"Mental Health Support Specialist"

Job Details

Mental Health Support Specialist

The Mental Health Support Specialist provides direct individual and/or group mental health support to students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, neurodivergence (e.g., autism, ADHD), and co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the college environment. The specialist plays a key role in creating an affirming, inclusive, and supportive environment for neurodivergent students and others seeking social-emotional growth. This position promotes student well-being, and supports students as they acquire additional independent living and self-advocacy skills. Working collaboratively across campus, the Specialist partners with students, faculty, staff, and families to empower students in achieving their personal, academic, and social goals.

Essential Functions:

1. Student Support and Empowerment

• Provide individual and group-based mental health intervention that centers student voice and choice;
• Empower students to develop self-regulation, coping, and self-advocacy skills;
• Respond compassionately to students experiencing stress, overwhelm, or crisis and assist in connecting them with appropriate campus or community resources;
• Maintain accurate, confidential records aligned with ethical standards and Curry College policy.

2. Program Development and Facilitation

• Design and facilitate wellness workshops, discussion groups, and community events that promote resilience, mindfulness, and connection;
• Collaborate with Neurodiversity Center for Excellence (NCE) staff to integrate social-emotional learning and well-being practices throughout academic and residential programs;
• Regularly gather student feedback to adapt programming for inclusivity and accessibility;
• Develop innovative initiatives that celebrate neurodiversity and disability, and promote mental health awareness across campus.

3. Collaboration and Campus Partnership

• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and campus partners (e.g., counseling center staff) to support whole-student development and success;
• Serve as a connector between the NCE, Counseling Services, Student Affairs, and Residential Life to ensure wraparound student support;
• Participate in student success meetings, wellness coalitions, and campus-wide training on inclusive support practices;
• Contribute to professional learning opportunities that advance understanding of neurodiversity, universal design, and trauma-informed care.

4. Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain documentation of student engagement and program outcomes in a secure, organized manner;
• Support data collection and reporting that highlights the positive impact of NCE initiatives on student wellness and belonging;
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, planning sessions, and college-wide events that advance NCE goals;
• Champion the mission of the Neurodiversity Center for Excellence by promoting inclusive excellence and equitable access to support.

Additional Functions:

• Respect and maintain confidentiality, parameters of operation, professional protocols, and individual privacy;
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or their designee.

Job Requirements:

Essential Characteristics:

Successful performance of this position demands consistent demonstration of the following uncompromised performance characteristics:

• Demonstrates genuine empathy, respect, and understanding when supporting individuals with disabilities and diverse learning, communication, and mental health profiles.
• Approaches all interactions with cultural humility and a commitment to fostering belonging, inclusion, and accessibility for every student.
• Shows a proactive, student-centered mindset—empowering individuals to identify their strengths, set personal goals, and advocate for their needs.
• Exhibits flexibility, patience, and creativity in responding to dynamic student needs and shifting priorities.
• Maintains a calm, supportive presence during high-stress situations, utilizing trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues across departments to create holistic, consistent systems of student support.
• Demonstrates initiative and accountability in identifying opportunities for program enhancement, partnership development, and continuous improvement.
• Communicates clearly and compassionately, using identity-affirming language that honors the experiences and preferences of those with disabilities and neurodivergence.
• Actively seeks feedback, reflection, and ongoing professional learning to strengthen inclusive practices and self-awareness.
• Upholds confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional integrity in all aspects of work.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or a closely related field.
• License in mental health counseling, social work, or clinical/counseling psychology in the state of Massachusetts.
• One-three years of experience providing individual and/or group therapy in a college, secondary education, or community health setting.
• Demonstrated experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and/or individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including autism.
• Experience with crisis response, behavior intervention, and case management.
• Understanding of social-emotional learning (SEL) principles and trauma-informed approaches to mental healthcare.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills; able to build positive and trusting relationships with students and colleagues.
• Commitment to cultural humility, inclusion, and student empowerment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and basic data management systems (Intermediate).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards as defined by HIPAA & FERPA.

Soft Skills:

• Empathetic communicator, collaborative team member, adaptable problem-solver, and self-motivated professional with strong organizational and time-management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience collaborating with Student Affairs, Counseling Services, or Residential Life in developing holistic student support systems in an educational environment.
• Proficiency in program evaluation or research.
• Ongoing engagement in professional development related to equity, inclusion, and wellness in higher education.
• Familiarity with disability legislation (e.g., ADA and Section 504) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.

Salary Range:

$75,000 to $80,000 annually

Additional Information:

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, Curry College will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

At the College's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the College, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of all required pre-employment background checks.

To apply, visit http://curry.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=194273