Student Trainee

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has a term length from November 2026 to May 2027.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton. Virtual services are offered to the greater U of A campuses.

This traineeship is available through grant funding as part of a strategic program developed to both assist in revitalizing the Sexual Assault Centre (UASAC) as well we prepare students for the workforce. Reporting to the Clinical Lead and Drop-in Counsellor, the Student Traineeship: Drop-in Support position will assist key service areas within the UASAC, including the drop-in program, research and evaluation activities. All of which supports the delivery of programming that promotes student engagement, student retention, and wellness in members of the University community who have experienced sexual assault or abuse, relationship violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and other experiences of gender based and/or sexual violence.

The provision of crisis intervention support involves therapeutic interventions responding to, assessing, and addressing disclosures of sexual violence experienced by members of the campus community. This includes one-time and/or short-term provision of information, crisis support, stabilization, risk assessment, safety planning, and/or referrals, and in some cases, accompaniment. For community members dealing with complex mental health concerns related to their experience of sexual violence, the Drop-in Support will actively collaborate with the other UASAC Psychological Support Program staff to provide members with specialized and comprehensive wrap-around care internally. Where this is not possible, the Drop-In Support will help determine referrals to, and initiate contact with, further physical, psychological, and financial support services based on the presenting needs of the community member.

More broadly, the Drop-in support will also develop new and refine pre-existing psychoeducational resources for clients that can be accessed digitally and in person. These resources are aimed at providing support and information to clients outside of individual crisis intervention sessions.

• Provision of Crisis Intervention: Deliver specialized, trauma-informed crisis support, emotional stabilization, and sexual violence resources to students and staff across various mediums (in-person, virtual, phone, email), integrating unique identity and developmental needs into care.
• Risk Assessment & Client Advocacy: Conduct suicide and personal safety threat assessments, exercise independent judgment regarding harm, and support clients through medical, legal, and university accommodation or reporting processes.
• Consultation & Collaborative Care: Collaborate with psychological support teams on complex cases, manage escalations and specialized referrals, and report critical safety information to required internal and external bodies (e.g., Dean of Students, Edmonton Police Service).
• Projects to Support Client Services: Develop client resources, handle data entry for outcome reporting, participate in program and process evaluations, and remain current on emerging trauma-informed advocacy practices.
• Administration and Communications: Securely manage confidential client documentation in alignment with university policies and privacy laws (ATIA/POPA), and prepare structured case materials for clinical supervision.

• Student in a Graduate Program - Psychology or Social Work or equivalent (preferably with a clinical focus).
• Clear vulnerable and intervention record checks.
• Can work independently, flexible and adaptable to change and growth within an organization.
• A personal and professional commitment to building more access, community, and belonging in their counselling service, and UASAC workplace and services.
• Familiarity and adherence to the Health Professions Act, Health Information Act, Access to Information Act (ATIA), The Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists.
• Comfort working with technology like Microsoft Office and Google Apps, video conferencing software such as Zoom, Electronic Records Management systems for documentation and appointment bookings, etc.
• Extensive knowledge of anti-sexual violence advocacy, sexual and gender-based violence response and prevention, crisis intervention support, single-session therapy, trauma-informed care, and suicide intervention.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including but not limited to individuals who are 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized, experiencing disabilities, and/or navigating other intersections of socially marginalized identities.
• Ability to synthesize and conceptualize complex situations and use appropriate judgment.
• High level of critical thinking, analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deal with diverse issues, multi-task, and prioritize.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with individuals of various backgrounds and experiences, including administrators, faculty, professionals, students, and community members.
• Strong knowledge of University environment and student life, including relevant policies and procedures (the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy and Procedure; the Discrimination, Harassment, and Duty to Accommodation Policy and Procedures; the Helping Individuals at Risk Policy and Procedure; the Student Conduct Policy; staff and faculty collective agreements; ATIA and POPA; etc.).
• Knowledge of a wide variety of resources on campus and in the community.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, formal facilitation experience an asset.
• Ability to effectively communicate sensitive material.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Access, Community, and Belonging Philosophy

Interviews are expected to take place during the first two weeks of October.

This position offers a salary range of $49,917 to $56,162 (pro-rated). This position is not eligible for benefits.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.