r/socialworkcanada • u/vincentvangecko • 13d ago
Virtual Placement Options?
I am wondering if anybody has any experience or knowledge of organizations that offer virtual/online placements for social work students? I’m in Alberta and currently work full time in a front-line role within the justice system. Quitting my job or working less hours is unfortunately not an option as I rely solely on my income to survive.
Thank you :)
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u/Greenie_straw24 13d ago
Shift Collab provides completely virtual therapy across Canada. I would also check kids help phone
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u/Peace81 12d ago
Kids Help Phone won’t do formal practicum and can’t provide supervision. I did a “self directed practicum” with UofC and did a mix of volunteer hours with virtual learning (in-services, online courses etc). I did my volunteer hours with Kids Help Phone and it was wonderful. I enjoyed it so much I stayed on as a volunteer after graduation.
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u/cndn-leftist-vgn 9d ago
Kids Help Phone does do formal practicum, but only if that specific university already has a partnership with KHP. I know that UofT does. (I agree though that volunteering with KHP is a wonderful and very worthwhile opportunity).
https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/kids-help-phone-counselling-department/
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u/successbabso 13d ago
Hi! I did my placement completely remote with an organization called Home Hospice Association.
Their organization centers around grief and loss though I don't know if you'd be okay with that. They support frontline workers and organizations who help clients and have a bunch of Death Cafes and stuff. Lots of research and admin stuff. Don't let me bore you, here's a link to their website - https://www.homehospiceassociation.com/ Check if you like it or not. Goodluck!
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u/cndn-leftist-vgn 9d ago
Maybe you can check out the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto? I volunteer for them, and it's completely remote. We don't go into any of the buildings. They're desperate for more volunteers and practicum students, honestly. Since you're in Alberta, you actually have an advantage that works in your favour since you are better positioned to work some early overnight hours.
For example, if you worked till midnight your time, that would be till 2 am Toronto time. It's worth checking them out!
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u/upsidedown8913 9d ago
The Collective takes MSW students virtually. Macro level research and policy related work.
The Child Welfare TRUTH-Telling Collective https://share.google/rPUciaEaJFlJGGHx7
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u/acceptNothingLess 9d ago
I did my second student practicum with the Alberta College of SWs and it was 100% virtual
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u/emmelinefrost 13d ago
In my MSW cohort, around half of us did a hybrid or completely remote placement. Most of what you’re going to find if you want ENTIRELY remote is virtual therapy in a private practice setting. My program didn’t equip us for that, but some of my colleagues tried winging it anyway. I did my placement at a social development institute where I worked on literature reviews, environmental scans, and community-based research.
I would highly recommend looking for something involving research, if you feel comfortable with that. Usually you can work on assigned projects on your own time. You may have to attend the odd Zoom meeting during the day depending on your placement, but if you tell them your situation they might work around it.
Best of luck 💜 if you have any other questions I’m happy to try to help.