Family Service Toronto (FST) is offering a unique opportunity for an LGBTQ Counselling Internship, for up to 12 months, in its David Kelley LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS Counselling Service (DKS).  The goal for the Internship in LGBTQ Counselling Project is to offer a dynamic environment for LGBTQ-identified MSW clinicians to acquire/enhance the practical skills and experience required to serve LGBTQ clients effectively while learning best practices and effective methodologies.

The Internship may be of particular interest to new grads or staff on educational leave / secondment from their organization.  This Internship supports career development for the successful candidate.  The MSW intern will receive a living allowance of $55,000 for a 12-month placement.  Internship placements for less than 12 months may be negotiated.

FST invites progressive counselling / mental health agencies or programs that wish to add or expand effective and inclusive service to LGBTQ clients to consider providing an existing staff member this opportunity on an educational leave / secondment basis.

The Internship in LGBTQ Counselling is funded by The Counselling Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC) with the intent to support development of LGBTQ-identified services in other areas across Canada.

FST has 15 years of experience supporting and integrating LGBTQ programing into its equity and inclusion practices for service and community involvement.  The organization is pleased to share its expertise with other agencies interested in participating in this project.

The David Kelley LGBTQ & HIV/AIDS Counselling Services at Family Service Toronto serves a largely adult LGBTQ population providing individual, couple, family counselling and group work on a broad range of issues including coming out, sexuality and identity, isolation, discrimination, relationship concerns, parenting, self-esteem, trauma, violence, loss, health and well-being.  Service components include community-based activities and training.

For responsibilities, qualifications and how to apply for the internship, please visit: http://www.familyservicetoronto.org/programs/dks/internship.html. The application deadline is October 15, 2011.