Counsellor/Therapist

The Counsellor/Therapist role at Wilfrid Laurier University's Wellness Centre is a part-time, limited-term position that provides clinical and therapeutic support to registered students. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to provide short-term, goal-directed counselling and therapy services.

• Intake and Risk Assessment
  • Facilitate the intake process with students, ensuring proper documentation and providing a positive first point of contact.
  • Conduct risk assessments for immediate risk of suicide, homicide, self, or other harm.
  • Ensure timely, effective, and de-escalating responses to risk and crisis concerns.
  • Work collaboratively with the Mental Health Nurse, Special Constable Service, Case Manager, and Director, Student Wellness Centre as required.
  • Create safety/wellness plans for management of suicidal/self/other harm risk as needed.
  • Ensure students are provided with take-away resources, facilitated referrals, and clearly identified next-steps for personal support and safety.
  • Ensure familiarity with crisis resources/supports.
• Personal Counselling/Psychotherapy
  • Maintain an active caseload and collaborate with students to identify treatment goals that are appropriate for short-term therapy.
  • Create a collaborative, individualized treatment plan recognizing students' strengths and needs in accordance with professional standards and best practices.
  • Provide professional counselling to address clients' personal, developmental, and psychological/psychiatric issues.
  • Complete risk assessments and management plans with all clients presenting in crisis, with suicide risk.
  • Provide timely crisis intervention, safety planning, support, documentation, and referral as required.
  • Ensure the Student Wellness Centre Director and team members are aware of students who may be at risk of harm, significant deterioration, or otherwise require support from the Wellness Centre.
  • Assist students whose needs are outside the Wellness Centre's scope of practice to identify and access other support services and facilitate referrals.
  • Facilitate group counselling/peer support groups as required.
• Documentation
  • Complete documentation to ensure effective safety monitoring for students at risk.
  • Use a shared electronic record system to document counselling appointments and related information.
  • Uphold the 'circle of care' approach by facilitating communication with partners external to the Student Wellness Centre by obtaining appropriate consents.
  • Facilitate student support by completing the Student Wellness Centre verification form.
• Communication
  • Respond to questions and inquiries from faculty, staff, parents, and the external community regarding counselling support available, operational details, and crisis response/referral information.
  • Facilitate critical-incident debriefing sessions on campus as required.
  • Communicate with the SWC Leadership Team regarding the need for extended counselling support beyond the short-term model.
• Department/Team Support
  • Actively participate in meetings and consultations with colleagues, including case sharing, professional development, and informal consultation with colleagues.
  • Contribute to the effective functioning and coordination of the department through flexible staffing and service delivery.
  • Participate in department meetings and committees to ensure smooth organizational operations and improved student support.
  • Participate in peer learning/consultation opportunities to maximize optimal trust, culture, and performance within a team environment.
• University Engagement
  • Represent the department through participation in University committees, teams, and working groups (e.g., mental health task force, petitions committees).
  • Demonstrate knowledge and comfort with University systems, processes, and practices, and support students in navigating and accessing services (e.g., petition processes, tuition fee appeal, financial support).
  • Coordinate, facilitate, and participate in events that enhance student wellness (e.g., Radio Laurier, Mental Health Events, student workshops).
  • Contribute to institutional support and emergency response planning as requested.
• Supervision
  • Perform clinical duties according to professional standards and requirements.
  • Seek clarification and support with respect to clinical responsibilities from colleagues, the Director of Student Wellness Centre, and other professionals.
  • Assume personal and financial responsibility for seeking external supervision as necessary.