Student Wellness Navigator

Department: Student Wellness Services
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Limited full-time: 10 Month Continuing Appointment
Work period is approximately September to May each year
Off work period is June to July each year 

*Off work period can very between May and August depending on departmental needs

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

Reporting to the Student Wellness Navigator Supervisor, the Student Wellness Navigator (SWN) is part of a multidisciplinary team within Student Wellness Services (SWS) and provides proactive, relationship-based wellness support to students through both centralized services within SWS and as an embedded presence within academic colleges or designated departments.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Navigator serves as an entry point for students experiencing personal, social, or mental health concerns, with a focus on early identification, prevention, and equitable access to support. Using a holistic, social determinants of health lens, the Navigator assists students in identifying needs related to mental health, belonging, identity, finances, housing, food security, and other factors influencing wellbeing and academic life.

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. This is not a therapy counselling position. 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.

In addition to direct student support, the Navigator builds and maintains a presence in the academic departments by collaborating with Academic Advisors, faculty, administration, and staff. Through outreach and wellness promotion, presentations, community engagement, and relationship building, the Navigator increases awareness, visibility, and effective use of Student Wellness Services. The Navigator also remains closely connected and integrated with Student Wellness Services to ensure coordinated care, quality oversight, and alignment with institutional priorities.

Requirements

• 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

Employee Type: Continuing Limited Term 
Position Number: 10533017 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 04

Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion 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.

Posting Date:  08/21/2026  
Closing Date:  08/28/2026