Provide front-line clinical mental health services and psychotherapy to 2SLGBTQIA+ students using anti-racist and trauma-informed approaches. Collaborate with campus partners and healthcare providers to support students' academic success and psychological wellness.
Requirements summary
Requires a graduate degree in a counselling profession and registration with a professional College. Candidates must have proven clinical experience with adolescents and young adults, specifically using an affirmative approach to 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health.
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: 2026-00821 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Medical Health and Wellness Employment Type: Permanent Department: Campus Wellness - Counselling Services IV Hiring Range: $80,248.28 - $100,310.35 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 hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca 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 Current employees, please apply via the Job Hub. Internal candidates are reviewed first before external applicants are considered. Due to the volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
