Sickkids, The Hospital for Sick Children – Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Psychiatry
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave
Description of the practicum site and student activities: This is a shared placement with two co-supervisors. The student will be exposed to both medical social work as well as supporting pediatric mental health patients in a hospital-based setting. This is primarily an outpatient or ambulatory placement with some inpatient work.
In Diabetes, you will work with children, youth, and caregivers affected by all forms of diabetes, particularly Type 1 Diabetes. Some common themes of the work include: adjusting to a new diagnosis, barriers to adhering to treatment, financial issues, complex family dynamics, social implications of the diagnosis, coping with the demands of daily management, diabetes burnout and much more. In Endocrinology, you will work with children, youth, and caregivers with a wide variety of diagnoses impacting the endocrine system. This will include work in the Multidisciplinary Uro-Genital Clinic which focuses on Differences of Sex Development or intersex conditions. The student’s responsibilities and role will include biopsychosocial assessment, supportive counselling, interdisciplinary collaboration, system navigation, advocacy, and connection to community resources.
The Outpatient Psychiatry program at Sick Kids provides short term counselling to patients under 18 experiencing depression, anxiety, selective mutism and OCD as well as children who are experiencing somatic symptoms and related disorders. This involves;
- completing a biopsychosocial assessment for each patient
- providing approx. 12 weeks of treatment (details of this to be determined based on assessment and presenting concerns/ needs)
- collaborating with team
- parent coaching/ support as appropriate
- connecting family to community resources if needed
- observing/ facilitating treatment groups
The selected student will be expected to observe and eventually engage in all of the elements of the role as listed above.
Practicum Requirements:
☒ Immunizations per PHA Guidelines
☒ N95 Respirator/Mask Fitting
☒ Covid Vaccinations
☒ Influenza Vaccination (Flu shot)
☒ Police Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
☒ Comfort working with the population being served
☒ Comprehensive report writing and documentation
Please select Fields(s) of Study:
☒ Children and their Families
☒ Mental Health and Health
Does your practicum require any previous experience?
No
Is this practicum in-person, remote or hybrid?
This practicum is primarily in-person.
Will this practicum involve direct work or a mix of direct and indirect?
This is primarily a direct work placement.
Number of practicums offered:
1
Field Instructor name and credentials:
Kelly Polci, MSW, RSW
Emily Hill, MSW, RSW
Application deadline:
March 26, 2026
Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?
No
Accessibility Considerations:
- Will the student have access to a private space for notes or computer use? Yes
- Are there breaks between clients/patients/meetings? Sometimes
- Is the practicum considered fast-paced? Medium
- Is there a high noise level in the practicum? Medium
- Is the site wheelchair accessible? Yes
- What are the physical demands of the practicum? No
- Are there any other accessibility considerations that potential applicants with disabilities should be aware of? No
If you are interested in this practicum, please send a cover letter and resume to leah.potash@utoronto.ca by March 26th at 4:00 PM. Applications will be sent to the site.