Department of Human Resources
OPSEU Job Description
Job Title:
Job Number:
NOC:
Band:
Department:
Supervisor Title:
Career Counsellor
A-175
4033
8
Student Transitions and Careers
Director, Student Transitions and Careers
Last Reviewed:
September 29, 2006
Job Purpose
In collaboration with the entire university, the Office of Student Transitions and Careers
motivates students and alumni in the pursuit of their ambitions, through educating about career
and life choices, providing resources, and creating awareness of opportunity.
Reporting to the Director, Student Transitions and Careers, the Career Counsellor is responsible
for contributing to the development and implementation of career development programs for
all students and alumni at Trent, on both the Peterborough and Oshawa campuses. In addition,
this position leads in the provision of group and individual services designed to guide students
through all facets of career planning, employment preparation, and the transition to full-time
employment and/or advanced levels of study. The incumbent will work with students, staff, and
faculty, student organizations and with other student service areas to develop and implement
appropriate service levels. The Career Counsellor has regular reporting responsibilities to the
Director, Student Transitions and Careers regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the
career counselling support.
Key Activities
1. Advises and coaches students, undergraduate and graduate, and alumni on the career
planning process through individual counselling/coaching, drop-in sessions, workshops,
resource development and other services.
2. Provides individual career counselling, which may include, but is not limited to:
a. Educating students and alumni on the career development process and
providing support in making decisions about careers, further education and
employment.
b. Assisting students and alumni in acquiring relevant and current information
about careers and the labour market and models techniques to aid clients in
developing their work search knowledge, skills and strategies.
c. Administering and interpreting career assessment instruments, as required.
3. As needed, provides resume/cover letter critiques and interview preparation.
4. Provides career counselling and resume critiques in Oshawa, at minimum, 2
Job Number: A-175
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Last updated: August 17, 2015
days/month.
5. Uses technology to provide service and educate students.
6. Develops and facilitates small group workshops and seminars that focus on career and
employment topics -- may include workshops/seminars tailored to specific academic
programs and/or career areas.
7. Develops appropriate resources, exercises and processes to support student career
development.
8. Develops specialized programming for P/T, Oshawa, graduate, international and SASS
students.
9. Observes, coaches and mentors Career Centre staff, student staff, and practicum
students as required.
10. Commitment to continuous professional learning and development
11. Collects, compiles, analyzes and creates statistical reports, as requested.
12. Participates in weekly staff meetings and staff planning sessions by providing input on
directions of initiatives and programs and services.
Analytical Reasoning
Indicate degree of complexity or difficulty of thinking and reasoning required by the job. Provide a
relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job (i.e. not an occasional duty).
Decision Making
Indicate the degree of freedom to exercise initiative or act independently in making day- to-day decisions.
Provide a relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job (i.e. not an
occasional duty).
Impact
Indicate the impact or consequence to the department or University of typical actions or decisions taken by
the job incumbent. Provide a relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job
(i.e. not an occasional duty).
Education
Master’s Degree in Counselling, with focus in Career Counselling, or related degree, plus a
minimum of 2 years career counselling experience, preferably with university students.
Experience Required
1.
2.
3.
4.
Knowledge of counselling and career development theory.
Experience leading, planning and facilitating groups.
Must have excellent individual counselling, communication and interpersonal skills.
Must have demonstrated presentation and facilitation skills and the ability to
communicate with a diverse student population.
5. Well-developed computer skills in presentation software, word processing, audiovisual
equipment.
Job Number: A-175
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6. Excellent knowledge of internet career resources, work search sites and assessment
tools.
7. Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
8. Must have initiative, strong research, organizational and time management skills.
9. Extensive knowledge of labour market conditions and opportunities for work.
10. Must have the ability to take initiative with regard to career and employment
programming.
11. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships.
12. Must possess judgment, particularly with respect to confidential information, patience,
flexibility and adaptability.
13. Must have the capacity to handle a heavy workload.
14. Must be able to maintain credibility of students, faculty, staff and senior administrators.
15. Working knowledge of career assessment instruments such as but not limited to Strong
Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Certification would be an
asset.
16. Able to travel to and work out of two locations.
Responsibility for the Work of Others
Indicate whether the incumbent is directly or indirectly responsible for the work of others. Provide the title
of the position(s) as well as an example of how the incumbent is responsible for the work of others on a
daily basis. Specifically, indicate whether the position has responsibility for hiring and supervision of
student workers.
Direct Responsibility
N/A
Indirect Responsibility
N/A
Communication
Indicate the title(s) of individuals internal and external to the University that the incumbent communicates
with on a regular basis. Provide a brief description of the purpose for communicating with these
individuals.
Internal
External
Motor/ Sensory Skills
Indicate the level of proficiency or precision in motor or sensory skills required by the job. Examples
include but are not limited to: small/large movement to operate machinery; coordinated movement;
equilibrium to maintain balance; dexterity to grasp, move, assemble objects or operate equipment;
hearing, sight, touch, smell, taste. Provide a brief description of tasks performed that require
motor/sensory skills.
Job Number: A-175
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Effort
Indicate the physical and/or mental demands of the position in the ordinary course of performing the role.
Examples include but are not limited to: lifting, moving, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, kneeling,
remaining motionless, sustained concentration or focus. Provide a brief description of the tasks
performed that are physically and/or mentally demanding.
Mental
Physical
Working Conditions
Indicate any physical and psychological conditions of the position that make the job unpleasant,
disagreeable and/or hazardous to health and well-being. Describe the nature, frequency and duration of
exposure.
Physical
Psychological
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Job Number: A-175
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Last updated: August 17, 2015