We are seeking a graduate student to serve as the local PAR Research Lead. The successful candidate will coordinate and facilitate the PAR process within their jurisdiction and work closely with local project partners, youth participants, and the national research team.
Project Overview
The Youth Transitions Study (YTS) is a national longitudinal research project examining the experiences of young people transitioning from child welfare services into adulthood. As part of the project, each jurisdiction will conduct a Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Photovoice initiative with young people who have lived experience of child welfare involvement.
The PAR project will engage approximately 8–10 youth co-researchers aged 19+ in a series of facilitated sessions focused on exploring factors that support or hinder successful transitions to adulthood. Through photography, discussion, reflection, and collaborative analysis, participants will identify key themes and recommendations for policy and practice. The project will culminate in a community knowledge mobilization activity or public exhibit.
The PAR projects will be supported nationally by Dr. Melanie Doucet, who will provide training, mentorship, and methodological guidance.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Participate in PAR and Photovoice training provided by the national team.
•    Assist with participant recruitment and retention in collaboration with local community organizations.
•    Facilitate weekly PAR/Photovoice sessions with youth co-researchers.
•    Foster a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and youth-centred environment.
•    Support youth participants in photography, reflection, discussion, and collaborative analysis activities.
•    Maintain project documentation and field notes.
•    Coordinate participant honoraria and project logistics.
•    Work collaboratively with youth co-researchers to identify themes, findings, and recommendations.
•    Support the development of a community presentation, exhibit, or other knowledge mobilization activity, including publications.
•    Participate in meetings with the national YTS team and Dr. Melanie Doucet.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred:
•    Current Master's or PhD student in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Education, Public Health, Community Development, or a related field. However, we will be able to hire qualified applications who have completed graduate training and therefore are not currently students.  
•    Experience working with youth and/or young adults.
•    Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or community engagement activities.
•    Familiarity with qualitative research methods.
•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
•    Ability to work independently while collaborating with a larger research team.

Assets:
•    Experience with Participatory Action Research (PAR), Photovoice, community-based research, or arts-based methodologies.
•    Experience working with youth involved in child welfare systems, homelessness services, or related community sectors.
•    Lived or living experience relevant to the project is welcomed and valued.

This position is covered by a Collective Agreement between the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the University of Prince Edward Island. Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students.