Assistant or Associate Professor Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy

Position Title: Assistant or Associate Professor Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy

Administrative Role: Clinical Practicum Coordinator (SCP program)

Reporting Relationship: Principal-Dean

Position Objective: The Assistant/Associate Professor and Clinical Practicum Coordinator will be responsible for teaching, academic advising, supervision, research, administrative/management duties for the clinical practicum placements, and for supporting the ministry and mission of Martin Luther University College.

Term of Appointment: This is a two-year, limited-term appointment with the possibility for renewal on mutual agreement. It is a union-exempt position as an employee of Martin Luther University College. Luther employees are not employees of Wilfrid Laurier University.

Compensation: $96,300.83 to $100,120.66 per year

Location: Martin Luther University College, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5

Closing Date: August 15, 2026

Start Date: December 1, 2026, or January 1, 2027

DO NOT CLICK THE “APPLY NOW” BUTTON. Please submit your application following the instructions below.

Applications may be submitted by email to. with “Assistant/Associate Professor in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy” in the subject line, or by mail to:

Daranne Harris, Principal-Dean
Martin Luther University College
Wilfrid Laurier University
75 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5

Applicants for the position(s) are required to submit in writing:

• A cover letter indicating their interest and qualifications for the position (two pages maximum)
• A curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information of three references OR three letters of reference
• A philosophy of teaching (three pages maximum)
• List of courses taught and sample of syllabi
• Student course evaluations (if available)
• Samples of published or written work (no more than 30 pages)
• Dissertation title and abstract.
• Research Statement
• DEI Statement
• Professional membership certificate.

This is an existing vacancy.

Luther University College (formerly Waterloo Lutheran Seminary) is seeking qualified candidates to apply for this non-union, full-time limited-term position (with potential for renewal). Applicants must either already be certified as a registered psychotherapist (RP) or have already satisfied CRPO requirements for certification as an RP in Ontario. Applicants must have an earned PhD or equivalent degree, a proven track record of exceptional teaching experience, significant clinical experience including clinical supervision in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, published research and/or community practice, PhD advising, practicum management and a proven ability to be a collaborative team player.

ABOUT LUTHER

(formerly Waterloo Lutheran Seminary) is in Waterloo, Ontario and federated with Wilfrid Laurier University. As a federated college, Luther has its own Board of Governors which oversees the work of the institution. Luther offers academic programming at the undergraduate, graduate, and graduate diploma levels, and is part of the Laurier Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Degrees for Luther academic programs are granted by Wilfrid Laurier University. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance accredit Luther’s graduate programs

Students

Approximately 200 students are enrolled in Luther’s programs at any one time, and another 300 undergraduate students, registered at Wilfrid Laurier University, enroll in Luther courses as electives. 85 students are admitted yearly to Luther’s SCP program. Luther students come from more than thirty different faith traditions while some have no faith tradition at all.

Faculty & Staff

Luther is comprised of sixteen full- and part-time faculty members, along with approximately 20 adjunct faculty who teach on a term-by-term basis. The school is supported by a team of eight full-time staff members working in communications, student services, and administration departments, and another 10 staff members working in part-time and program-related positions.

The Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy (SCP) department typically offers 26 psychotherapy-related courses across three terms, delivered in a variety of formats by both core faculty and sessional (adjunct) instructors. Luther’s functions as an integrated counselling, teaching, and research hub, supporting both student learning and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching

• Teach a maximum of four graduate and/or undergraduate courses/year in the field of spiritual care and psychotherapy as assigned by the Principal-Dean.
• Advise PhD students throughout their academic journey, including comprehensive papers, proposals, doctoral dissertations.
• Coordination of student defense committees (x3).
• Sit on student comprehensive paper and doctoral dissertation committees.
• Advise MA-SCP students on academic progress, vocational direction and clinical placements.
• Provide clinical supervision as needed.
• Regular updates of course syllabi.
• Guest teaching as needed for undergraduate courses.
• Relate to other Laurier and Luther departments and practicum partners to identify, develop and support cooperation in academic programs, research and cross-disciplinary collaboration as needed.
• Consult with staff regarding recruitment needs of the program.
• Promotion of program as needed.
• Administrative responsibilities may be substituted as per faculty manual.

