Phoenix Society

Application Process

Interested studentsshould submit:

• A brief cover letter describing their interest and relevant experience.
• A resume.
• (Optional) One or two writing samples (e.g., blog post, article, social media content).

Detailsof the Practicum Opportunity

Location: Phoenix Society, Surrey, BC (Hybrid - on-site and remote)
Reports to: CEO
Hours: Flexible (based on program requirements)
Term: Ongoing placements available (Winter)
Type: Unpaid practicum / academic placement

AboutPhoenix Society

•             Phoenix Society offers support to address,recover from, or reduce harms from substance use, as well as housing, healthcare, education, employment, and community inclusion. We prioritize the socialdeterminants of health, applying the principles of health equity and socialjustice for underserved and marginalized populations.
  
•         We are deeply committed to reconciliation, equity, andstigma reduction - and to telling the stories that reflect the strength anddiversity of the people and communities we serve.

PositionOverview

        Phoenix Society is seeking a CommunicationsPracticum Student to help capture, craft, and share the human storiesbehind our mission.

        Working closely with the Communications Lead andprogram staff, the student will collect impact stories from clients, alumni,and staff to build a storytelling database and create a social mediapost bank that highlights Phoenix's programs, values, and community impact.

      This is an ideal opportunity for a student interestedin communications, journalism, social work, marketing, or public relations whowants hands-on experience using storytelling as a tool for advocacy,engagement, and stigma reduction.

KeyLearning Objectives

By the end of theplacement, the student will:

• Develop practical interviewing, writing, and content creation skills in a non-profit setting.
• Learn trauma-informed and ethical storytelling approaches.
• Build experience translating impact data and interviews into engaging public communications.
• Contribute to internal and external campaigns that promote awareness and reduce stigma around mental health and substance use.
• Gain exposure to organizational communications planning and media relations.

KeyResponsibilities

• Conduct and transcribe interviews with clients, alumni, and staff (with supervision and consent).
• Write short-form and long-form stories for newsletters, the website, and internal publications.
• Create social media posts and story templates for Phoenix's social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Organize collected stories into a storytelling and impact database categorized by theme (e.g., recovery, innovation, reconciliation, community).
• Support photography or short video projects (as appropriate).
• Assist in preparing content for the annual report and donor updates.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and respectful representation.

Qualifications

• Current student in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, Marketing, or Social Work (or related field).
• Satisfactory completion of a Criminal Records Check through Phoenix Society
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Interest in social impact, recovery, and community development.
• Respectful, empathetic communication style with diverse populations.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
• Basic knowledge of social media platforms and content planning tools.
• Photography, video editing, or graphic design skills considered an asset.

Supervisionand Support

The practicum studentwill be placed under Director, Human Resources, and will be directlysupervised by the CEO. Regular check-ins will provide feedback, guidance,and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

• Practical, portfolio-ready experience in community storytelling and social impact communications.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful advocacy and awareness campaigns.
• Mentorship from experienced non-profit and communications professionals.
• Flexible schedule to meet academic requirements.

Employment Type: OTHER