Student Wellness Navigator

University of Guelph•Guelph, ON

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Previous triage or non-clinical intake experience would be preferred.
Post secondary experience an asset with understanding of academic policies and procedures as well as the semester timeline.

Responsibilities

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.
Determines the most suitable pathway for service based on identified needs, eligibility, and service demand.
Facilitates access to both on and off-campus resources.
Coordinates engagement with multiple service providers.
Expedites access to treatment, support and accommodation as required.
Ensures continuity of care.
Develops collaborations with other departments across the university to increase access and navigation for international students and/or other student communities as identified.
Builds and maintains a presence in the academic departments by collaborating with Academic Advisors, faculty, administration, and staff.
Increases awareness, visibility, and effective use of Student Wellness Services through outreach and wellness promotion, presentations, community engagement, and relationship building.
Remains closely connected and integrated with Student Wellness Services to ensure coordinated care, quality oversight, and alignment with institutional priorities.