UHN – Princess Margaret Hospital – Sexual and Gender Diversity in Cancer Care Program (Practicum 1 and Practicum 2)
Please note: this is a full-year practicum (April 2026 – April 2027). Practicum 1 SWK4701H in summer 2026 continuing into Practicum 2 SWK4702Y in fall/winter 2026-2027
Location: Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Ave., Toronto
Description of the practicum site and student activities:
- Counselling, support, navigation to 2SLGBTQ+ people being treated for cancer:
Work with patients using a number of core theoretical perspectives such as Queer Theory, Minority Stress and Minority Strengths Theory ,Micro Aggressions, intersectionality frameworks
Practicing a commitment to social justice – using anti-racist, feminist and Queer and 2SLGBTQ+ affirming philosophy throughout the therapeutic work. Helping clients to deconstruct the negative impact of cis-heteronormativity, mono-normativity, sexism, patriarchy, ableism, etc.
Understanding the specific adverse effects of oppression – helping clients to develop more resources for self care, community connection and well being
Specialised Navigation for Queer cancer populations – special focus on non-binary and trans gender people with cancer
Using a trauma, shame and grief informed approach
Integrating cultural humility and cultural competence into therapeutic work
Focus of on cantering queer identities within the cancer experience, ways identities shape and inform receiving cancer care
Basics of contemporary sexology – specialist knowledge of gender, sex, sexuality and relationship diversities, connections of impact of cancer treatment on sex, sexuality, sexual performance, gender expression
Fostering Queer Joy: Fostering joy and pride in our identities, building community, micro affirmations in the therapeutic relationship
- Patient Support Group: Queermunity (2nd & 4th Thursday of every month, group finishes at 6:00 PM). The group integrates a number of approaches (community based, psychoeducational, arts based, psychodynamic) where Queer identities are centered in cancer care.
- Special events – such as Pride – available for patient celebration June 25th
- Opportunities to participate on National Committees, assist with presentations
- Staff training and education, presentations at on site, community and conference events
- Special Project: Space for a student to decide on a special project to work on related to group work, developing a new patient resource, research project, etc. To discuss with instructor
Practicum Requirements:
☒ Immunizations per PHA Guidelines
☒ N95 Respirator/Mask Fitting
☒ Covid Vaccinations
☒ Influenza Vaccination (Flu shot)
☒ Comfort working with the population being served
☒ Comprehensive report writing and documentation
☒ Lived experience/Current member of the community being served (Essential)
☒ Evening attendance
For Year 2 Practicums only, select Fields(s) of Study:
☒ Social Justice and Diversity
☒ Mental Health and Health
☒ Social Work in Gerontology
Does your practicum require any previous experience?
Some experience in group work an asset, experience with EPIC an asset, experience in health care an asset, previous experience with sexual and gender diverse communities required
Is this practicum in-person, remote or hybrid?
Hybrid
Will this practicum involve direct work or a mix of direct and indirect?
70% direct work, (including our Queermunity Cancer Support Group, 2 and 4th Thursday of the month, goes until 6:00.
30% indirect work: developing education presentations, work on program projects, special events, social media posts
Number of practicums offered:
2 practicums – scaffolded.
Summer placement followed by a second-year placement to promote specialised skill development and patient relationships
Field Instructor name and credentials:
Margo Kennedy, MSW, RSW
Application deadline:
Applications requested as soon as possible. Open until filled
Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?
Yes, both please
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? Fast
- Is there a high noise level in the practicum? Low
- Is the site wheelchair accessible? Yes
- What are the physical demands of the practicum? – demands may be more emotionally draining than physical, EPIC is a complex system to learn and navigate
- Students are asked to provide their own lap top computer if possible
- Are there any other accessibility considerations that potential applicants with disabilities should be aware of? Some patients may be quite ill, have colds, flue bugs etc. due to weakened immune system
If you are interested in this practicum, please send a cover letter and resume to miri.ben.dat@utoronto.ca as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.