Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Whitman College

Compensation: $54,887 - $63,551 annually

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college's working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

Join a collaborative team of health and counseling professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality, integrated care at Welty Health and Counseling Center at Whitman College. The Substance Use Disorder Counselor is a 10-month position that focuses on substance use prevention and treatment, providing both individual and group counseling as well as outreach and educational programming for the Whitman community during the academic year. Key responsibilities include conducting intakes and assessments, offering short-term counseling, facilitating groups, and delivering campus outreach and consultation. The counselor will also work closely with colleagues across the college and in the wider community, contributing to departmental initiatives, student services, retention efforts, and institutional growth. In addition, the Counselor's activities are performed within the limits of the standards and ethical principles of their professional organization, as well as, applicable legal mandates for mental health professionals in the state of Washington.

Relocation assistance is available for eligible employees in accordance with Whitman College policy.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Direct Clinical Counseling Care (65%)

• Provide brief individual, couples, and/or group therapy for a diverse student population, supporting a wide range of mental health needs including, but not limited, to alcohol and other drug use, behavioral addictions, adjustment issues, interpersonal relationships, stress and time management, conflict issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, gender and sexuality, suicidality, and trauma.
• Utilizing a harm reduction model framework, provide counseling to students who may be struggling with substance misuse and addiction.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
• Coordinate with outside providers and hospitals during psychiatric emergencies or higher-level care transitions when clinically indicated.
• Collaborate within a team-based model of care to enhance communication, reduce silos, and center student well-being.
• Provide counseling through the BASICS program.

Outreach and Consultation (35%)

• Develop and implement groups and workshops on topics related to the prevention of substance use disorders with attention to inclusion of racial/ethnic and other populations that have historically been underserved.
• Offer consultation, referrals, and psychoeducation for students not eligible for ongoing services or in need of off-campus care.
• Provide training and outreach to faculty, staff, and students on topics related to the prevention of substance use disorders.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Actively and positively contribute to the College's core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access in mental health care.
• Experience providing alcohol and other drug assessments and interventions including the application of the harm reduction model and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to assess clinical risk, conduct triage and provide crisis intervention with sound judgement and calm under pressure.
• Experience delivering short-term therapy using evidence-based approaches (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT, and interpersonal therapy).
• Familiarity with or willingness to adopt an integrated care model in collaboration with primary care and wellness teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust across a diverse campus community.
• Comfortable with electronic health records and data tracking systems; able to analyze service data to improve care delivery.
• Knowledge of ethical, legal, and professional standards of clinical practice.
• Desire to support young adults during a transformative stage of life and learning.
• Experience leading group therapy.
• Presentation skills and the ability to effectively present information publicly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or a closely related mental health field.
• Current licensure as a therapist in the State of Washington OR eligible for licensure within 2 years of hire.
• 1+ years of experience providing alcohol and other drug assessments and interventions including the application of the harm reduction model and motivational interviewing.
• Experience providing mental health services to people 17 to 25 years of age.
• 2+ years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Adherence to professional development and training for the maintenance of state licensure.
• Experience and training in social justice, issues and concerns related to diversity, and a history of providing services to diverse populations including people of color, LBGTQIA populations, First Generation college students, and varying physical and health abilities.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of experience in a college, university or young adult-focused counseling center.
• Experience with integrated care models and working in multidisciplinary teams.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.
• Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.
• 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.
• Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.
• Tuition Remission - Dependent Children
• Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Relocation assistance for eligible employees.
• Learn more about benefits eligibility here.