Victim Services Toronto (multiple roles)
Year 2 Practicum, September 2026 – April 2027
Name of Practicum Site, Unit or Program:
Victim Services Toronto (six different programs available)
Location:
Review program descriptions in relevant PDF.
Description of the practicum site and student activities:
Crisis Response Program (2 positions)
Students will participate in practical training and direct practice activities working side by side crisis counselors in office to complete police and client intakes, conduct suicide risk assessments, client needs and safety assessments, and safety planning. Provide crisis intervention, emotional and practical support, information, and referrals/linkages to clients over the phone and face to face.
Please review full description and details of the Crisis Response Program Student Placement [PDF]
Enhanced Services Program (1 position)
Students will participate in practical training and direct practice activities working side by side case coordinators in office to provide short-term case coordination and intervention services to vulnerable victims of crime and sudden tragedy. Students will receive referrals from internal/external programs and community partners, conduct short and long-term needs/safety assessments, safety planning, advocate and assist clients in accessing and navigating health, social services, and justice systems and provide practical assistance to clients over the phone and face to face.
Please review full description and details of the Enhanced Services Program Student Placement [PDF]
Anti-Human Trafficking Program (1 position)
Students will participate in practical training and direct practice activities working side by side specialized anti-human trafficking case managers in office to provide short-term case coordination and intervention services to caregivers, families, and victim/survivors of human trafficking. Students will receive referrals from internal/external programs and community partners, conduct short and long-term needs/safety assessments, safety planning, advocate and assist clients in accessing and navigating health, social services, and justice systems and provide practical assistance to clients over the phone and face to face.
Please review full description and details of the Anti-Human Trafficking Program Student Placement [PDF]
Neighborhood Victim Advocate Program (2 – 3 positions)
Neighbourhood Victim Advocates are co-located within 5 Toronto Police Service (TPS) Divisions and provide intensive crisis intervention and case management services to victims of major crimes and sudden tragedy. This is an in-person placement/practicum opportunity, and the student will be based out of one of the following divisions: 23 Division (Kipling & Finch), 31 Division (Jane & Finch), 14 Division (Dundas & Dovercourt), or 43 Division (Morningside & Lawrence). Students will participate in practical training and direct practice activities working side by side with advocates & the housing specialist to provide short-term case coordination and crisis intervention services. Students will receive referrals from internal/external programs and community partners, conduct short and long-term needs assessments resulting from a crime, safety assessment/planning, advocate and assist clients in accessing and navigating health, social services, and justice systems, assessing eligibility and completing housing applications and provide practical assistance to clients over the phone and face to face.
Note: successful students will be required to undergo a background check with Toronto Police Services for the Neighborhood Victim Advocate program.
Please review full description and details of the Neighborhood Victim Advocate Program Student Placement [PDF]
Community Programs (1 position)
Students will have the opportunity to participate in remote indirect practice activities including online training, assist VST’s community programs such as the Teens Ending Abusive Relationships (T.E.A.R.) Youth Leadership Program planning meetings, attending special projects advisory meetings related to VST prevention programs and administrative tasks such as social media content creation and resource location. Students will participate in practical training and direct practice activities in the office/in the community including working side by side with program staff in the community to co-facilitate T.E.A.R. educational workshops, supporting the Teens Ending Abusive Relationships (T.E.A.R) youth leadership program, social media initiatives (e.g. filming, interviewing) outreach (info presentations, trainings, community booths), and attend community events via the Trauma Dog Program. This role is best suited to someone who enjoys public speaking and is an engaging facilitator.
Please review full description and details of the Community Programs Student Placement [PDF]
Grants and Special Projects Student (1 position)
The student will support the day-to-day execution of projects, events, and partnerships led by the Special Projects and Grants team. This support includes community engagement initiatives, grant-funded pilots, and organizational priorities such as the School Safety Symposium and Ask for Angela. This non-frontline role is ideal for someone who enjoys multitasking and contributing to the smooth operation of diverse projects.
Note: Applicants must also submit two professional/academic writing samples.
Please review full description and details of the Grants and Special Projects Student Placement [PDF]
How to Apply:
Applicants must apply through this Google Form and email their resume and cover letter to Emma Loader-Ricci at students@vstoronto.com no later than April 12, 2026, 11:59 PM.
Practicum Requirements:
Please review specific requirements in the relevant PDF for each opportunity. We anticipate scheduling interviews with successful candidates from late April to early May and aim to have all offers finalized by the end of May.
Please select Fields(s) of Study:
☒ Children and their Families
☒ Social Justice and Diversity
☒ Mental Health and Health
☒ Human Services Management & Leadership
Does your practicum require any previous experience?
Our placement opportunities are most suitable to students who have some work experience in the field. Each placement opportunity has requirements, all listed in the full postings.
Is this practicum in-person, remote or hybrid?
In-person, except for the Community Programs student which is a blend of in-person in the community and some hybrid work, and the Grants and Special Projects student, which is a blend of in-person and hybrid work.
Will this practicum involve direct work or a mix of direct and indirect?
Practicums in the Crisis Response Program, Enhanced Services, Community Programs, and Neighborhood Victim Advocacy Programs are mostly direct client work. Grants and Special Projects is mostly indirect.
Field Instructor name and credentials:
All programs have access to an MSW-level supervisor for an hour of supervision each week through group supervision, or individual supervision as required. The NVA program is the only program where the task supervisor has their MSW.
Application deadline:
April 12, 2026
Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?
Both as well as a completed Google Form
Accessibility Considerations:
- Will the student have access to a private space for notes or computer use? No, shared office spaces
- Are there breaks between clients/patients/meetings? Sometimes
- Is the practicum considered fast-paced? Fast, the crisis team particularly is extremely fast-paced
- Is there a high noise level in the practicum? Medium
- Is the site wheelchair accessible? Yes, offices are wheelchair accessible however the community program practicum student does go into various schools in the community which may not be accessible
- What are the physical demands of the practicum? N/A
- Are there any other accessibility considerations that potential applicants with disabilities should be aware of? Students may spend much of their time sitting or standing (most desks are hybrid standing desks)
If you are interested in this practicum, please apply through this Google Form and email your resume and cover letter to Emma Loader-Ricci at students@vstoronto.com no later than April 12, 2026, 11:59 PM. Applications will be reviewed directly by the site. Please notify miri.ben.dat@utoronto.ca in the Practicum Office that you have applied.