Job Description

Reporting to the Manager of Counselling Services, the Student Wellness Navigator (SWN) is part of a multidisciplinary team in the broader department of Student Wellness Services and serves as an initial point of contact for students requesting mental health support. The SWN provides screening, triage, support, referrals, and coaching for students through short 30-minute meetings (up to 10 per day) within 48 hours of a student requesting service. Together with the student, the SWN determines the most suitable pathway for service based on identified needs, eligibility, and service demand. The SWN is responsible for facilitating access to both on and off-campus resources; coordinating engagement with multiple service providers; expediting access to treatment, support and accommodation as required; and ensuring continuity of care. The incumbent will develop collaborations with other departments across the university to increase access and navigation for international students and/or other student communities as identified.

The SWN coordinates interim resources and provides non-clinical coaching for students if they are waiting for appointments and assists students to understand the scope of service provided. The SWN will participate in presentations and workshops; evaluation of services and quality improvement; and other programming requirements across the department as required.

Requirements for this position include:

• University degree in the field of social work or other related discipline along with a minimum of three (3) years direct experience working in a mental health environment, previous triage or non-clinical intake experience would be preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with diverse and intersecting identities and/or lived experience within equity seeking communities. Contributing to anti-oppressive, anti-racist and trauma-informed practice with students.
• Knowledge of the student experience, particularly with regards to the social determinants of health.
• Post secondary experience an asset with understanding of academic policies and procedures as well as the semester timeline.
• Understanding the broader mental health system, including emergency mental health services, procedures, and legislation. Clear understanding of privacy legislation. PHIPA, Mental Health Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, AODA, etc.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making skills
• Highly developed ability to set priorities effectively in a fast- paced role.
• Suicide risk assessment and intervention skills, verbal de-escalation, crisis management skills (trained in ASIST or equivalent experience or program)
• Knowledge of electronic medical records systems
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; strong written, oral and presentation skills. Technical skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
• May work in the various locations across the university depending on service need.

Flexible work hours, some evenings

Position Number 533-TFT
Classification P04

At the University of Guelph, fostering a is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

University of Guelph