Céleste Mattinson, From Placement Student to Intake Worker
New Path Youth and Family Services is committed to providing meaningful learning opportunities to students enrolled in social work and counselling programs.
Over the years, we’ve benefited from having students work with us in a variety of capacities and welcomed the exchange of learning that occurs between students and staff. We have a proud history of mentoring the next generation of community and social service professionals.
Céleste Mattinson is one of those amazing students. A recent graduate of the Bachelor of Social Work program from the University of Ottawa she began her journey with New Path as a placement student during her final semester of studies. As a result of her amazing experiences as a student, Céleste applied for a position and is now working as an Intake Worker with New Path Youth and Family Services.
Here’s Céleste’s story:
When she was trying to decide what field she wanted to study, Céleste began researching different options for the type of work she could do after graduation. This brought her to the Orillia Common Roof, which is one of two multi-tenant buildings that acts as not-for-profit hubs, to speak to someone at New Path who could answer her questions.
“I ended up visiting the Orillia Common Roof to speak with a Youth & Family Therapist about the field, and their experiences so far. During that conversation it was suggested to me that a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree might be a good fit. When I got home that evening I applied to Social Work programs, and eventually went to study in Ottawa,” says Céleste.
When the opportunity to come back to complete her last placement at New Path became available, she was thrilled. “I thought of the conversation I had had with the New Path Therapist so many years ago. My social work education journey started at New Path, so I liked the idea of completing my education and final placement here at New Path. In addition to this, I have had friends who have done placements here and spoke extremely highly of New Path and how it provided them with a well-rounded learning experience,” says Céleste.
Amazing Experiences as a Placement Student
While doing her placement at New Path Céleste had the opportunity to work within different areas of the agency. She worked alongside Early Years Workers in the Early Years Program (Brief in 3), the Walk-In Clinic brief counselling program as well as the Triple P, Positive Parenting program. These experiences allowed her to see how evidence-based practice is utilized in the many programs in a variety of different ways (whether it be through psycho-education or activities).
“I had several training opportunities while doing my placement as well, including: Infant Mental Health training and the InterRAI Screener training. In addition to this, I have had the opportunity to tag alongside my supervisor to attend community meetings, and or celebrations and expand my knowledge of other supports available in the community. I had so many incredible opportunities to learn so much in a short period of time,” she added.
Most Memorable Moment
Céleste says that the most memorable experience isn’t tied to one moment, but to the atmosphere at New Path which is very collaborative and supportive. “Everyone is looking out for each other, and ready to support one another when it is needed. I have never seen the same kind of team work that goes on in this agency anywhere else. While working here I also learned that Children’s Mental Health is what I am most passionate about, and I am fortunate now to have finished my placement and work in an area that I love,” says Céleste.
If you’re interested in learning more about placements at New Path, please visit our website at: www.newpath.ca/careers-student-placements/