Practicums
The Calgary Drop-In Centre offers a variety of opportunities for students to join us to complete their practicum placement. We strive to offer a diverse and inclusive team environment where students have the support needed to develop their skills and put their knowledge into practice.
We have existing relationships with a wide range of public and private post-secondary institutions to place students, including:
- ABES College
- ABM College
- Academy of Learning Career College
- AGA Academy
- Alberta Business & Health Institute
- Ambrose University
- Ballad Group
- Bow Valley College
- Brookes College
- CDI College
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Columbia College
- Dalhousie University
- East-West College
- Global College of Business and Technology
- Lethbridge College
- Mount Royal University
- Reeves College
- SAIT
- Sundance College
- University of Calgary
Current Practicum Opportunities:
Shelter
As a Shelter Practicum Student, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our clients while actively supporting their journey towards housing stability. Under the guidance of our experienced team, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a trauma-informed and client-centered environment. Your responsibilities will include engaging clients in housing conversations and maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. This practicum offers you a unique chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the community.
Housing
Embark on a dynamic and diverse practicum experience in our Housing department, where you’ll be at the forefront of positive change. This role offers a wide range of impactful tasks, from aiding in housing location and move-in processes to supporting clients in finding their ideal homes and essential resources. You’ll play a vital role in client intake assessments and connecting clients with the right community resources for their successful transition from shelter living. Join us in making a difference and collaborating with both internal and external partners to meet client needs effectively.
Health & Recovery Services
Immerse yourself in the transformative world of our Health & Recovery Services programs. Working alongside a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, recovery care workers, and addictions counselors, you’ll be at the forefront of guiding individuals towards their recovery journey. Your role involves a diverse range of responsibilities, including assisting with clients’ basic needs, participating in case management to help clients overcome barriers, facilitating conversations, and support recovery-oriented group activities. Join us in making a meaningful impact and providing essential support to individuals on their journey to recovery.
Free Goods Program
Practicum students play an important role within the Calgary Drop-In Centre’s Free Goods Program. Throughout your practicum, you will actively participate in various essential roles, including scheduling appointments, warmly welcoming and guiding clients, providing hands-on assistance during appointments, and offering crucial administrative support. This practicum provides an outstanding chance to acquire invaluable experience in working with diverse vulnerable populations. Join us in making a positive impact and gain practical skills that will serve you well in your future career.
We are always looking to develop new relationships with new schools and programs. If you think your practicum requirements would align with the work we do, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will be happy to work with your school to see if our program would align with their requirements.
If you are interested in completing your practicum with and supporting our vision of “A community where everyone can find their home,” please fill out our application form found below.
If you have any questions prior to submitting your application, please reach out to us at practicum@thedi.ca
Practicum Application Form
PLEASE NOTE: while practicum positions do not normally consist of front-line work, it is important for us to tell you that front-line staff are exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened and/or actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm and conflict.
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Working Conditions
While your position does not normally consist of front-line work, it is important for us to tell you that front-line staff are exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened and/or actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm and conflict.