Master’s Internships

Algonquin College Counselling Services hires interns for both psychotherapy and social work placements. Psychotherapy placements begin in August and go until April of the following year. Social work placements run for a semester, with the first intake running from September to December, and the second intake running from January until April. These positions are unpaid internship opportunities. The total number of available spots can vary from year to year but is generally 3.

Successful applicants will be providing individual counselling to Algonquin College students primarily for personal or mental health challenges. There may be the potential to observe or co-facilitate counselling groups, and to participate in outreach and engagement activities.

All supervisors have extensive clinical experience and meet the supervisory criteria for their relevant regulatory body (e.g. CRPO, OCSWSSW).

Required qualifications/experience:

  • Applying for an internship as part of a social work or psychotherapy master’s program.
  • Police records check including vulnerable sector.
  • Able to commit to a minimum of 3 days a week for the duration of the internship.
  • Ability to work virtually and on-site.
  • Training/experience in counselling-related skills, suicide risk assessment and interventions, and providing services to a diverse clientele.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently, and demonstrate professionalism, problem solving skills, as well as appropriate clinical judgement.

Preferred qualifications/experience:

  • Counselling-related experience (volunteer or work) ideally with post-secondary students/young adults (preferred but not required).
  • Experience supporting or being in a position of responsibility regarding people with variety of mental health concerns, suicide risk.
  • Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Experience with administrative/case management duties.
  • High degree of professionalism.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

To apply:

Please send your cover letter, resume, and transcript to counsellingservicesinternships@algonquincollege.com. Applications for August to April internships are received no later than February 1 of that year and reviewed during the month of February. Applications for January to April internships are reviewed no later than October 1.