Intimate Violence Support Practicum

The Practicum Student will assist BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) in conducting trauma-informed and culturally safe surveys with clients who are survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). This role focuses on gathering client feedback to identify service gaps, barriers, and opportunities for improvement within BCFMA’s IPV Service Model Project. The student will coordinate survey administration, ensure confidentiality and safety protocols, compile and organize responses, and support the preparation of reports that inform enhancements to service delivery. This practicum provides hands-on experience in client engagement, research, and collaboration within a government environment, contributing to BCFMA’s commitment to improving accessibility and support for survivors.

The ideal candidate is a student enrolled in a program such as social work, psychology, criminology, sociology, public administration, or a related field, with a strong interest in trauma-informed and culturally safe practices. They should demonstrate:

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Ability to engage with clients respectfully and empathetically, ensuring confidentiality and safety at all times.

• Research and Analytical Skills: Comfortable compiling and organizing survey data, identifying trends, and supporting evidence-based recommendations.

• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage survey administration tasks efficiently, including scheduling and coordinating secure survey delivery.

• Cultural Competency: Awareness of equity-deserving populations and sensitivity to diverse cultural contexts, including Indigenous communities.

• Professionalism in Government Settings: Understanding of privacy standards, client-centered service delivery, and ethical considerations.

• Technical Skills (Asset): Familiarity with survey tools, data entry, and basic reporting software (e.g., Excel, Word).

• Knowledge of IPV Dynamics (Asset): Understanding of intimate partner violence, financial abuse, and related systemic barriers.

This practicum is ideal for students who are detail-oriented, compassionate, and eager to contribute to improving services for survivors of IPV through meaningful client engagement and feedback analysis.

The work directly supports BCFMA’s IPV Service Model Framework, which emphasizes early identification of IPV, survivor-centered practices, and strengthening community partnerships to improve safety and accessibility for equity-deserving populations.