Two-year Mixed Psychotherapy and Research Practicum Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network
Year 1 Practicum, January- May 2025 and Year 2 Practicum, September 2025-April 2026
Location:
610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Description of the practicum site and student activities:
Master of Social Work Practicum at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The Department of Supportive Care at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre brings together experts from various fields to provide comprehensive assistance for those affected by cancer. With three main divisions—Psychosocial Oncology, Palliative Care, and Cancer Rehabilitation & Survivorship—we address the emotional, psychological, social, practical, and spiritual needs of patients and families from diagnosis to survivorship. Committed to advancing the field, our goal is to excel in clinical care, research, and education.
Program Focus. This practicum offers a two-year immersive experience at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), exclusively for Master of Social Work students at the University of Toronto. The practicum combines direct patient care with research involvement. Students spend two-thirds of their time in direct clinical care, while the remaining third is dedicated to ongoing research initiatives.
Duration. The placement spans two distinct phases: Year 1 concentrates on basic psychotherapeutic principles and psychosocial assessment, while Year 2 shifts focus to more complex psychotherapeutic interventions. Throughout the two years, students will engage with ongoing research and may be offered the possibility to conduct an independent project. Students are required to commit for their Year 1 and Year 2 placements.
Patient Population. Students will work with two distinct populations: 1) adults facing advanced cancer and their primary caregivers; and 2) parents of children diagnosed with cancer receiving treatment at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Please note that students will not work directly with children.
Training Methods. Students receive diverse training, including didactic teaching, direct observation by field instructors, feedback on video-recorded sessions conducted by students, review of other video-recorded material, direct observation by clinicians in the department, case presentations during interdisciplinary supervision meetings, access to research and clinical rounds, workshops, and training programs in cancer-specific therapeutic modalities (e.g., Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully), and shadowing other professionals in the cancer center. Students are required to video-record their encounters with clients, with the clients’ consent.
Resume Submission Instructions. Please submit a detailed resume that provides a comprehensive overview of your academic background, relevant professional experiences, and any relevant certifications. Highlight any prior involvement in healthcare settings or related fields.
Cover Letter Submission Instructions. In your cover letter, please address the following points:
- Alignment: Clearly articulate how this practicum aligns with your academic and career goals. Highlight what draws you to this opportunity and discuss the unique perspectives or skills you believe you can contribute.
- Desired Qualities: Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively, your commitment to self-directed and reflective learning, and your comfort with navigating emotionally charged topics. Provide specific examples that illustrate these qualities.
- Relevant Experience: Highlight past experiences, coursework, or training that showcase your ability to provide empathetic support in challenging situations. If applicable, share experiences working directly with clients to emphasize your readiness for this role.
Conclusion. In conclusion, we invite you to join us on this deeply rewarding journey, where your dedication and compassion can profoundly impact the lives of those facing cancer. Given the limited number of placements and the high volume of applications, we encourage you to apply with sincere enthusiasm. We look forward to receiving your application and the possibility of welcoming you into our close-knit community of committed practitioners.
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:
We seek candidates who embody a collaborative mindset and demonstrate a strong commitment to self-directed and reflective learning. Our ideal students are those who can comfortably engage with patients facing mortality, delving into existential concerns, and processing profound emotions. Given the complexity of the challenges faced by our patients and their families, we highly value individuals who can offer empathetic, grounded support and who thrive in an environment where compassion and resilience are paramount.
Does your practicum require any previous experience?
(If yes, please specify.)
Previous experience with counselling is an asset.
Is this practicum in-person, remote or hybrid?
Hybrid
Will this practicum involve direct work or a mix of direct and indirect?
Mix of direct and indirect
Number of practicums offered:
2-3
Field Instructor name and credentials:
Lisa Klekovkina, MSW, RSW
Laura Foran, MSW, RSW
Maya Stern, MSW, RSW
Kate Hunt, MSW, RSW
Application deadline:
September 26, 2024
Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?
Resume and Cover Letter (see instructions above).
Accessibility Considerations:
- Will the student have access to a private space for notes or computer use? No
- 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? Attendance at in-person meetings, in-person sessions with clients, and in-person research activities
- 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 miri.ben.dat@utoronto.ca by September 26, 2024. Applications will be forwarded on to the site.