Mental Health Counselor

DEPARTMENT: Student Engagement and Campus Life

REPORTS TO: Director of University Counseling Center

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Mental Health Counselor will provide culturally competent individual and group counseling to a diverse student population. The Mental Health Counselor will oversee coordination of care for mental health crises and provide consultation as needed to faculty, staff, and students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages assigned counseling caseload that will include referrals from any member of the campus community that will frequently require crisis intervention in high-stress situations involving immediate risk to the mental and physical health of students.
• Maintains current, accurate, and timely clinical documentation in accordance with state and federal law, professional ethics, and district counseling services policies.
• Provides individual and group counseling via scheduled appointment and walk-in coverage to students seeking assistance related to personal concerns.
• Conducts mental health assessments and screenings such as suicide risk, drug and alcohol, threat and risk assessment, etc., utilizing evidence-based practices.
• Exercises clinical judgement in assessing situations and making recommendations regarding intake, referrals, triage, and interventions.
• Provides professional consultation to faculty, staff, and administrators related to student mental health concerns.
• Make appropriate referrals when needed to the staff Nurse Practitioner for medication management.
• Reviews client record to determine progress, effectiveness, and appropriateness of intervention strategies.
• Provides psychoeducational workshops and outreach.
• Attends and participants in departmental meetings, case consultations, and staff development programs as assigned.
• Participates in continuing education and professional development activities related to the performance of job functions and the maintenance of skills in professional counseling.
• Supports student college persistence through wellness activities and partnerships on campus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of and adherence to applicable professional ethics and board rules, federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, legislative changes, and procedures relevant to assigned programs, projects, and counseling operations.
• Knowledge of current counseling practices, theories, and research in college student services.
• Understanding of the Kentucky State University philosophy and mission and how counseling services support student persistence, retention, and engagement.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team (e.g., regional CARE and Behavioral Intervention Teams).
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team with colleagues, college departments and student groups.
• Ability to work under high stress and emotionally charged conditions on a routine basis.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of student information and work-related information and materials such as Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and confidential electronic records.
• Work in a collaborative manner with diverse constituencies, working effectively in a diverse and multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment.
• Ability to evaluate situations accurately and determine appropriate course of action using judgement according to established policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Planning, managing, prioritizing, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong presentation skills that effectively convey information to faculty, administrators, staff, and students, as well as community leaders and groups.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity and multicultural issues.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES

Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

In accordance with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accrediting requirements: Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy, or related behavioral sciences field from an accredited institution.

Two to three years of clinical counseling work experience in higher education or similar community or educational settings.

One to two years of experience counseling in a college or university environment preferred.

Licensing and Certifications

Candidates must be independently licensed (or eligible for licensure within one year) in the Commonwealth of Kentucky as: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC); Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Some physical effort moving objects will be required.

No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Extensive evening and weekend hours may be required.