Assistant or Associate Professor Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy

Assistant or Associate Professor Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy

Position Objective: The Assistant/Associate Professor and Clinical Practicum Coordinator will be responsible for teaching, academic advising, supervision, research, administrative/management duties for the clinical practicum placements, and for supporting the ministry and mission of Martin Luther University College.

Term of Appointment: This is a two-year, limited-term appointment with the possibility for renewal on mutual agreement. It is a union-exempt position as an employee of Martin Luther University College. Luther employees are not employees of Wilfrid Laurier University.

Compensation: $96,300.83 to $100,120.66 per year

Location: Martin Luther University College, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5

Closing Date: August 15, 2026

Start Date: December 1, 2026, or January 1, 2027

This is an existing vacancy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching

• Teach a maximum of four graduate and/or undergraduate courses per year in the field of spiritual care and psychotherapy as assigned by the Principal‑Dean.
• Advise PhD students throughout their academic journey, including comprehensive papers, proposals, and doctoral dissertations.
• Coordinate student defense committees (x3).
• Sit on student comprehensive paper and doctoral dissertation committees.
• Advise MA‑SCP students on academic progress, vocational direction and clinical placements.
• Provide clinical supervision as needed.
• Update course syllabi regularly.
• Guest teaching as needed for undergraduate courses.
• Collaborate with other Laurier and Luther departments and practicum partners to identify, develop and support cooperation in academic programs, research and cross‑disciplinary collaboration as needed.
• Consult with staff regarding recruitment needs of the program.
• Promote the program as needed.
• Administrative responsibilities may be substituted as per faculty manual.

Research

• Engage in peer‑reviewed, empirical scholarship, research, and publication that advance developments in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy and, or relevant discipline.

Committees, Council, and Meetings

• Serve on Luther and Laurier committees as assigned by the Principal‑Dean.
• Faculty council (3 hours per month), departmental meetings (3 hours per month).

Community

• Participate in the community life of Luther and its events.
• Work with community partners as needed (faith communities, clinical partners, agencies, CRPO).
• Participate in the Faculty and Staff retreat (twice per year).

Clinical Practicum Coordinator

• Provide student support and guidance related to the process, options, and expectations of practicum placements.
• Respond to day‑to‑day concerns related to practicum‑specific matters, including students, clinical supervisors, clinical sites, and challenges.
• Liaise with Luther’s Academic Services Manager & Administrative Practicum Coordinator regarding practicum placement questions or concerns.
• Liaise with CRPO on practicum‑related requirements, student eligibility, monitoring regulatory updates, and ensuring student compliance with registration and placement standards.
• Escalate issues or inquiries related to practicum placements by involving the Principal‑Dean, the SCP Program Coordinator, and the Academic Services Manager & Administrative Practicum Coordinator.
• Collect and document annual feedback from clinical supervisors.
• Collaborate with and support Luther staff members in administering and updating policies and procedures for the program.
• Participate in student recruitment and marketing efforts of the SCP program.
• Coordinate the preparation of periodic SCP and practicum program reviews and accreditations.
• Work with and serve as a resource to faculty in the SCP program.

When required, participate in the CRPO practicum approval process.

• Participate in committees and councils related to the practicum program, as needed.

Other

• Comply with the expectations and obligations outlined in the Luther Faculty manual.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Three years’ experience in undergraduate and/or graduate‑level teaching in the field of spiritually informed psychotherapy/counselling/expressive therapies. Experience/training in Applied Expressive Arts and Psychotherapy is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of extensive clinical experience in the field of spiritually informed psychotherapy/counselling/expressive therapies; must be qualified to perform clinical supervision.
• Must hold an earned PhD or equivalent.
• Certification with appropriate associations, including the College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario (CRPO) or another recognized regulatory body.
• Proven ability to undertake research and publish in peer‑reviewed forums.
• Experience in developing creative and student‑centered courses using various pedagogical approaches.
• Experience in curriculum development and program mapping using an outcomes‑based approach.
• Experience with building courses on teaching/digital platforms; MyLS is an asset.
• Experience teaching in‑person, online synchronous and hybrid formats.
• A working knowledge of computer software and online learning delivery systems.
• Understanding of, and ability to work with, churches and faith communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and strategic planning.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills.
• The capacity to understand and apply university policies and procedures accurately.
• Ability to take initiative and to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to participate constructively as a faculty team member and actively contribute to the broader vision of Luther.

Skills

• Works independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Delegation and leadership abilities.
• Analytical thinking and sound decision‑making.
• Detail‑oriented and results‑driven.
• Adapts quickly to new technologies.
• Effective conflict management and active listening.
• Strong organizational, presentation, and time management skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong document analysis skills.

Working Conditions

• Frequently required to meet deadlines.
• Frequently required to respond to stakeholder demands.
• Frequently required to deal with simultaneous immediate demands.
• Occasional peak periods, requiring an accelerated work pace.
• Occasionally required to travel.
• Light physical effort may be required.

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in the recruitment and selection process, and to Luther employees at every stage of employment.

Martin Luther University College is committed to diversity and creating a culture of inclusion by increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity‑deserving groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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