Counsellor (2SLGBTQIA+ Support)

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

Primary Purpose

Campus Wellness strives for an environment that reflects our diverse society and student body. To address the unique needs and concerns of 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 reports to a Manager, Counselling Services and provides front‑line clinical mental health programs and services. The role supports academic success, student and campus mental health, psychological wellness, and safety within our diverse and global Waterloo community.

Key Accountabilities

• Clinical Services – using an anti‑racist, trauma‑informed and affirming approach to supporting mental health and wellness, and academic success of students and 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
  • Work along a continuum from single‑session therapy to a short‑term brief therapy model – most clients are assisted within a limited number of sessions
• Advocacy – advocate for and support students’ academic success and personal learning
  • Understand the Ontario medical system, criteria for hormone replacement therapies and gender‑affirming surgeries and remain updated on appropriate local resources for referrals as needed
  • Use a trauma‑informed, gender‑affirming assessment tools and have experience in writing letters of support
  • Collaborate and consult with key campus support services (e.g., AccessAbility Services, Student Success Office, EDI‑R Office) 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
  • Provide consultation/expertise to the university community regarding issues that affect the educational, developmental and psychological well‑being of students; provide consultation services and occasional in‑service training to faculty, administrators and student leaders on mental health and developmental issues
• Clinical Practice – commitment to best clinical practice in mental health
  • Thorough understanding of developmental issues of late adolescence (e.g., relationships, mental health, disordered eating, sexuality, identity and intersectionality)
  • Thorough understanding of, 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
  • Provide clinical counselling with both domestic and international students and maintain awareness of 2SLGTBQIA+ related issues, services and developments on a local, national and international basis
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of local and provincial trans care pathways, related services, research and legislation in clinical practice
  • Maintain 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
  • Represent the department’s interests at conferences, workshops and other professional events
• Graduate Supervision and Training – under the direction of the Manager, provide supervision of graduate students participating in clinical residency, internship or practicum placements at Campus Wellness
• Multi‑Disciplinary Team Member – attend interdisciplinary team meetings, department meetings, Campus Wellness meetings and other meetings as requested

Required Qualifications

Education

• A graduate degree (master’s 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

• Proven record of achievement in clinical counselling; scope of practice must include clinical work with adolescent and young adult populations
• Experience working with an affirmative approach to 2SLGTBQIA+ mental health issues
• Experience working with an anti‑racist and trauma‑informed lens
• Experience in a 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 CBT, DBT and behavioural health expertise
• Knowledge and understanding of trans care pathways, related services, research and legislation
• Awareness of 2SLGTBQIA+ related issues, services and developments on a local, national and international basis
• Knowledge of intersectionality and diversity within the 2SLGTBQIA+ community, and the impact of colonization on Two‑Spirit students
• Connections with and awareness of community organisations that support 2SLGTBQIA+ communities
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (oral and written) and organisational skills
• Demonstrated initiative and strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
• 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 encourages applications from historically disadvantaged and marginalized candidates, including First Nations, Métis, Inuk, Black, racialised individuals, people with disabilities, women, and members of 2SLGTBQIA+ communities. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

Accessibility

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.

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