OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.

It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.

Reporting to the Manager, Office of the Dean of Students, the Behavioral Intervention and Student Support role is a critical position within the Dean of Students Office focused on providing comprehensive support across the diverse OCAD University (OCAD U) student community, who are experiencing behavioural, mental health, or crisis-related challenges. This role is responsible for coordinating and managing interventions for students at risk, facilitating conflict resolution, and collaborating with campus partners to ensure students receive the appropriate support services. Working closely with the Dean of Students, Manager and other key stakeholders across the University, the Behavioral Intervention and Student Support role assists in identifying students in distress, developing early intervention strategies, and providing ongoing case management. The position ensures that students understand their rights and responsibilities to help navigate them through the conduct or support processes. 

In addition to handling immediate behavioural concerns, this position involves long-term case management and overseeing behaviour management plans. The individual in this role will also manage documentation, record-keeping, and reporting on behavioral interventions to senior leadership, while working collaboratively with various university departments to ensure a holistic approach to student wellness.  

The Office of the Dean of Students is committed to decolonization and centering the student journey. This position will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to identify, remove and prevent systemic and structural barriers, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in approaches to student engagement and support. 

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Office of the Dean of Students, to implement student-centred case management support for behaviour-related incidents, managing referrals and coordinating interventions for students at risk. 
• Facilitate alternative conflict resolution methods, including mediation and restorative justice, to support students in resolving disputes. 
• Provide support and options to students in crisis, including those experiencing mental health challenges, behavioural concerns, or safety risks. 
• Respond to urgent student matters on campus and employ crisis intervention strategies as per the Students in Distress Protocol.  
• Participate in the development and implementation of awareness campaigns and outreach to educate the community on student support policies and programs.  
• Collaborate with campus partners such as the Student Wellness Centre and Campus Security to develop comprehensive support plans for students. 
• Assist in identifying students in distress and developing early intervention strategies to support their well-being. 
• Provide guidance and support to students who may not wish to access traditional support services, ensuring they receive appropriate interventions and referrals. 
• Develop, implement, and track behaviour management plans and contracts for students involved in conduct issues or behavioural concerns. 
• Liaise with faculty, staff, and administrators to ensure appropriate support and interventions are in place for students. 
• Support students involved in the conduct process by helping them understand their rights, responsibilities, and the available resources for resolution. 
• Supervise the implementation of behaviour intervention plans, tracking progress and adjusting strategies as necessary, discerning when consultation and/or escalation to the Dean is required. 
• Coordinate referrals to external services or resources as needed, including community mental health providers and crisis intervention services. 
• Participate in threat assessment meetings and provide input on students of concern, working with relevant stakeholders to mitigate potential risks. 
• Provide ongoing support and follow-up to students after behavioural interventions, ensuring their safety and continued well-being. 
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students office and other University departments to ensure a holistic approach to student support and intervention. 
• Engage in continual professional development and relevant learning to remain current and responsive in practice 

Qualifications:

• A post-secondary degree in a relevant field such as Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, Educational Psychology, or a related discipline; a combination of equivalent education, experience and/or lived experience will be taken into consideration 
• Master’s level education and/or registration with a regulatory body in Ontario considered an asset 
• Five (5) years of experience in behavioural intervention, crisis management, or student support in a higher education setting. 
• Demonstrated experience working with students in distress, at risk, or those experiencing crises, preferably within a post-secondary institution. 
• Awareness of the impacts of historical and ongoing colonialism and intergenerational trauma for Indigenous, Métis and Inuit communities, and demonstrated commitment to decolonialization. 
• Experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and restorative justice practices. 
• Direct experience and awareness of structural and systemic barriers faced by those from marginalized communities, with acute understanding of intersectionality and impacts of social location when navigating supports 
• Proven experience in developing and supporting behaviour management  
• Strong understanding of student development theories and mental health issues, particularly within a university context. 
• Expertise in case management, including assessment, intervention, and monitoring of behavioural issues. 
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies related to student conduct, mental health, privacy laws, and Bill 132. 
• High level of discretion, judgment and boundaries in dealing with sensitive student issues and confidential information. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse student population.  
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with an ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously. 
• Crisis intervention skills and the ability to work calmly in high-pressure situations. 
• Proficiency in record-keeping and reporting software, as well as the ability to analyze and synthesize case data for reporting purposes. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty. 
• Team player, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, and display a high degree of initiative.  
• Ability to work collaboratively with campus partners such as Student Affairs, Student Wellness Centre, Campus Security, and Academic Affairs. 
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to respond to student emergencies or participate in University events. 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Mode of Work: On Campus

Compensation: Hiring Range - $36.77 to $42.16 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of *benefits; Salary Range - $36.77 to $48.33 per hour.
*The successful incumbent has the option of pay in lieu or enrollment in benefits.

Hours of Work: Total of 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 11am – 7pm. This is a temporary contract with an expected end date of March 2027.

Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated * resume and cover letter (PDF) by selecting "Apply Now" below. The review of applications will begin Tuesday February 17, 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled. 

*Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code

As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

  OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.