Programs Practicum Opportunity (Unpaid)

Meet AdaptAbilities.

AdaptAbilities is a nonprofit organization that provides meaningful programs for children, youth, and adults with disabilities across Edmonton and St. Albert. Practicum Students play an important role in helping create supportive, inclusive, and engaging environments where participants can build confidence, independence, friendships, and community connection.

Why Complete Your Practicum With Us?

This practicum opportunity is suitable for students from a variety of programs, including Community Support Worker, Addictions and Community Support Worker, Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Disability Studies, Personal Support worker, Human Services, Occupational Therapy, Art Therapy, Kinesiology, or other related fields. Have a practicum component for Human Resources, Finance, Marketing or Administration? Email pc@adaptabilities.ca with details of your program requirements.

Meaningful, hands-on experience in community, recreation, and respite programs

Opportunities to support individuals with disabilities and contribute to inclusive, empowering programs

Development of valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and inclusion

Guidance, supervision, and mentorship from experienced program leads and professionals

Flexible placements tailored to meet academic requirements

A supportive, collaborative team environment that values growth, respect, and community impact

Opportunities to build confidence through real-world experience

A culture of appreciation and recognition

The Position:

Our program practicum students serve as both allies and ambassadors, working on the front lines to help create a safe, supportive, and community-enriched experience for the individuals and families we serve. Through thoughtful program planning and delivery, they support participants in building meaningful connections, fostering real relationships, and enjoying purposeful, engaging days.

As integral members of our frontline team, practicum students contribute to the delivery of goal-oriented respite programs and services, making a meaningful and lasting impact. This role offers an opportunity to make a difference by supporting individuals in a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment.

Assist AdaptAbilities employees in providing care and support to participants

Support goal-directed respite programs and services

Take initiative to lead engaging, person-centered program activities.

Engage in meaningful interactions with participants, fostering a positive and inclusive environment

Work under the guidance of the Program Supervisor, who will assign duties based on your skills and interests

Support increased participant ratios when necessary, contributing to a more dynamic program

All students are provided training in accordance with the OH&S Act to ensure they can carry out their duties safely and effectively

Placements may be in one or more of the below programs to meet practicum hour requirements while also meeting the needs of programs.

Available Programs

Community Connect (CC)

Provides adults ages 18+ with individualized, person-centered programming focused on personal strengths, interests, and goals. Participants build confidence and community connection through meaningful activities, volunteerism, recreation, and employment related opportunities.

Program Practicum Hours are available Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Out of School Care (OSC) & High School Transition (HST)

The OSC program supports children and youth ages 12–17 who require additional support after school and may no longer be able to access a daycare.

The HST program supports individuals ages 18+ who are continuing their high school education.

Program Practicum Hours area available Monday – Friday, 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Weekend Respite

Provides children ages 3+ with high quality care in a safe, supportive, and fun environment while caregivers take time to rest, run errands, or recharge.

Program Practicum Hours are available Saturdays from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

BeYou Recreation & Social Program

A recreation based social program focused on fun, belonging, and inclusion. Activities may include swimming, gym activities, fitness centre access, indoor playgrounds, games, and community recreation outings.

Program Practicum Hours for BeYou are offered at multiple locations: Meadows (Thu; 5:30–9:30 PM, Fri; 5:30–9:30 PM; Sat 10 AM–2 PM), Leduc (Fri 6–9:30 PM), Clareview (Sat 10 AM–2 PM) and Terwillegar (Sat 10 AM–2 PM).

Program Locations

Millbourne Mall Centre - 3697 Mill Woods Road NW

Orange Hub Centre - 10045 156 Street NW

McKernan Centre - 11341 78 Avenue NW

St. Albert Centre - 7 St. Anne Street

Meadows Recreation Centre - 2704 17 Street NW

Terwillegar Recreation Centre - 2051 Leger Road NW

Clareview Recreation Centre - 3804 139 Avenue NW

Leduc Recreation Centre - 4330 Black Gold Drive

Requirements:

Must be enrolled in Post Secondary program that has a PRACTICUM COMPONENT

Experience working with individuals with disabilities is an asset

Excellent written and verbal communication in English

Strong organizational skills and problem-solving abilities

Flexible, comfortable working independently and collaborating as a team

Clear Police Information Check with vulnerable sector search, and Child Intervention Record Check is required

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to our mission, we encourage you to apply—we look forward to welcoming you to the AdaptAbilities team!

AdaptAbilities is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all practicum students