Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS)
Year 2 Practicum
September 2025- April 2026
Name of Practicum Site, Unit or Program:
Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS)
Location:
62 Finch Avenue West, Toronto, On (Yonge/Finch)
Description of the practicum site and student activities:
Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) exists to improve the quality of life for persons living with the effects of acquired brain injury (ABI) and to be a leader in the provision of evidence-based community and client-centered ABI services.
CHIRS is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization primarily funded by Ontario Health at Home and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. CHIRS has earned the highest award from Accreditation Canada – Accredited with Exemplary Status 2021-2025.
CHIRS has evolved into a multi-service agency that provides a broad range of supports to a clientele with diverse and complex needs. CHIRS’ services are designed to form the basis of a comprehensive model of service delivery. Residential services offer supported living opportunities that range from access to 24-hour supervision to supported independent living. Ashby Community Support Services (ACSS) provides support to those individuals who can live more independently or are being supported by family and others in the community with a myriad of services and support. A broad range of clinical programs are offered particularly for those with behavioural, addictions and mental health issues in addition to having a brain injury. Through CHIRS Adult Day Services, which is comprised of an adult day program (CHIRS Club) and community programs, CHIRS can provide productive and meaningful activities for all participants throughout the community and at our drop-in centre.
Student Placement Overview
CHIRS offers a 2-3 day per week, in-person placement opportunity for Master of Social Work (MSW) students during the academic year from September to April. Students will develop clinical skills through direct and indirect social work practice by supporting clients who are living with the effects of moderate to severe brain injury.
Students will be provided with a robust onboarding process and regular supervision to deliver quality care through CHIRS’ clinical model. Students will receive weekly individual supervision by CHIRS Social Worker (MSW, RSW) with opportunities to engage in cross-disciplinary group supervision and study cohorts. Students may receive direction and feedback from members of the clinical team including behaviour therapists, occupational therapists, and neuropsychologists.
Role Description
Weekly tasks and activities of the Placement Student at CHIRS typically include and are not limited to the following:
- Facilitate weekly psychoeducation and client support groups
- Contribute to family program development
Learn tools and tasks to deliver comprehensive case management to individuals accessing service, including assessment and referral • Provide counselling and/or psychotherapy services to a small caseload of clients
- Shadow CHIRS programs and observe team meetings
- Attend staff training when available
Requirements for the Role
- Genuine interest in learning to work with clients and families in the brain injury space
- Practice client-centered social work through a trauma-informed, AOR lens
- Able to provide support to clients in a collaborative and respectful manner in accordance with CHIRS clinical model and agency values
- Able to work independently and as an effective member of a team
- Able to demonstrate effective communication, problem solving and organizational skills
- Counselling, group facilitation, and case management experience are not required but considered an asset
Practicum Requirements:
(Click on all the boxes that apply.)
☐ Immunizations per PHA Guidelines
☐ N95 Respirator/Mask Fitting
☐ Covid Vaccinations
☐ Influenza Vaccination (Flu shot)
☒ Police Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
☐ Driver’s License
☐ Use of Own Car
☐ Travel by public transportation between home visits, or satellite offices, or community meetings, etc.
☐ Comfort working with the population being served
☐ Comprehensive report writing and documentation
☐ Lived experience/Current member of the community being served
☐ Evening attendance
☐ Weekend attendance
☐ Changing shift attendance
☐ Language (specify in field below)
Other requirements:
Please select Fields(s) of Study:
(click on all boxes that apply.)
☐ Children and their Families
☒ Social Justice and Diversity
☒ Mental Health and Health
☐ Social Work in Gerontology
☐ Human Services Management & Leadership
Does your practicum require any previous experience?
(If yes, please specify.)
See description.
Is this practicum in-person, remote or hybrid?
In person
Will this practicum involve direct work or a mix of direct and indirect?
Both direct/indirect
Number of practicums offered: 1
Field Instructor name and credentials:
Ben Promane, MSW, RSW
Application deadline:
March 31, 2025
Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?
Yes, both.
Accessibility Considerations:
- Will the student have access to a private space for notes or computer use? Yes
- Are there breaks between clients/patients/meetings? Yes
- Is the practicum considered fast-paced? Medium
- Is there a high noise level in the practicum? Low
- Is the site wheelchair accessible? Yes
- What are the physical demands of the practicum? None.
- Are there any other accessibility considerations that potential applicants with disabilities should be aware of? n/a
To apply for this practicum, please send a cover letter and resume to miri.ben.dat@utoronto.ca by 4pm on March 31, 2025. Applications will be sent to the site.