Director of Psychological Services

Bennington College invites applications for the position of Director of Psychological Services.  Bennington is a hub, for artists, writers, scientists, scholars—innovators in every field—who want to apply their individual talents to addressing global issues of urgent concern.  Bennington College has, in its persistent reinvention of liberal education, remained true to its founding virtues; which include, continued emphasis on self-directed learning, made real through hands-on experience in the field, has established Bennington as a bellwether among the nation’s liberal arts colleges.  The underlying purpose of Bennington has been clear from the start: to place students at the helm of their own education; to guide them in the direction of their greatest potential; and to enlarge, deepen, and transform their lives. 

Bennington College’s Psychological Services Office is a holistic, student focused center that provides individual and group counseling and therapy, wellness programming, and community support.  Therapeutic focus is trauma informed with the focus on the development of a non-judgmental, supportive relationship with students. The Psychological Services Office is committed to the highest standards of competency in meeting the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including differences of culture, race,  ethnicity, national origin, class, gender identity, gender expression, ability, age, body size, immigrant status, and sexual orientation.

The Director of Psychological Services will provide vision, strategic planning, and supervision to a multidisciplinary team in the division of Student Life. The director will provide programmatic development, clinical and administrative supervision, and continuity in connection to the large college community.  The ideal candidate must be a passionate and innovative leader who will increase student engagement, explore various modalities for increasing accessibility, and define and promote a vision to the college as a whole. 

Bennington serves a diverse student population - inclusive of ethnically/racially minoritized individuals, international and global constituents, the LGBTQA community, and various social classes, among other identities. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values.  The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

Qualifications and Job Expectations: 

Bennington College seeks candidates who are first and foremost well trained, dedicated, trauma informed therapists with a passion for serving a diverse campus. In addition, successful candidates will have experience in college university counseling, leadership experience, and a passion for program development.

Minimum qualifications include the following:

• An earned doctorate (M.D., Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychiatry, clinical or counseling psychology, counselor education and supervision, or social work from an accredited program. 
• A current license to practice psychology, counseling, or social work; and the ability to be licensed in Vermont within six months of hire. 
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a licensed clinician in a college or university counseling center or similar setting. 
• A history of successive leadership roles in college/university counseling centers
• Outstanding communications skills and an adherence to ethical standards
• Understanding and appreciation for alternative and non-western approaches to mental and wellness.
• Experience working with and relating to students and a deep dedication to improving the health and well-being of this specific population, with an understanding of confidential and ethical matters within a higher education setting. 
• Strong cultural competency in working with diverse populations and a successful track record addressing issues of equity and inclusion with students, parents, faculty, and administrators. 
• Excellent managerial leadership skills including the ability to develop and implement strategic objectives, to motivate staff, and to effectively manage resources. 
• Knowledge of local, national, and international issues, trends, and best practice standards in college mental health as well as of national certification and accreditation requirements. 
• Experience with electronic health records. 

Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations 

Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until complete. To apply, please submit the following application materials: letter of interest, resume/cv, statement of therapeutic and administrative focus, copy of professional license, and a list of three professional references.

The position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.