Senior Psychotherapist, Student Health and Wellness

at  University of Ottawa

POSITION PURPOSE:

To provide guidance and support to members of the student community by providing tools, resources, counselling and psychotherapy to help them develop the skills, abilities and lifestyle habits that promote their wellness and mental health. Work collaboratively and synergistically with the university community in the area of student wellness and mental health.

IN THIS ROLE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Individual counselling: In line with the recommended service delivery model and using a student-centered, strengths-based approach, meet individually with students to assess their emotional, psychological and relational development, and then develop and implement short-term therapeutic interventions that will contribute to their well-being. Intervene with students experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties and manage crisis situations, including suicidal crises, in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario or equivalent, to ensure the safety of all parties involved. If necessary, refer students to more specialized or longer-term services elsewhere at the University or in the community, so that they can receive the mental health care they need.
• Group counselling: Design and facilitate group counselling sessions and psycho-educational workshops in order to reach as many students as possible at the same time and foster the creation of mutual support and social integration networks, thereby increasing their resilience to study.
• Expert consultants: Act as an expert consultant to the university community in matters of student mental health and wellness, to promote the appropriation of knowledge on student needs and the various personal situations students experience.
• Team supervision: Supervise a team of professionals working to provide clinical and crisis management services in mental health. Advise team members on best practices and actions to be taken in complex cases involving risk of harm to self or others. Consult supervisor/manager on critical incidents requiring higher level intervention.
• Project Management: Manage a team of professionals working on a variety of projects related to the delivery of mental health and wellness services. Support team members in project planning and management, as well as work methods and processes. Ensure delivery and accountability of assigned projects.
• Records Management: Prepare and maintain detailed records of each student encountered, allowing the sequence and nature of professional services rendered to be traced. Ensures the effective management of these records to maintain confidentiality in accordance with University regulations and College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario guidelines.
• Supervision of others: May, depending on area of expertise and level of experience, supervise the work of professional counselling interns and provide feedback to ensure that they are meeting the needs of each student encountered to the best of their ability, and that professional ethical standards are being adhered to. When necessary, train and supervise students hired under the work-study plan (RTE), such as Peer Counselors, and ensure that their work is completed according to the standards and guidelines given.