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: $80248 - $100310
USG 11: $87620 - $106749

USG 12:$95538 - 116396
USG 13: $104002 - $130003

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

Campus Wellness strives for an environment that reflects our diverse society and student 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 or ext. 45935.