Academic Counselor/Counseling Psychology Field Placement Coordinator

Position Description

The Academic Counselor serves as the department’s primary point of contact for students considering entering and applying to the Counseling Psychology graduate programs. The Academic Counselor meets with prospective students to answer questions and assess candidates’ suitability for the programs. The Counselor makes recommendations to the Counseling Psychology Chair regarding candidates’ suitability and communicates admission decisions on behalf of the department. The Counselor also assists admitted students with general academic progress tracking and provides ongoing support toward their degree completion.

The Counseling Psychology Field Placement Coordinator is focused on assisting the Counseling Psychology Program Director and Assistant Director with development and oversight of the practicum/internship training programs.

Position Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities (Academic Counselor )

Prospective/New Students

1. Follow the department’s standard procedure to provide the Enrollment Counselors with a schedule, showing designated time slots available for interview appointments. It is expected that the interview time slots will keep pace with the volume of applicants. Note: the number of interviews will increase substantially as the application deadlines approach.
2. Once the appointments are set up by the Enrollment Counselors, interview the applicants and oversee the application process (e.g., writing samples, file review) according to the expected time frame of the department. Answer applicant inquiries about all Counseling Psychology programs.
3. For Degree program applicants, score all the application components (interview and file) according to the Departmental Admission criteria.
4. For Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) applicants, conduct an interview and develop individual programs of study. Confer with the Chair in the review of certificate applications as needed to determine eligibility or resolve unusual application issues.
5. For Non-Degree applicants (i.e, those needing less than 12 credits toward professional credentials), serve as contact person, analyze transcripts, and develop an individual program of study. Review proposed program of study with Counseling Psychology Director. If applicant is accepted then coordinate student’s registration.
6. Assist in the re-admission and registration of returning Counseling Psychology students.
7. For applicants meeting Departmental Admission criteria, initiate acceptance procedures in coordination with the Enrollment Counselor and Admissions. Consult with the Chair when candidate qualifications do not meet the criterion. Communicate department decision to Enrollment Counselor and Admissions.
8. Analyze transcripts for students requesting a transfer/waive of credits and complete appropriate documentation.
9. Collaborate with department team and Enrollment Counselors in the development of student orientation materials and events.
10. Liaison with the Marketing and Enrollment departments to promote student enrollment.

Current Students

1. In collaboration with the Chair and the departmental faculty, notify students of academic issues related to progress toward their degree, including registration, change of major, readmission after leave of absence for more than one year, academic performance/probation notification, degree audits for graduation, and exit interviews for students terminating from the program
2. In collaboration with faculty advisors, offer support and retention problem-solving for issues impeding student engagement/performance in the program.

Others

1. Attend departmental meetings as assigned.
2. Exercise good judgment and discretion, particularly concerning sensitive or confidential student records, personnel, or organizational matters.
3. Seek to treat each member of the campus community and the public with fairness, dignity, competence and affirmation.
4. Embody values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence, and affirmation.
5. Other duties as assigned

Position Responsibilities (Field Placement Coordinator):

In cooperation with the Counseling Psychology Program Director and Assistant Director, the Counseling Psychology Field Placement Coordinator:

1. Conducts annual Practicum/Internship Orientation session
2. Develops new practicum/internship sites
3. Completes additional administrative duties as assigned by the Chair or the Program Director and Assistant Director.
4. Update Counseling Psychology-related credentials on the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) webpage annually.
5. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Communicates clearly and professionally
2. Ability to collaborate constructively
3. Knowledge of the program(s)
4. Knowledge of the counseling psychology fields
5. Knowledgeable of licensed professional counselor requirements (LPC)
6. Good organizational skills
7. Assessment and counseling skills
8. Preferred credentials: Masters degree in Counseling or related field

Supplemental Information

Current valid driving license is a plus since the Academic Counselor may need to travel to campus for applicant interviews and meetings with faculty, staff, and students. In addition, the Field Placement Coordinator may need to travel to practicum/internship sites throughout the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.