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.

Responsibilities

- 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.

Qualifications

- Student in a Graduate Program - Psychology or Social Work or equivalent (preferably with a clinical focus).
- Explicit 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.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene,



Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a protected environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Student Success and Experience (formerly Office of the Dean of Students) holds student support at the heart of everything we do. We provide services focused on student well-being and flourishing both in the classroom and beyond.

We offer a wide range of services, including career guidance, health and wellness resources, academic support, and assistance for students facing unexpected challenges or personal difficulties. We also work closely with faculty and staff across campus to ensure students receive coordinated support when they need it most.

📌 Student Trainee (Edmonton)
🏢 University of Alberta
📍 Edmonton