Counselor

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University’s entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

The mission of the SMU Health Service is to provide quality, caring, cost effective and convenient ambulatory healthcare and health education services in association with other university departments that promote healthy lifestyles and enhance academic productivity leading to satisfying and rewarding college experiences. 

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Staff Counselor is responsible for providing mental health services to currently enrolled students at SMU. Reporting to the Director of Counseling Services, this position provides direct and indirect clinical services, including initial assessments, individual and group therapy, drop in and crisis intervention, outreach education/programming, and consultation to faculty/staff, students, family members, and others.  This position works collaboratively with professional colleagues and departments in the Divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to provide culturally competent, evidence-based care. 

Essential Functions:

Provides assessment, individual and group counseling, drop-in, and crisis intervention, and referral services during business hours. Utilizes goal-oriented approaches to treatment that are culturally competent and evidence-based. Creates a warm/welcoming clinical environment where clients feel supported and respected.

Provides outreach education to the university community, focused on topics related to mental health and self-care. Collaborates with campus partners to provide programming for support of students outside the clinic, such as participation in orientation or population-specific skills trainings.

Participates on relevant committees and/or teams that have the mission of promoting health and wellness in regards to mental health, substance abuse, and/or sexual assault and relationship violence. Serves on internal and university-wide committees in keeping with areas of expertise and interest. Participates in departmental meetings and activities.

Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in clinical work and all professional activities. Works to remain up to date in the literature on the needs of college and professional students, fellows and trainees. Researches and executes evidence-based strategies and interventions targeted toward this population.

Consults regarding mental health issues and students of concern with faculty/staff, students, and family/friends. Collaborates/coordinates care with treating psychiatrists.

Completes appropriate/timely clinical documentation, case management, coordination of support services and care with other Health and Wellness offices and offices throughout the University. Participates in after-hours on-call rotation (as backup to ProtoCall).

    Qualifications  

Education and Experience:

A Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or a related field is required. Licensed or license eligible in psychology, counseling, social work or a related field is  preferred.

Two years work experience is required. Experience working in a college or university setting is preferred. Knowledge of administration and interpretations of psychological test is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must possess highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, strong diagnostic and case conceptualization skills, ability to develop and implement and evaluate effective treatment plans, and astute problem solving skills, especially relating to clinical emergencies. 

Candidate must have the ability to consult and work with other Health Center staff and adhere to legal and ethical principles associated with the field.

Candidate must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Records.

Candidate must have knowledge of psychological testing software.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Submissions received by March 10, 2023 may receive priority consideration. 

This position is open until filled. 

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.