Position Summary
Temporary Full-Time Appendix D Support Staff, replacement contract position (November 16, 2026 – November 12, 2027)
The Mental Health Coordinator works collaboratively as a member of the interdisciplinary Student Health & Wellness team, supporting students with mental health concerns who access Conestoga's Medical Clinic, Counselling Services, and Peer Wellness Services for mental health related concerns. The incumbent independently triages students presenting with mental health concerns, conducts preliminary risk assessments, determines the urgency and type of intervention required, and utilizes de-escalation strategies to support students in distress.
The incumbent provides case management support to help students access appropriate health, academic, learning, and community resources. The Mental Health Coordinator also serves as the primary liaison between hospitals and Conestoga, coordinating support and service connections for students transitioning from hospital care. The Mental Health Coordinator contributes to the development, organization, and implementation of initiatives within Peer Wellness Services, including oversight of the student wellness space, the Breathing Space.
Successful candidates will be required to conduct work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus as required. It is anticipated that this position will meet the needs of the department through a hybrid work arrangement Monday to Friday 8:45am to 4:15pm, with four days on site at the Doon campus, located at 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener and one day remote.
Responsibilities
Assessment, triage and risk management
- Responds to complex or sensitive student inquiries and conducts comprehensive screening, assessment, and triage to determine service needs, assess risk, and identify appropriate supports
- Conducts mental health intakes, gathering and documenting relevant information including presenting concerns, mental health history, medications, hospitalizations, and previous psychiatric care
- Administers and documents standardized screening and risk assessment tools to support clinical decision-making and service planning
- Provides crisis intervention, including de-escalation, safety planning, risk assessment, and resource navigation for students experiencing distress or urgent mental health concerns
- Facilitates timely access to services by coordinating appointments, supporting referrals to internal and external resources, and connecting students with appropriate health and wellness supports
- Obtains and coordinates relevant documentation from community healthcare providers in accordance with PHIPA requirements to support continuity of care
- Consults with faculty, staff, and campus partners regarding student safety concerns and serves as a resource on service navigation and mental health support processes
- Provides guidance and support to front-line staff when situations require advanced assessment, interpretation, or clinical judgment
Peer wellness services
- Serves as the primary support resource for Peer Wellness Navigators, providing day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and problem-solving support
- Monitors and responds to health, safety, and wellbeing concerns within the Breathing Space, including de-escalation and coordination of appropriate supports when required
- Facilitates regular team meetings, case discussions, and collaborative problem-solving activities to support effective peer service delivery
- Supports the recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing development of Peer Wellness Navigators
- Promotes a positive peer support environment by fostering professionalism, confidence, accountability, and alignment with program expectations
- Plans, coordinates, and evaluates activities, programming, and engagement initiatives delivered through the Breathing Space
- Contributes to operational planning, program development, and continuous improvement initiatives related to peer wellness services
Case management and care coordination
- Builds and maintains relationships with hospital and community partners to support student transitions in care and access to appropriate services
- Coordinates hospital referrals and transfers when required, collaborating with healthcare providers, Campus Security, and Emergency Medical Services to support safe and effective care transitions
- Assists students in navigating college and community systems and accessing academic, wellness, and community-based supports
- Provides ongoing follow-up, support, coaching, and care coordination to assist students in implementing treatment plans and achieving wellness goals
- Coordinates meetings and collaborative support planning with students, campus service providers, and external community partners
- Maintains current knowledge of community resources and facilitates referrals to specialized services not available through the college
- Maintains accurate, timely, and comprehensive documentation within the electronic health record system
Resource development and educational support
- Develops, maintains, and disseminates educational resources that support student wellness, mental health awareness, and help-seeking behaviours
- Contributes to the creation, enhancement, and evaluation of wellness-related content, resources, and support materials
- Collaborates with Student Health & Wellness team members and campus partners to ensure educational materials, resources, and initiatives are current, inclusive, and aligned with best practices
- Supports campus-wide mental health promotion and wellness initiatives through resource development, stakeholder collaboration, and educational outreach
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Social Work, or related Mental Health field of study
- Three years experience working directly in the mental health field with demonstrated experience doing risk and crisis intervention with clients experiencing high levels of distress, case planning and clinical interventions
- Licensed in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario is required
- Extensive experience conducting risk assessments, completing safety plans, and making triage decisions regarding intervention or support required
- Knowledgeable about community resources and willingness to learn and develop community relations
- Experience providing coaching, training, and mentorship, with the ability to support the development and performance of student staff
- Well-developed verbal, listening, and written communication skills
- Ability to remain calm, focus on details, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity experience working with culturally diverse individuals and groups
