Applied Forensic Psychology Practicum Coordinator

Position Title: Applied Forensic Psychology Practicum Coordinator

Department: Psychology Department

Position Type: Permanent, Full Time

Classification: MPE Band D

Salary Range: $55,906-68,289

Posting Date: September 17, 2025

Closing Date: September 26, 2025

Overview

The Applied Forensic Psychology (AFP) Program is a direct entry four-year undergraduate program offered within the Psychology Department at StFX. Students enrolled in this program take core courses related to criminal justice (psychology & law, corrections) and mental health (clinical psychology; psychopathology); as well as research methods and statistics; and practicum and professional skills training. AFP faculty and staff work with students to develop practicum opportunities with community-based organizations; mental health settings; federal and provincial corrections; traditional and diversion courts; and law enforcement agencies. The AFP program is designed to prepare students for further employment in various fields – clinical, counselling, social work, law, policing, corrections – through classroom-based instruction and training, as well as experiential learning via field work and practicum placements.

The success of this rapidly growing program requires that the Practicum Coordinator have experience and expertise in professional skills training; is able to engage in an experiential learning approach when supporting faculty with in-class modules; is committed to the goal of helping students acquire skills for working with diverse and vulnerable populations; and maintain our approach to building a strong sense of community within the program.  The Practicum Coordinator will be expected to contribute to the development and coordination of practicum placements, liaising with practicum sites, as well as supervision of practicum students, in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support student practicum placements, including identifying opportunities, liaising with host sites, and guiding students through the placement process.
• Advise students one-on-one and in groups on career goals, practicum readiness, and professional development skills (resume, cover letters, interviews, public speaking).
• Oversee security clearances, agreements, and compliance requirements for practicum placements in collaboration with external partners.
• Monitor student progress during placements, maintain communication with site supervisors, and provide coaching and reference letters as needed.
• Develop and deliver professional skills seminars, mental health literacy training, and other preparatory workshops for students.
• Maintain and update practicum handbooks, policies, records, and program materials; track graduate career outcomes.
• Support program outreach, recruitment, and marketing, including website, social media, and alumni engagement (“Friends of Forensic Psychology”).
• Plan and coordinate program events (guest lectures, symposiums, Forensic Psychology Day), including logistics, budgeting, and promotion.
• Contribute to curriculum design, program meetings, and reporting, while assisting with grant preparation and program development.
• Build and sustain relationships with alumni, community partners, and prospective students to enhance practicum and program opportunities.

Qualifications

• MA or MSc in Psychology (or relevant field such as Adult Education), completed or in progress
• Professional field or post-secondary teaching experience (preferred)
• Experience coordinating or supporting practicum placements, internships, or work-integrated learning
• Knowledge of security clearance processes (e.g., vulnerable sector checks) and ability to guide students through requirements
• Strong organizational skills for managing agreements, student records, and program documentation
• Ability to monitor student progress, communicate effectively with site supervisors, and provide academic/professional support
• Financial management skills, including identifying and addressing student needs related to placements (e.g., travel costs)
• Experience designing and delivering professional skills development seminars or training sessions
• Ability to contribute to policy and procedure development to improve program effectiveness
• Competence in coaching students on career development, including portfolio building, interview preparation, job/placement search strategies, and graduate school exploration

 To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume and references.

StFX is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. 

 Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. 

 We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.   

About St. Francis Xavier University 

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and the personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca 

 About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year.  

For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.