Counsellor (2SLGBTQIA+ Support)

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is June 18, 2026 at 11:59PM

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 - 116,396
 • USG 13:  $104,002 -  $130,003

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

Campus Wellness strives for an environment that reflects our diverse society and student body. In order to address the unique needs and concerns of our 2SLGTBQIA+ students we are seeking a 2SLGTBQIA+ candidate who has clinical knowledge and experience in mental health and wellness matters related to the lived and intersectional experiences of 2SLGTBQIA+ individuals and communities, using anti-racist, trauma-informed and affirming therapeutic approaches.

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 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 – using an anti-racist, trauma informed and affirming approach to supporting mental health and wellness, as well as personal academic and personal success of students/clients

• Clinical assessments: initial/intake assessments; Gender Affirming Care Psychosocial Review and Readiness assessments, risk of harm assessments

• Treatment planning

• Individual and group counselling/psychotherapy

• Responding to clients in crisis

• Clinical case note and report writing

• Termination planning and referral

• Working along a continuum from single session therapy to a short-term brief therapy model--the expectation is that most clients can be assisted within a limited number of sessions

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

• Understanding the Ontario medical system, criteria for Hormone Replacement Therapies and Gender Affirming Surgeries and remains updated on appropriate local resources for referrals as needed

• Uses a trauma informed, gender affirming assessment tools and has experience in writing letter of supports

• Collaborate and consult with key campus support services (e.g., AccessAbility Services, Student Success Office, EDI-R Office etc.) related to students’ personal and academic needs.

• Collaborate and consult with Campus Wellness physicians and health care providers .

• 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 seminar and training sessions on various topics.

• The partnership for the mental health, health and wellness, well-being and safety of the campus community includes active collaboration with a focus on client issues of shared concern.

• Provide consultation/expertise to the university community regarding issues that affect the educational, developmental, and psychological well-being of students; provide consultation services an occasional in-service training to faculty, administrators, and student leaders on mental health and developmental issues.

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

• Thorough understanding of developmental issues of late adolescence (e.g., relationships, mental health, disordered eating, sexuality, identity and intersectionality etc.).

• Thorough understanding and affirmative approach to working with 2SLGBTQ+ students, with specific competency in trans and non-binary students’ mental health issues, such as gender dysphoria and minority stress.

• Thorough understanding of intersectionality and diversity within the 2SLGBTQ+ Community, and the impact of colonization on Two-Spirit students

• Provides clinical counselling with both domestic and international students and maintains awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ related issues, services and developments on a local, national and international basis.

• Applies knowledge and understanding of local and provincial trans care pathways, related services, research and legislation in clinical practice.

• 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.

Graduate Supervision and Training

• Under the direction of their Manager, the Counsellor provides supervision of graduate students who are participating in clinical residency, internship or practicum placements at Campus Wellness.

Multi-Disciplinary Team Member

• 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.

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

• Registration with a College is required.

Experience

• The Counsellor (2SLGBTQIA+ Support) plays a key role in providing confident, competent, respectful, and a credible representation of the university. To enhance the effectiveness of this role, the ideal candidate will meet the articulated Qualifications below and will self-identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+  community.

• Proven record of achievement in clinical counselling. Scope of practice must include clinical work with adolescent and young adult population

• Experience working with an affirmative approach to 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health issues

• Experience working with an anti-racist and trauma informed lens

• 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

• Knowledge and understanding of Trans care pathways, related services, research and legislation.

• Awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ related issues, services and developments on a local, national and international basis

• Knowledge of intersectionality and diversity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community, and the impact of colonization on Two-Spirit students

• Connections with and awareness of community organizations that support 2SLGTBQIA+ communities

• 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

• A clear vulnerable sector check is required

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 at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.