Job Description

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This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
In accordance with the , this 0.8 FTE (negotiable) position has a comprehensive . A market supplement in the amount of $10,333.60 will be added to the annual salary. Including this supplement, the salary range is $69,439.20 to $108,837.60.
This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first review occurring on September 22, 2025.
Location - This position is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton. This position offers flexibility on how working hours are allocated throughout the week.
Working for the Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing
The Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry looks after issues pertaining to the health and wellbeing of learners and residents. The Office provides counselling on academic and personal matters, and advocates for learners and residents. Our aim is to help ensure that undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate learners are not distracted by health matters and are able to perform to the best of their abilities.
Position Summary
Join the Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing (OAW) as our Lead Psychologist, where you will play a pivotal role in designing, supervising, and delivering mental health services to learners in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD). Working closely with the Associate Dean (OAW) and Manager, Office of Education, you will lead a small team of counselling professionals, oversee strategic planning for learner mental health initiatives, and ensure high standards of care. You will also provide direct clinical services and consultation, helping FoMD learners navigate psychological challenges so they can excel in their academic and professional pursuits.
Responsibilities:
Supervise OAW Counsellors

• Lead and support one to two registered psychologists within the OAW, offering professional mentorship and guidance.
• Consult on ethical dilemmas, professional standards, and legislative requirements (e.g., CAP/CPA regulations).
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training for new OAW counsellors, ensuring they meet professional standards.
• Oversee HR functions such as performance reviews, leave management, and professional development for assigned staff.

Strategic Planning & Decision-Making

• Collaborate with the Associate Dean (OAW) to shape and refine mental health initiatives that align with the OAW's mission and FoMD priorities.
• Evaluate program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement or expansion, and implement solutions to better serve learners and staff.
• Represent the OAW on committees and working groups as needed, advocating for resources to address current and future demands.

Provide Direct Psychologist Services

• Deliver individual, couple, and group therapy (including crisis intervention and trauma-informed care) to FoMD learners.
• Conduct formal and informal psychological assessments; coordinate external assessments when needed.
• Offer consultative training and outreach programming (e.g., workshops) for FoMD faculty, staff, and programs.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Ensure proper documentation, confidentiality, and privacy of client records, adhering to professional and institutional policies.
• Oversee client intake, referrals, waitlist maintenance, and related workflows, communicating best practices to the OAW team.
• Monitor overall service utilization to streamline processes, analyze trends, and report findings to OAW leadership.
• Build and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders and campus resources (e.g., Counselling & Clinical Services, Wellness Supports, HIAR).

Qualifications:

• Registered Psychologist in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).

• Note: You must be registered with CAP to practice legally as a Registered Psychologist at the University of Alberta.
• Master's degree in Counseling or Clinical Psychology.
• 7+ years of professional counselling experience, including working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment issues.
• Strong background in trauma-informed care and adherence to relevant regulations (e.g., Health Professions Act, CAP Standards of Practice, CPA Code of Ethics).
• Leadership and supervision experience, with proven success managing and guiding other clinicians.
• In-depth knowledge of counselling theories, developmental/social psychology, personality theory, ethics, group work, and cross-cultural counselling.
• Effective communication and conflict management skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex client needs.
• Technological proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office, Zoom, Google Suite, doxy.me) plus willingness to learn new software and systems.
• Demonstrated organizational, critical thinking, and analytical capabilities, including statistical data collection and interpretation.
• Ability to set strategic goals, contribute to long-term planning, and support the OAW's vision.
• Excellent emotional regulation skills, combined with a collaborative, client-focused mindset.
• Proficiency with Electronic Medical Records or similar software for client record management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience leading a team of psychologists or mental health providers, ideally in a unionized environment.
• Project management skills relevant to mental health initiatives.
• Familiarity with U of A and FoMD policies, procedures, and resources, including Medical Education programs (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Graduate).
• Working knowledge of organizations serving medical professionals (e.g., Physician & Family Support Program, Alberta Medical Association, Canadian Medical Protective Association).
• Awareness of national mental health initiatives that address learner distress and burnout.
• Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research to evaluate mental health programming.
• PhD in Counseling or Clinical Psychology (an asset).

About Us:
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms-physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.
About the Team: The is one of the world's top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

Skills Required