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York Hills Centre for Children Youth and Families

Year 2 Practicum

September 2025- April 2026

Name of Practicum Site, Unit or Program:

York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families

Location:

402 Bloomington Road, Aurora Ontario, L4G 0L9

Leslie Street office:

11225 Leslie Street, Richmond Hills, Ontario L4S 1N5

Description of the practicum site and student activities:

Organization Details: York Hills Centre is a not-for-profit community-based children’s mental health center that provides a spectrum of high-quality services to children and youth ages 0- 18 years, and their families, who live in York Region. Our assessment and treatment services include a range of dedicated professional staff that are delivering individual, family and group counselling, community and in-school clinical supports, live in treatment services, day treatment services, alternative dispute resolution, etc.

​​​The student will primarily work in our front door services and brief therapy programs. Depending on the length of their placement and their direct supervisor, the student may also participate in our long-term counseling programs, including Goal Focused Counseling and Day Treatment Services.

​Our front door services support clients in the orientation to our agency and a collaborative treatment plan to access appropriate services not only within the agency but also with community partners, if needed. Our Brief Therapy program provides 3-6 sessions of counselling for families. Additional opportunities may include; supporting waitlist management (monthly support phone calls with families who are waiting for longer term programs), Walk in Clinic/“Here to Help” support line and participation in our single session Booster Clinic for previous clients of York Hills.

​Other opportunities may be available to the student through observation and orientation to our groups and webinars, and a variety of other clinical programs at York Hills. These will be presented as they fit with the students learning goals and the needs of the agency.

​As a member of the York Hills team, the student will be provided with the necessary training to complete assessment and data management responsibilities. This may include training ChYMH, EMHware, and/or a variety of Greenspace tools.  ​​

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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The ​Child and Family Therapist – Student ​ is responsible for knowing and following the organization’s mission, vision and values statements as well as all other organizational and service policies and procedures.

The ​Child and Family Therapist – Student ​ understands and demonstrates ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensures that their own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.

Under the direction of the ​Student Supervisor​, the ​Child and Family Therapist – Student ​ is responsible for providing service in the following areas:

CLIENT SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Under the supervision of their direct supervisor, ensure quality client care that is consistent with best practices, agency standards, and evidence-based approaches (including single session therapy, brief, and solution-focused therapy).
  • Assess level of risk and develop safety plans accordingly using community-based interventions and medical services.
  • Provide referrals to help clients’ access relevant community services when needed.
  • Maintain necessary documentation and case records.
  • Utilize the following clinical constructs in understanding the needs of families: attachment theory, neurobiology, attachment, child development, family systems theory.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Meet scheduled deadlines and program demands.
  • Ensure the client record is maintained as per organization standards.
  • Participate in quality assurance, auditing, evaluation and research activities as required.
  • Input all hours of work, requests for time off and expenses on a timely basis.
  • Maintain up to date registration and certification with appropriate governing body.
  • Attend team meetings, as needed.

ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with collaborative partners, ensuring that mutually agreed upon expectations are met.
  • Participate in staff meetings, team meetings, conferences, trainings, and other meetings as required.
  • Build and maintain interactions with colleagues focused on individual, team and organization success.
  • Use individual supervision and peer supervision opportunities to develop professional goals, consult around cases, and share learning with others.

Skills and Abilities

  • Evolving knowledge of and ability to use evidenced based treatment modalities as endorsed by York Hills.
  • Evolving knowledge of community and organization programs including transitional age youth and adult services.
  • Demonstrated sound judgement related to the development of collaborative approaches including high risk circumstances and safety planning.
  • Ability to work through a lens of sensitivity to diversity related to race, religion, culture, cognitive functioning, poverty, sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Knowledge of anti-oppressive practices and the ability to integrate these practices into all aspects of the placement.
  • Evolving interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.
  • Evolving professional judgement in conflictual and stressful situations.
  • Evolving experience utilizing suicide risk assessment and intervention skills.
  • Above average written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven time management skills.

Qualifications:

  • Evolving knowledge of children’s mental health concerns and behaviours.
  • Evolving knowledge of clinical modalities and evidence-based practices.
  • Valid driver’s license and use of reliable vehicle.
  • Ability to speak French or another language is an asset.
  • Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Knowledge of child and adolescent mental health legislation and regulations.
  • Identification with the strategic mission, vision and values of the organization.
  • Must have a valid vulnerable sector screen.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule with some evening work required.

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 and indirect work.

Number of practicums offered:

TBD

Field Instructor name and credentials:

TBD

Application deadline:

April 10, 2025

Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?

Both resume and cover letter

Accessibility Considerations:

  • Will the student have access to a private space for notes or computer use? No, Shared offices
  • 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? Sitting for extended periods of time,
  • Are there any other accessibility considerations that potential applicants with disabilities should be aware of? No

To apply for this practicum, please send a cover letter and resume to miri.ben.dat@utoronto.ca by 4 pm April 10, 2025 Applications will be forwarded on to the site.

Return to Practicum 2 Off-PAS Opportunities, 2025 – 2026