Student Crisis Response & Academic Progress Case Coordinator

Date Posted: 12/20/2024
Req ID: 41181
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Ofc of Stud Experience & Well-Being
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Position Number: 00043116

Description:

About us:
The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing's mission is to support the academic and personal success of U of T Scarborough students. The Office is committed to maintaining efficient and effective programs and services that enhance student development inside and outside the classroom by providing strategic guidance and oversight for the following units: Academic Advising & Career Centre, AccessAbility Services, Athletics & Recreation, Health & Wellness Centre, Student Life & International Student Centre and Student Housing & Residence Life. Whether you have questions about your academic or career options, seeking disability support, looking for ways to stay active, interested in joining a club, need to see a doctor or are exploring housing options - we have you covered.

Your opportunity:
In this leadership role, under the general direction of the Dean of Student Experience and Wellbeing and the tri-campus Director & Special Advisor, High Risk and Divisional Support, you will execute and build University of Toronto Scarborough’s capacity to identify and support students that may be or are deemed to be in crisis or at risk. As a key campus resource, you will work closely with the other UTSC Student Crisis Response & Academic Progress Case Coordinator, conducting case consultations and providing advice to staff, senior management and faculty regarding students at risk and in crisis. Many of these cases are highly complicated situations that involve academic difficulties, mental health concerns, substance abuse, issues of trauma, including sexual violence, family problems, and involvement with Student Codes of Conduct, and in some cases the criminal justice system.

The key responsibilities of your role will involve case coordination and management in situations of crisis or critical incidents; collaborating with local partners to strengthen the response time and effectiveness of services to students engaged in disruptive behaviour and/or who are in crisis; developing, implementing and maintaining initiatives designed to enhance resources for students experiencing difficulties, including researching and disseminating appropriate models, strategies and best practices; developing educational materials and presenting at events. In addition, you will be an integral part of various campus and university committees that deal with student health, mental health, violence and safety.

The work of your role will be done in partnership, and through a highly collaborative model of care which is a hallmark of the approach to student support at UTSC. As such, you will work on a day-to-day basis with the other UTSC Student Crisis Response & Academic Progress Case Coordinator, Director of Campus Safety, Issue and Emergency Management, and members from key areas such as Health and Wellness, Student Housing and Residence Life, AccessAbility Services, and the Registrar’s Office. In addition, you will partner with the UTSC high risk response team, and the University’s central High Risk & Community Safety Office to address UTSC registered students with crisis situations, including issues related to their academic progress. You will also work in collaboration with the Director, Sexual Violence Prevention and Support, to build and strengthen networks at UTSC and throughout the University as a whole to provide support, management, and appropriate accommodations for students who are at risk and in crisis as a result of personal or academic situations.

While most of your time involving education and prevention work takes place during normal working hours, you will be required to be part of an on-call roster that responds, along with other University response staff, to emergencies, and crises that occur in the evenings, on weekends and during holidays.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Responding to crisis situations using a wide range of interpersonal and persuasive skills
• Developing individualized long-term and short-term strategies to address the most complex situations for students in crisis or with chronic and complex problems
• Providing initial clinical support and/or counselling to distressed students in crisis and making referrals to appropriate resources
• Documenting much confidential and sensitive information regarding complex case files for distressed students
• Preparing high-risk case briefs used to determine outcomes for students in distress
• Counselling students with on-going complex health needs
• Leading seminars and/or workshops
• Serving as an expert resource to a group of professionals in the specialty

Essential Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in social work, counselling psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, or related field, or an acceptable combination of equivalent education and experience. Member in good standing of a regulated health discipline or profession.
• Minimum eight years of related experience in case management, conflict resolution, mental health and illness, behavioural issues, academic advising, crisis response and management, program development and delivery, specifically within the context of supporting students experiencing difficulty and making progress in their academic programs
• Extensive knowledge and training in crisis management, intervention, case management, and mental health, including dealing with trauma and grief
• Demonstrated experience working with students in a university or educational environment with an emphasis on case management, program development, adult education and individuals in crisis
• Sound knowledge and experience with academic, support and university structures (how the university works), including a holistic understanding and approach in supporting students experiencing difficulty making progress in their academic programs
• Demonstrated experience with the development and delivery of educational workshops and presentations in crisis management, behavioural issues and related subject-matter from a best practice perspective
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with various levels of staff and senior academic administrators about issues facing students in crisis and making sound recommendations and strategies
• Ability to work collaboratively with professional staff across the University, in order to set up a network of aid and response for students whose continual or recurring needs compromise their ability to fulfill the requirements of being an effective student
• Demonstrated ability to exercise patience, tact, sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters
• Demonstrated ability to relate to students, staff and faculty in ways that build confidence and trust
• Must be able to recognize the limits of one's own scope of practice and have an excellent understanding of professional boundaries, as well as have a sound understanding of the Mental Health Act, PHIPA and FIPPA
• Ability to work in a highly diverse community with students from varied backgrounds presenting a range of difficulties and personal issues
• Applicants are expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Approachable
• Communicator
• Discerning
• Problem solver
• Resourceful
• Tactful
• Team player

Notes: 

• A full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office.
• This is a TERM position ending in August 2025

Closing Date: 01/13/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  
USW Pay Band 20 -- $129,085. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $165,073.Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Student Services

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.