Black Mental Health Counsellor

Department: Student Services

Position Type: Full time, Permanent

Classification: MPE, Band E

Salary Range: $67,100-81,978 (based on 37.5 hours/week)

Posting Date: May 28, 2026

Closing Date: Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Overview

St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Black Mental Health Professional to join the newly established Centre for Black Student Success. This initiative, funded through the Expression of Interest from StFX to the McCall MacBain Foundation, aims to address the unique mental health needs of our African Nova Scotian/Black student community and to support the development of coping and resiliency skills for all students. The Black Mental Health professional will play a crucial role in providing culturally responsive mental health support, reducing social isolation, and helping students overcome barriers to academic and career success.

To align with StFX’s strategic plan to attract and retain a diverse population of students from underrepresented groups, and to reflect that in our staff and faculty members, we are specifically seeking applicants who self-identify as members of the Black community.

Key Responsibilities

The Black Mental Health Counsellor will play a critical role in promoting inclusivity and belonging of all students. Highlights of the responsibilities include:

• Provide mental health support to individuals and in group-based settings focusing on addressing anxiety, stress, and other mental health-related challenges African Nova Scotian/Black Students face.
• Integrate Africentric approaches to mental health and wellness, ensuring culturally relevant support for Black Students
• Collaborate with other team members (e.g. Diversity Engagement Center, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator, Health & Counselling, Bloomfield Hub) to develop and implement joint programming focused on anxiety and stress management and other mental health program priorities that integrate cultural connections for all students.
• In collaboration with other Centre for Black Student Success staff and community partners, support students from neighbouring African Nova Scotian communities in the transition to university
• Develop and lead proactive, stress-based programming to enhance student coping and resilience for all students on campus

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, Counselling, Psychology, or related field
• Master’s Degree is preferred but not required in Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, or related field.
• Must be registered or eligible for registration as a regulated Health Professional in Nova Scotia (e.g. Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, etc.)
• Minimum of 5 – 7 years of related experience
• Experience working in a university or college environment preferred, with a focus particularly in the small, rural, undergraduate experience.
• Experience in community-based work with Black youth and a deep understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by Black students.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with students, faculty, and staff. Experience working with young adults is considered a strong asset.
• Expertise in career counselling would be an asset.
• Cultural competence and a commitment to Africentric ways of knowing, being, and doing.

To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume and references.

StFX is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at [email protected] or 902-867-5038.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates by providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2027, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 for student retention, #2 in reputation and #3 among Canada’s small universities – a reflection of our excellence in academics, student experience, and community spirit. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.