Academic Counsellors support students and trainees by providing guidance on educational planning, course selection, and academic progress. Within the Department of National Defence, Academic Counsellors work with military personnel, civilian employees, and their families to help them achieve their educational goals and maximize their learning outcomes. You will assess individual needs, develop personalized education plans, and connect clients with appropriate resources and programs.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include conducting intake assessments, advising on program options, monitoring academic performance, and referring students to specialized support services when needed. You will maintain detailed records, collaborate with instructors and program coordinators, and communicate regularly with your clients about their progress. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, active listening abilities, and the capacity to work effectively with diverse populations.
Academic Counsellors in the DND civilian workforce typically work in education centres, training facilities, or administrative offices. You may work with individuals or groups, and your schedule generally aligns with standard business hours, though some evening or weekend availability may be required for student support services.
Key Responsibilities
Perform academic administration duties within the education function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for an Academic Counsellor position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, counselling, social work, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in academic advising, student services, or educational administration. Many successful candidates complete post-secondary education in counselling, educational psychology, or student development.
Certifications and professional development opportunities include credentials from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), training in educational assessment tools, and specialized certifications in areas such as learning disabilities support or career development. The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional development through courses, workshops, and conference attendance. Within DND, you may access training in military culture, defence-specific education programs, and specialized counselling techniques relevant to serving military populations.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Academic Counsellor career in the DND civilian workforce through several pathways. The primary route is through a public service staffing competition advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions may be open to Canadian citizens or may target specific groups such as veterans or recent graduates.
Alternatively, you may be selected from an established staffing pool maintained by the Public Service Commission. If you are already a DND civilian employee, you can apply for Academic Counsellor positions through internal competitions or lateral moves. Students and recent graduates should explore the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) to gain initial experience in the federal public service. Some positions may be filled through the Interchange Canada program, which allows mobility between federal public service, provincial governments, and municipalities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Academic Counsellor positions, subject to operational requirements and position classification. Many DND education centres offer part-time schedules that allow you to balance other commitments or gradually transition into the federal public service. Remote work options have expanded within the Government of Canada, and depending on your assignment and duties, you may be able to conduct some counselling sessions via video conference or telephone, with periodic in-person meetings required.
The specific availability of flexible arrangements depends on the location and needs of your employing unit. At the time of application, you can inquire about flexible work options and discuss arrangements with your hiring manager. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating employee needs where operationally feasible.
