OUR STUDENT PLACEMENT VALUES

Lifelong Learning

Learning happens in all stages of someone's career. Maternal Health Niagara supports emerging Social Workers by offering placements to MSW students; we grow and learn together.

Humility & Growth

Collaborative and ethically grounded supervision involves respect, reflection, and professional integrity.

We strive to create a supervisory space that mirrors the therapeutic alliance, grounded in trust, attunement, and accountability. Placement is vulnerable, involving being able to ask questions and embracing imperfection. Students are challenged and encouraged to grow personally and professionally.

Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is central to ethical and effective practice. Students are encouraged to explore their inner responses, countertransference, values, and personal histories as part of their professional development.

A Comprehensive Placement

Maternal Health Niagara believes that students should not have to pay for supervision for their placement. Supervision is the foundation of a successful placement, and it includes best practices not only for our students but also for our clients.

We recognize that some practices accept students for their business model; however, some owners do not qualify as supervisors, as they do not meet the clinical requirements. We believe that a quality placement provides internal supervision, which helps ensure safe and ethical practice.

MSW PLACEMENTS

Join Our Team

Providing mentoring opportunities to master students is an important way Maternal Health Niagara gives back to the field. Emily Pollak, MSW, RSW, offers clinical supervision and placement opportunities for Master Level Social Work Students.

If you wish to submit your application, please send a letter of interest and resume to Emily Pollak at hello@maternalniagara.ca

**Please note that Emily will not accept applications for Yorkville University.

Important Note Regarding Former & Present Clients Applying:

As a clinic of regulated health care providers, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards as outlined by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

In honoring our professional responsibilities to both current and former clients, we must carefully consider the impact of dual relationships on therapeutic boundaries, confidentiality, and the integrity of care.

To maintain these standards and protect the well-being of all individuals involved, former and current clients of our clinic may not be eligible for placement opportunities within the practice. This consideration is not a reflection of an applicant’s qualifications or character, but rather a necessary measure to prevent potential ethical conflicts and preserve the trust placed in our clinical relationships.

We appreciate your understanding and your interest in our work. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please feel free to contact us.