Counsellor

University-of-Waterlo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Counsellor position at the University of Waterloo provides front line clinical mental health services to students, supporting academic success and campus wellbeing.

Responsibilities include assessments, treatment planning, individual and group counselling, crisis response, and collaboration with campus services. A graduate degree in counselling and registration under Ontario's RHPA are required.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in counselling professions (e.g. psychology, social work)
• Theoretical and practical training in individual and group counselling
• Registered with a College under Ontario RHPA

Responsibilities

• Provide front line clinical mental health programs and services to students
• Develop and implement treatment planning and counselling/psychotherapy
• Respond to crises and provide same-day service as needed
• Coordinate support and write clinical case notes/reports
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and training sessions

Skills

Clinical counselling

CBT

DBT

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's or Doctorate in counselling

Registered with Ontario RHPA

Tools

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Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID: 2026-02502 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Medical Health and Wellness Employment Type: Temporary Department: Campus Wellness - Counselling Services III Hiring Range: $80,248.28 - $100,310.35 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. This position is being offered as a temporary contract. Contract end date: May 10, 2027. This is a Career Path position. The final level will be determined based on demonstrated skills and experience. Anticipated hiring ranges: USG 10: $80,248 - $100,310 USG 11: $87,620 - $106,749 USG 12: $95,538 - $119,422 USG 13: $104,002 - $130,003

Primary Purpose

The Counsellor is accountable to a Manager, Counselling Services for the provision of front line clinical mental health programs and services. Ultimately, this position underpins the mission of Counselling Services which focuses on supporting and promoting academic success, student and campus mental health, psychological wellness and safety within members of a diverse and global Waterloo community. The mental health, psychological wellness and safety of students are fundamental to the mandate of the university since they are a foundation for personal and academic success.

Key Accountabilities

Clinical Services – for supporting mental health and wellness, as well as personal academic and personal success to clients (i.e., primarily students)

• Clinical assessments: initial/intake assessments; risk of harm assessments
• Treatment planning
• Individual and group counselling/psychotherapy
• Responding to clients in crisis, providing same day service as needed
• Providing support coordination
• Clinical case note and report writing
• Termination planning and referral

Advocacy – the Counsellor is an advocate for and supports students’ academic success and personal learning

• Collaborate and consult with key campus support services (e.g., AccessAbility Services, Health Services, Student Success Office, etc.) related to students’ personal and academic needs.
• Collaborate and consult with faculty, including individual faculty members, the Associate Deans’ offices and academic support areas in the interest of students’ academic success, retention and graduation.
• Design, facilitate and evaluate seminars sessions on various topics (e.g., coping skills, etc.).
• Design, facilitate and evaluate training to student leaders and other key stakeholders across campus on various topics, including suicide prevention.
• The partnership for the mental health, health and wellness, well-being and safety of the campus community includes active collaboration and teaming with a focus on client issues of shared concern.

Clinical Practice – the Counsellor is committed to best clinical practice and best practice in mental health

• The Counsellor has a thorough and expert understanding of developmental issues of late adolescence (e.g., relationships, mental health, disordered eating, transition, sexuality, etc.).
• Remains current with pertinent ethical requirements, research and considerations relevant to the fields of counselling/psychotherapy, mental health assessment and crisis management.
• Maintains a high level of knowledge and awareness of changes and developments in the fields of higher education and counselling, and their implications for the organization and delivery of counselling and clinical services within the institution.
• Represents the interest of the department at conferences, workshops, etc.

Other

As part of a multi-disciplinary team member, the Counsellor attends interdisciplinary team meetings, department meetings, Campus Wellness meetings, and other meetings as requested or directed by their Manager in Counselling Services. Under the direction of their Manager, the Counsellor may provide supervision of graduate students who are participating in clinical residency, internship or practicum placements.

Required Qualifications

Education

• A graduate degree (masters or doctorate) in the counselling professions (e.g. psychology, social work, etc.)
• Theoretical and practical training in individual and group counselling
• Registered with a College under the Ontario’ Regulated Health Professions Act (1991)

Experience

• Proven record of achievement in clinical counselling. Scope of practice must include clinical work with adolescent and young adult population
• Experience in university or college setting is beneficial and strongly preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated skill and effectiveness in the application of a broad spectrum of psychological interventions/therapies especially Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and expertise in behavioural health
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (oral and written) and organizational skills
• Demonstrated initiative and strong skills in problem solving and decision making
• Proven ability to work effectively with a multi-disciplinary team
• Maintain a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.

As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

At the University of Waterloo, we think differently, we act with purpose, and we work together. We advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and enquiry. We are a leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing co-op and work-integrated learning at scale with impact. Learn more about Waterloo.