"Counselor of Mental Health and Wellness"

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: Student Affairs

Position Status: Full-Time, Twelve (12) Month Position

Directly Reports To:Executive Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Services

Classification:Exempt

Catawba College (“Catawba”) seeks applicants for its Counselor of Mental Health and Wellness position. The Counselor of Mental Health and Wellness provides essential mental health support services to students at Catawba College. This position focuses on promoting emotional well-being, providing counseling services, and implementing programs to enhance mental health awareness and resilience within the student community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to address students' personal, social, and psychological concerns.
• Assess students' mental health needs and develop personalized treatment plans and interventions.
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency counseling services as needed.
• Collaborate with campus health services, faculty, and staff to support students' well-being.
• Facilitate workshops, seminars, and training sessions on mental health topics such as stress management, self-care, and resilience.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling sessions and student interactions.
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices in college mental health counseling.
• Participate in campus-wide committees and initiatives related to student wellness and mental health; support the campus efforts with UWill, virtual mental health services.
• As part of the CARES team, work closely with the Academic Affairs, Chaplain’s Office, Catawba counselors, Public Safety, Student Success, and other campus partners to promptly manage the outreach and follow-up for students of concern.
• Collaborates with departments such as Academic Success, First Year Experience, and CARE Team to design, support, and participate in developing key retention initiatives.
• Collaborates with office staff on all department programs, special projects, and other community-building events. Collaborates with staff outside of Student Affairs and Campus Life to host events and activities. Serves on divisional and university-wide committees and advisory boards. Performs related duties as assigned.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through assessment and data analysis, making data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
• Participate in on-call rotation with other Residence Life and Housing staff; work cooperatively with Academic Affairs, Chaplain Office, Catawba Public Safety, Student Health Services, Catawba counselors, and other campus and community resources to assist in emergencies and crises.
• Serve as a liaison between the department and external community partners, fostering relationships and seeking opportunities for collaboration.
• Other Duties as Assigned by the President and/or the Executive Vice President and Provost, Dean of Students, or Assistant Dean of Students

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of counseling theories, techniques, and best practices in mental health treatment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to establish rapport with students and collaborate effectively with campus stakeholders.
• Ability to provide culturally competent counseling services to a diverse student population.
• Ability to build solid and healthy relationships with students, creating a collaborative environment with students at the center. 
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability with high student/customer service in addressing student/family issues or concerns
• Experience conducting assessments and developing treatment plans based on clinical observations and student needs.
• Familiarity with ethical standards and legal requirements related to counseling and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in using counseling software or electronic health records systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Capacity to manage a caseload of students while maintaining quality care and support.
• Flexibility to respond effectively to crises and changing student needs.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous learning in mental health counseling.
• Demonstrate commitment to supporting a more aligned culture of well-being, equity, and belonging (WEB) in programming and service delivery. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: The minimum job requirements for this position are:

• Must have at least a master's degree in counseling, social work, or another related field 
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina or eligible for a license.
• Preferred 3 years of college counseling or community counseling experience. 
• Preferred experience in higher education organization and administration.
• Must be a member of appropriate professional organizations.
• Experience in supervision/administrative role. 

ABOUT CATAWBA:

Founded in 1851 in Newton, North Carolina, Catawba was started by German pioneers who had traveled from eastern Pennsylvania to settle in the Haw, Yadkin, and Catawba Rivers valleys. In 1890, Catawba became a coeducational institution, and the first woman to graduate completed her studies in 1893. In 1925, Catawba moved and re-opened to its current location in Salisbury, NC, about 45 minutes from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, two hours from the mountains, and four hours from the beaches. 

Today, Catawba College has 41 buildings on 276 wooded acres on a residential campus. It is known for its 189-acre on-campus ecological preserve. Ranked as one of the best colleges in the South, Catawba offers 70 academic majors to approximately 1,300 students representing 34 U.S. states and 19 foreign countries. Students are instructed by 80 full-time faculty, more than 83% of whom hold the highest degree in their field. 

Catawba provides an education focused on an institutional philosophy of a liberal education, which entails a broad range of knowledge, intellectual and practical skills, and individual and social responsibility fostered and developed in all academic programs. Catawba is a learning community that provides students with unique opportunities to explore their vocation, helping them consider their calling, passions, and purpose as they prepare to reach their highest potential. Catawba’s mission is to provide “students an education rich in personal attention that blends the knowledge and competencies of liberal studies with career preparation” and to enable “students to reach their highest potential while becoming responsible citizens.” More information about Catawba College is located at www.catawba.edu. 

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must submit the following materials in a single file, pdf version only, to employment@catawba.edu:

• Letter of interest;
• Current resume or curriculum vitae; and
• Contact information for three (3) professional references. 

Catawba College is an equal opportunity employer. As such, the College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, unless allowed by law and deemed necessary to the operation of the College. The College complies with all federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws.