Student Placements
Student Placements at YSM
At Yonge Street Mission, we’re proud to support the education and growth of students pursuing careers in social services and related fields. Each year, we welcome students from colleges and universities across Toronto — and beyond — who are passionate about helping people and creating a city where everyone can thrive.
Whether you’re studying social work, community development, or a related field, a placement at YSM offers hands-on experience in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Recruitment generally begins two to three months before each placement period (e.g., recruitment for September starts in June).
To apply, email your resume and cover letter to our Volunteer Resources department at nchuba@ysm.ca
Please include:
- Your current academic program
- The semester(s) you’re seeking placement for
- Total hours required for your placement
- The start and end dates of your placement
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic programs do you accept students from?
YSM predominantly takes on students for placements who are enrolled in programs related to social services: Bachelor’s of Social Work, diplomas such as Community Worker, Social Service Worker, Community Development Worker, etc. At times, we have been able to host students from programs that align with certain ongoing projects, such as digital marketing or communications programs.
Which departments or programs offer student placements?
YSM offers student placements with many programs and departments across the organization. Examples include Family Services, Bridges Adult Program, Evergreen Youth Drop-In, Food Bank, as well as many others.
How long are the placements?
YSM is typically able to offer placements that are at least 4 months (one semester) long, and can take students for placements that last up to one full academic year.
When should I apply? What’s the process?
Recruitment for each semester typically takes place 2-3 months prior to the placement start date (i.e. recruitment for September placements starts in the preceding June). We ask for each interested student to apply by emailing a copy of their resume and a cover letter to our Volunteer Resources department. Please ensure to include the following information: What program are you currently studying and enrolled in? Which semester(s) are you looking for a placement for? How many hours do you require for the placement? And what are the start and end dates?
Do student placements require a Vulnerable Sector Check?
Yes, all student placements at YSM require a Vulnerable Sector Check to be done before they can start their placement.
Are there any additional health requirements to complete a placement at YSM, such as a vaccination record or Covid-19 restrictions?
No. At the current time, there are no additional health requirements to complete a placement at YSM, though this is always subject to the direction and advice of local health authorities.
I’m working towards a Masters level degree in Social Work or Counselling. Do I follow the same process as other students?
While we do accept MSW students, the process is different. Certain academic programs, such as Masters level students, require additional accommodations in order to secure a placement at YSM; please communicate with your school regarding those placement or supervisory needs, as they may already have connections to YSM.
I’m working towards becoming a registered psychotherapist or counsellor and require a supervised placement in your mental health department. Do I follow the same process as other students?
Qualifying psychotherapist students go through a different process as other student placements. While we do have placement opportunities in this field, there are additional accommodations needed in order to secure a placement at YSM; please communicate with your school regarding those placement or supervisory needs.
I would like to do my placement with YSM. Who should I contact to express my interest?
Please send a copy of your resume and cover letter to Nicholas Chuba (nchuba@ysm.ca). Please ensure to include the following information: What program are you currently studying and enrolled in? Which semester(s) are you looking for a placement for? How many hours do you require for the placement? And what are the start and end dates?
Apply Today
Interested students can email their placement application to nchuba@ysm.ca