Mental Health Counsellor (Student Support)

About the role

The Mental Health Counsellor provides professional counseling, crisis intervention, and wellbeing services to university students. The role supports emotional wellness, resilience and personal development, contributing to student success and retention. Working closely with faculty, Student Affairs and external providers, the counsellor ensures comprehensive support for student mental health.

Key responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling to students facing emotional, psychological, behavioral, academic or personal challenges.
• Conduct mental health assessments and develop tailored counseling and support plans.
• Deliver crisis intervention and risk assessment for urgent mental health concerns.
• Maintain confidential counseling records in line with professional and legal standards.
• Coordinate referrals to external mental health professionals, medical providers, emergency services and community resources.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, support groups, outreach programs and awareness initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty, Student Affairs staff and university leadership on wellbeing initiatives.
• Participate in university crisis response and student support teams.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work or a related field (required).
• Professional counseling licensure, certification or eligibility for licensure (preferred).
• Minimum 3–5 years of counseling experience, preferably in higher education or a student‑focused environment.
• Experience providing crisis intervention, mental health assessment and short‑term counseling services.
• Experience developing mental health education and prevention programs (preferred).

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of counseling theories, mental health assessment and intervention techniques.
• Excellent communication, active listening and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage crisis situations professionally and effectively.
• Understanding of confidentiality, ethics and professional counseling standards.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse student populations.