Research

• Engage in peer-reviewed, empirical scholarship, research, and publication that advance developments in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy and, or relevant discipline.

Committees, Council and Meetings

• Serve on Luther and Laurier Committees as assigned by the Principal-Dean.
• Faculty council (3 hours per month), departmental meetings (3 hours per month).

Community

• Participate in the community life of Luther and its events.
• Work with community partners as needed (faith communities, clinical partners, agencies, CRPO).
• Participate in the Faculty and Staff retreat (twice per year).

Clinical Practicum Coordinator

• Provide student support and guidance related to process, options, and expectations of practicum placements.
• Respond to the day-to-day concerns related to practicum-specific matters, including students, clinical supervisors, clinical sites, concerns and challenges, etc.
• Liaise with Luther’s Academic Services Manager & Administrative Practicum Coordinator regarding practicum placement questions/concerns that may arise, or questions related to the CRPO requirements.
• Liaise with CRPO on practicum-related requirements, student eligibility, monitoring regulatory updates and ensuring student compliance with registration and placement standards.
• When needed, escalate issues/inquiries related to practicum placements and procedures by involving Principal-Dean, the SCP Program Coordinator, and the Academic Services Manager & Administrative Practicum Coordinator.
• Collect and document annual feedback from clinical supervisors. The coordinator has discretion to determine the most appropriate timing and method for obtaining and documenting feedback.
• Collaborate with and support Luther staff member(s) in administering and updating policies and procedures for the program.
• Participate in student recruitment and marketing efforts of the SCP program.
• Coordinate the preparation of periodic SCP and practicum program reviews and accreditations.
• Work with and serve as a resource to faculty in the SCP program.
• When required, participate in the CRPO practicum approval process
• Participate in committees and councils related to the practicum program, as needed.

Other

• Comply with the expectations and obligations outlined in the Luther Faculty manual.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Three years’ experience in undergraduate and/or graduate-level teaching in the field of spiritually informed psychotherapy/counselling/expressive therapies. Experience/training in Applied Expressive Arts and Psychotherapy is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of extensive clinical experience in the field of spiritually informed psychotherapy/ counselling/expressive therapies; must be qualified to perform clinical supervision.
• Must hold an earned PhD or equivalent.
• Certification with appropriate associations, including with the College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario (CRPO), or another recognized regulatory body.
• Proven ability to undertake research and publish in peer-reviewed forums.
• Experience in developing creative and student-centered courses utilizing various pedagogical approaches.
• Experience in curriculum development and program mapping using an outcomes-based approach.
• Experience with building courses on teaching/digital platforms; MyLS is an asset.
• Experience teaching in-person, online synchronous and hybrid formats.
• A working knowledge of computer software and Online Learning Delivery Systems.
• Understanding of and ability to work with churches and faith communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and strategic planning.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills.
• The capacity to understand and apply University policies and procedures and the ability to apply them accurately.
• Ability to take initiative and to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to participate constructively as a faculty team member and actively contribute to the broader vision of Luther.

Skills

• Works independently and collaboratively
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Delegation and leadership abilities
• Analytical thinking and sound decision-making
• Detail-oriented and results-driven
• Adapts quickly to new technologies
• Effective conflict management and active listening
• Strong organizational, presentation, and time management skills
• Prioritizes competing demands effectively
• Strategic thinker with strong document analysis skills

Working Conditions

• Office environment
• Frequently required to meet deadlines
• Frequently required to respond to stakeholder demands
• Frequently required to deal with simultaneous immediate demands
• Occasional peak periods, requiring an accelerated work pace
• Occasionally required to travel
• Light physical effort may be required

Candidates who are invited for an interview may be asked to meet constituent groups and make a public presentation. They may participate in a Career Assessment Process (e.g., Pathfinder). Initial interviews may be conducted through video conference.

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in the recruitment and selection process, and to Luther employees at every stage of employment.

Martin Luther University College is committed to diversity and creating a culture of inclusion by increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

DO NOT CLICK THE “APPLY NOW” BUTTON. Please submit your application following the instructions above.