Frequently Asked Questions
Watch the MOMENTUM Residency FAQ Session Recording
Missed the live FAQ session? We’ve got you covered! Watch the recording to get answers to all your questions about the MOMENTUM Residency. Learn more about the program’s mission, application process, and how we’re building the next generation of school mental health leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into what makes MOMENTUM impactful. Watch now!
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For Employers
When does the residency begin?
The residency activities for our second cohort of clinicians is July 21, 2025, but employment for residents at your school or organization can begin as early as desired, once the resident is accepted into MOMENTUM and matched with you. Acceptances and matches will occur during Spring of 2025.
What is required to employ a resident?
- Identify the position you wish to fill with the school mental health professional
- If you are a community based organization, please also include the name of the school(s) associated with the position(s) you wish to fill.
- Offer a salary of $70,000 annually with benefits.
- Ensure sufficient office space for the resident to perform job duties
- Pay $15,000 annually, $30,000 in total for 2 years of the residency, per resident.
- Allow residents to attend the quarterly multi day convenings each year as well as supervision and mentorship meetings, which will be hybrid in nature.
- New for second cohort:supportive webinars for school personnel in best practices in integration of your clinician as well as some onsite consultation to support the match
- Application submission by the due date.
If I apply, am I guaranteed a resident?
- At this time, we cannot guarantee all employers will receive a resident as we have capacity for 16 residents. However, we will do all that we can to offer you a resident.
- If you do NOT receive a resident match, you will be first on the list for our next cohort which begins in July 2026 for the following school year.
What if I am not sure if I will have a vacancy for the 2025-2026 school year, should I still apply?
Yes, however please note that placement priority will be given to employers who have firmly committed to hiring a resident.
I have a new mental health clinician working with us, he/she/they could really benefit from this program - can this employee apply?
- Yes! We will consider any applicant who is interested in learning more about school mental health, anti racist practice, and desires a deeper experience in clinical supervision. Encourage your staff to apply and invest in their growth and commitment to you..
- We view MOMENTUM as not only a recruitment space but also as a retention strategy for those who desire more in depth training and support in an existing role.
Do residents work over the summer?
Yes. Residents have activities during summer months to include our mandatory orientation/learning session from July 21-25, 2025.
As an employer school or CBO, I'm getting applications for mental health practitioner roles. Can they apply for MOMENTUM?
Yes! MOMENTUM sources candidates AND we also accept applicants that are in your hiring pipeline. If your candidates are wondering how they can feel supported and learn more about school mental health before accepting the position, consider referring them to MOMENTUM. If you are seeking more support and capacity for your candidates, offer them a spot in MOMENTUM.
For Candidates
How do I qualify for The MOMENTUM Residency?
- Graduate of an accredited Masters in Social Work or Masters in Counseling Program AND obtain a DC license (LGSW or LGPC) by July 2025.
- Commit to a 2-year employment placement in a DC Public or Public Charter School or Community-Based Organization
- Commit to continued job placement for an additional year in a DC Public or Public Charter School
- Commit to attending The MOMENTUM Residency activities and training that span a 2-year period: Kick off training week is July 21-25, 2025.
- Complete application packet and references by March 4th, 2025.
- Complete additional application materials for employment sites as requested.
- Be eligible for employment in Washington, DC by July 2025
Will there be interviews for the residency?
- Identify the position you wish to fill with the school mental health professional
- If you are a community based organization, please also include the name of the school(s) associated with the position(s) you wish to fill.
- Offer a salary of $70,000 annually with benefits.
- Ensure sufficient office space for the resident to perform job duties
- Pay $15,000 annually, $30,000 in total for 2 years of the residency, per resident.
- Allow residents to attend the quarterly multi day convenings each year as well as supervision and mentorship meetings, which will be hybrid in nature.
- New for second cohort:supportive webinars for school personnel in best practices in integration of your clinician as well as some onsite consultation to support the match
- Application submission by the due date.
If I apply, am I guaranteed a resident?
- Yes. Preliminary interviews will occur during a 2-4 week period after the application deadline of March 4, 2025.
- Second interviews with employers, if invited to participate, will occur in
What if I am not sure if I will have a vacancy for the 2025-2026 school year, should I still apply?
Yes, however please note that placement priority will be given to employers who have firmly committed to hiring a resident.
What is the annual salary for residents?
The annual salary for MOMENTUm residents is $70,000 annually plus benefits offered by the employer.
still have Questions?
We’re here to help! If you’d like to learn more about The MOMENTUM Residency or have specific questions, schedule a quick 15-minute meeting with Marisa Parella, Executive Director of The MOMENTUM Residency.