The Department of Wellness and Psychological Services, a multidisciplinary team within
Student Affairs, in partnership with kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track appointment at the rank of Counsellor I, commencing July 1, 2026, subject to final budgetary approval.
In this appointment, you may be cross-appointed to kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre during the initial three years in the position, with potential for renewal.
MacEwan is seeking an individual with lived First Nations, Métis or Inuit (Indigenous)
experiences who is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. As MacEwan University’s Indigenous Centre, kihêw waciston offers personal, academic, financial, and cultural support for students and is open to everyone in the MacEwan community. You will work closely with kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre and have good relationships with Indigenous communities.
During the three year appointment, you will provide patient/client care to individuals and groups as a member of the Wellness and Psychological Services (WPS) as a member of the
counselling team. You will also spend time in kihêw waciston developing Indigenous-focused programming. This may involve collaborating with the Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement and kihêw waciston to plan and organize culturally sensitive programming, evaluations, and events.
WPS provides professional individual counselling, case management and general assessment services to students enrolled at MacEwan University. You will apply a systemic approach to help develop the social well-being of students while simultaneously working to address broader social issues within the university that may act as a barrier to access resources and support. Members of Wellness and Psychological Services may also develop and implement mental health initiatives that align with the strategic goals of Wellness and Psychological Services and the University.
You will contribute to the Wellness & Psychological Services departmental pedagogical expertise by bringing your experience and knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing to facilitate curriculm, programming and resources supporting Indigenous mental health.
Key responsibilities include:
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Providing in-person and telehealth/virtual counselling, case management, and
psychotherapy for a broad range of mental health and wellness concerns; -
Providing basic assessment of health and well-being to address student's presenting concerns and determine appropriate treatment plans, this includes culturally appropriate plans for Indigenous students;
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Providing Indigenous wellbeing practices for Indigenous students that are in alignment with Indigenous ethics;
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Providing safe and affirming counselling for students;
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Supporting students at risk to navigate on and off campus resources to help them
identify and understand ways to change problem areas in their lives; -
Participating in case consultation activities and department meetings;
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Participating in University committees and activities, and/or conducting administrative activities related to the professional practice and optional scholarly activity;
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Handling other responsibilities delegated by WPS Chair and/or AVP Indigenous
Initiatives and Engagement; -
Developing and facilitating in-person or telehealth/virtual group therapy and
psycho-educational workshops, and circles processes; -
Occasionally providing in-service, presentations, and training modules to the department and to the broader campus community related to Indigenous student mental health or broad mental health initiatives to faculty and staff;
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Contributing to Wellness and Psychological Services program evaluation, development, and improvement;
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Remaining familiar and in adherence with the Health Professions Act, Health Information Act, Alberta Health Information Act; CAP/ACSW Standards of Practice, Canadian Code of Ethics/CASW Code of Ethics and Guideline for Ethical Practice, and the CAP Practice Guidelines for Psychologists; and
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Maintaining competence working with technologies (i.e., Microsoft Office, video
conferencing software such as Doxy.me, Titanium, Electronic Records Management
systems for documentation and appointment bookings, etc.), demonstrate capability to operate in a changing technological environment and maintain high-quality records.
You must hold a Master’s degree in Counselling/Clinical Psychology or Clinical Social Work and have a professional registration in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists or the Alberta College of Social Workers.
You will also have experience with professional general assessments, counselling, case
management, group facilitation, and workshop development. Prior experience in the post-secondary education system would be an asset. Other regulated health professionals and those in progress working toward a clinical designation may be considered.
Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous communities, including their diverse backgrounds and culture, socio-economic issues, and educational needs, is strongly preferred. You will demonstrate ethical engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae which demonstrates a highly developed knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and contemporary issues, with a proven ability to engage with Indigenous communities. The successful candidate may be requested to provide a current Police Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check.
Shortlisted candidates may also be asked to provide evidence of their ability to collaborate with Indigenous communities through examples of previous collaboration, or a letter of support from an Indigenous community.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Department Chair to provide three (3)
names/titles/contact information for reference checks.
Only selected candidates will be required to submit official transcripts sent directly from the institutions where you completed your degrees. Questions about this opportunity may be addressed to Forrest Green, Department Chair of Wellness and Psychological Services, at [email protected] or to Terri Cardinal, Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement, in kihêw waciston at [email protected].
