Mental Health Specialist

Job Description

Under the direction and supervision of the Associate Director, this position supports the mental health of employees and students with the coordination of evidence-based and theory-driven mental health promotion initiatives and is a unique opportunity to combine both mental health and public health training.
This position will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of mental health promotion strategies, policies, programs, interventions, and services that create an environment where employees and students feel connected and supported. Developing community connections and supporting larger campus campaigns will be an essential function of this role. While this position will provide support to the entire community, there will be special emphasis on services for underserved and underrepresented populations.

The individual in this position will not provide direct clinical services, however, they will likely be involved in the development, training, and/or delivery of mental health programs and support services that are based in social work/counseling theory.
This is a new position and the 1st year will be spent assessing and developing additional supports and services specific to employees. In the 2nd year, they will begin supporting the mental health of students as well in a 50/50 split role.

Specific tasks may include:
• Direct individual support (non-clinical) to help connect individuals to services, with special attention on underserved populations.
• Creation of support groups for different identities.
• Delivery of mental health trainings and programs, tailored to different communities and identities.
• Assist faculty and staff who provide frequent student emotional support both on an individual and systemic level.
• Be a direct connection to campus community groups who are working on issues related to mental health.
• Support larger mental health campus initiatives such as #VTBetterTogether and the Mental Health Coalition.

Required Qualifications

• Have a Master’s Degree or a bachelor’s degree with professional work experience equivalent to an advanced degree in Public Health (MPH), counseling, health education, social work, or another relevant field.
• Be committed to employee and student success, inclusion, and well-being.
• Have experience working in community based mental health directly with underserved and underrepresented populations.
• Have the ability to create, lead, and present customized programs and workshops to a variety of audiences.
• Be familiar with current and developing issues/trends related to mental health for both students and employees on a university campus, with special emphasis on underserved and underrepresented groups.
• Be committed to inclusivity, collaboration, and service and will display a high level of flexibility, organizational skills, teamwork, and innovative thinking.
• Be able to manage multiple and competing priorities and take initiative in a dynamic, fast paced environment while working collaboratively with a team of colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher Education Experience
• Experience with support group facilitation
• Mental Health First Aid Trainer
• QPR Trainer
• CHES certification

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience with a salary range of $45,000 to $60,000 per year

Review Date

June 15, 2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Marisela Garza at garza87@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: May 15, 2023
Applications close: