Application deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023The Camosun Counselling Centre and Department of Student Affairs welcomes your interest in our Graduate Counselling Practicum Program. We are pleased to announce the availability of 1 advanced practicum positions for the 2023-24 academic year. Program details Application deadline Friday, March 17, 2023Positions available 1Practicum duration September 2023 - April 2024Hours per week Minimum 15 hours/weekNeed more information?Contact Laura Paetkau at paetkaul@camosun.ca or 250-370-3575. About the Counselling Department Camosun's Counselling Team is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of registered Camosun students by providing professional, short-term individual and group counselling services. The students we support arrive at the college from a wide variety of experiences of identity, as well as cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our services are geared towards facilitating emotional and psychological wellness, removing potential barriers to academic success, and helping students to thrive during their studies.We have counselling offices located at both Lansdowne and Interurban campuses and our service hours are weekdays 9am to 4pm (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday until 6pm).Our Training ProgramPracticum student counsellors who undertake a placement with the Camosun Counselling team can expect to gain experience as a generalist counsellor. Practicum student counsellors will be encouraged to develop their practice from a trauma informed lens, while solidifying the unique theoretical underpinnings of their work. Practicum student counsellors will be supported to expand their understanding of the processes of change and emphasize responsible, competent and ethical considerations in their counselling practice.Practicum student counsellors will participate in activities and roles typical of college counsellors at the Counselling Centre. In addition to a primary supervisor, practicum student counsellors will have the opportunity to draw on the support and knowledge of the entire counselling team. Student counsellors will also have the opportunity to see how our team members collaborate with allied professionals within the Department of Student Affairs and the larger Camosun College community.Some or all of the practicum program may be delivered online due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety protocols. In this case, counselling will be offered by phone and video with supervision also taking place virtually.Core ActivitiesOrientation: [approximately 16 hours at start of placement] Practicum student counsellors will participate in an orientation to the Camosun Counselling Department’s facilities and administrative procedures prior to the commencement of the fall semester. The orientation will occur in the last week of August and the first week of September.Counselling: [approximately 6-8 hours / week] The Counselling Centre is a training site for students already possessing advanced helping skills. Our work is based on a short-term service delivery model, though practicum student counsellors will have the option of engaging in a limited number of ongoing counselling relationships (for example, meeting bi-weekly over a semester). Direct service will primarily include individual counselling sessions, with the possibility of taking part in group counselling, workshop facilitation and/or outreach.Supervision: [normally 2 hours / week] The Supervisor is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Practicum student counsellors will receive supervisory feedback on their counselling practice through direct video review. Peer support and case consultation will also take place.Case consult: [2 hours bi-weekly] Practicum counsellors are invited to attend departmental case consult.Indirect service: [3-5 hours weekly] Practicum counsellors will engage in various other activities including documentation, preparation for supervision, video review, consulting informally with the counselling team, and clinical readings. Eligibility and Application Information Practicum EligibilityPracticum student counsellor positions will be reserved for those persons who:Are graduate students currently enrolled in a Master degree in counselling or related discipline (with a clinical focus) at a recognized universityHave successfully completed an initial counselling practicumDemonstrate advanced counselling skills and success in related courseworkCan make a commitment of 8 months from September to AprilDemonstrate enthusiasm about participating in practicum core activitiesApplication RequirementsIf you are interested in being considered for an advanced practicum placement with us, please submit the following documents and information:A cover letter introducing yourself and your theoretical orientation. Please also describe your interest in, and suitability to, this practicum siteA current resume or CVTwo signed letters of recommendation with current contact information (one letter from a supervisor who has observed your clinical/practical experience and one letter from an Instructor/Professor commenting on your academic performance).A recent copy of your university academic transcriptEmail your completed practicum application package to Laura Paetkau at paetkauL@camosun.caInterviews and Selection CriteriaWhile we appreciate all expressions of interest in our advanced practicum program, only students with previous counselling-related clinical and/or practical experience will be considered.Candidate interviews will follow shortly after the application deadline. During the interview, candidates will be asked to discuss their interests and qualifications, as well as take part in a counselling session role play.Qualifications assessed will include such things as:Related experienceCounselling knowledge, skills and clinical approach or styleCase conceptualization, theoretical framework and ethicsPersonal suitability (e.g. judgment, flexibility, sensitivity to diversity, openness to feedback, teamwork) and "fit" with our teamContact information If you have questions or require further information contact Laura Paetkau 250-370-3575paetkauL@camosun.ca