type of intervention and appropriateness of referral. A NSU- FLPD- PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student will also be available as a resource to the supervisory chain (contingent upon a release of information and under supervisory approval).

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

A NSU- FLPD-PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student will potentially develop considerable knowledge of the philosophy, principles and practices of psychology, professional casework methods, and techniques of counseling applicable to the police & public safety clientele population. A NSU- FLPD- PSP doctoral, clinical practicum student will potentially develop considerable knowledge of the organization and operations of police and public safety agencies/departments.

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

To be eligible for an unpaid clinical, doctoral practicum with the City of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Police Dept., Psychological Services Program (FLPD- PSP), applicants must meet the following conditions.

The NSU Psychology Doctoral, Clinical Practicum requirements for 2026 include:

• Onboarding and Orientation: Students must complete a 5-day mandatory orientation before the start of the fall semester/practicum.
• Supervision: Weekly supervision with a faculty member is required, along with intensive supervision as directed.
• Clinical Experience: Students are expected to work independently and develop therapeutic skills while supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Application Process: Students must meet specific eligibility requirements and pair with full-time faculty lead practicum.
• For more detailed information, you can refer to the NSU Clinical Psychology Practicum Brochure. https://psychology.nova.edu/common-pdf/students/practicum-brochure-2026-2027.pdf
• Polygraph
• Background Check
• Fingerprints
• Drug Test
• Physical Examination.

Doctoral, Clinical Practicum Benefits:

• Gain insight into police and public safety culture, operations and local government.
• Build professional relationships
• Develop workplace skills & receive specialized clinical training at FLPD-PSP
• NSU academic requirements through structured doctoral, clinical experience at FLPD-PSP

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

This is a part time temporary non-benefited position.

Closing Date/Time: 1/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary:

$0.00 Annually