Director of The Center for Counseling and Personal Growth
- Employer
- Clark University
- Location
- Massachusetts, United States
- Salary
- Salary Commensurate with experience
- Date posted
- May 25, 2022
View more
- Position Type
- Administrative, Student Affairs, Counseling
- Employment Level
- Administrative
- Employment Type
- Full Time
Job Details
Company Description:
Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.
Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.
Job Description:
The Director of Counseling Services is responsible for setting the direction for mental health counseling and emotional wellbeing initiatives on campus while ensuring the center meets the needs of our diverse student populations. The Director is responsible for the staffing, policy, budget, clinical services, programming, and adherence to legal, professional, and ethical standards. As a member of the clinical staff of the Center for Counseling and Personal Growth (CPG), the Director provides oversight for counseling, consultation, educational outreach, and urgent-response services to Clark students in support of the mission of the office and the Division of Student Affairs. Particular attention and competence to our LGBTQ+, International, BIPOC, and neurodiverse students is a must.
Oversight of the Center for Counseling & Personal Growth
- Provide leadership, vision, direction, and management of administrative and developmental aspects of counseling services and student wellness.
- Develop and articulate a vision for future counseling needs of students and the services required to meet those needs. Prepare and implement long-range strategic planning efforts for CPG to maximize comprehensive counseling and outreach programming that align with Student Affairs strategic planning, and help identify funding streams necessary to accomplish goals.
- Provide strategic leadership for CPG in a changing national and international climate of service delivery. Plan and conduct research at Clark; prepare operational reports identifying current issues and trends in service delivery, at Clark and nationally, relative to the psychological needs of students. Recommend appropriate programs and solutions.
- Develop, manage, and, when needed, provide crisis counseling for students with acute mental health issues; work closely with members of the Division of Student Affairs in the provision of these services.
- Develop and maintain policies and procedures for CPG.
- Develop and maintain a psychology advanced practicum and internship training program within the center. Provide individual and group supervision to up to four half-time practicum trainees and two APA interns each academic year.
- Oversee and advise student leadership programming in mental health about advocacy (CPG Student Advisory Board) and peer education (CPG Peer Educators).
- Develop, demonstrate, and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and respectful college community. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion as a counseling center priority. Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
- Oversee consistent supervision of staff on a regular basis.
- Ensure confidentiality is upheld.
Community Education
- Develop and provide community education programs for Clark faculty, staff , student leaders, and students to teach them about mental health and skills to help students in distress, including the coordination of Fresh Check Day.
- Consult with faculty and staff regarding the general health, psychological, development, and prevention issues relevant to students.
- Provide trainings to various departments on policies and procedural functioning as needed.
- Oversee and supervise the Community Education Coordinator and Diversity Specialist to ensure that relevant, effective, and excellent mental health skills training is provided to students and student leaders, especially as they engage students with different social identities.
Internal Partnerships & Coordination
- Provide counsel to Student Affairs Leadership and division on matters related to the mental health and emotional wellness of students and the campus community about response and prevention efforts.
- Serve as a representative voice for and to the University regarding mental health issues and the developmental needs of students, as well as the professional practice of mental health services for students.
- Uphold the highest ethical standard of the university and create a strategic community relations plan to positively influence student wellbeing on campus. Collaborate and develop strong relationships with various departments (e.g. Dean of Students, Residential Life and Housing, Student Accessibility Services, Health Services, Athletics, Multicultural and First-Generation Student Support, the Student Success Network, University Police, Psychology Department) along with faculty and campus student organizations/clubs.
- Enact a vision for campus-wide "gatekeeper training" that enables community members' ability to identify and respond to students in crisis.
- Attend weekly CARE Team and Weekend Review meetings. Attend Division Meetings as scheduled.
- Consult with parents/guardians, medical and mental health professionals, Student Affairs staff, faculty, and other staff about individual students as the need arises and confidentiality permits. Serve as a member of the university's Student Threat Assessment Team and as a consultant to the University administration in crisis/emergency situations.
- Provide leadership in the development of campus-wide policies and procedures and the implementation of programs that promote healthy student choices and life management strategies. Develop, maintain and revise inter-departmental policies such as the on-call policy and post-vention policy.
External Partnerships
- Work collaboratively with leaders from affiliated institutions (WPI, College of the Holy Cross, Assumption College, Becker College, MCPHS), as well as local community resources, to support student mental health and wellness alliances.
- Oversee, direct, and maintain marketing and webpage efforts to reach and provide resources for helping the broadest audience (current and prospective students, family members, Clark faculty and staff, etc.).
- Develop, implement, and oversee the Worcester Community Counseling Collaborative (WCCC).
- Attend pertinent annual (national, regional, and local) conferences for the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) and the North Eastern College Counseling Center Directors (NECCCD).
Participate in the growth and development of the Center, Division, and Clark University
- Support the on-boarding and off-boarding process for students
- Support key retention and student success initiatives
- Support key initiatives and experiences within Student Affairs and the University, such as opening weekend, orientation, commencement, family weekend, traditional events, etc.
- Serve as a responsible committee representative as requested
- Attend necessary meetings and inform staff regarding relevant information
- Promote efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community and ensure that it is consistent with Student Affairs' mission and values
- Remain cognizant of the University's mission and identity, the constant promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of student voices
- Communicate effectively with supervisor concerning pertinent departmental and/or University matters
- Other duties as assigned that are within the best interest of the division
Requirements:
- Licensed Clinician, Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, Social Work, or related discipline. or related discipline from an accredited program. Must be eligible for licensure in the state of Massachusetts.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a mental health counseling setting providing personal counseling, crisis intervention and counseling, and mental health consultation.
- Prior experience working with and contributing to a diverse workplace with the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents on campus.
Desired Qualifications
- 1-3 years of experience in an administrative role at a university counseling center providing counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health consultation.
- Two years of supervision of professional counseling staff.
- Demonstrated multicultural competence, including experience with BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse students.
- Proficient with electronic scheduling and documentation software systems (Titanium Schedule and SharePoint).
- Proficient in website management.
- Experience in providing psychoeducational outreach.
- Experience with mental health services policy development.
- Excellent oral and written communication
Clark University currently requires all employees and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions will be made for medical or disability reasons or religious beliefs, and could be made, at the sole discretion of the University, for other well-documented reasons.
Additional Information:
Clark University embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action as core values: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.
Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.
Application Instructions:
To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:
- Resume
- Cover letter
See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.
Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
HR to select: A successful background check is required upon acceptance.
Company
Clark University was founded in 1887 as one of the first all-graduate institutions in the country. Today, Clark promotes a rigorous liberal arts curriculum within the context of a research experience that addresses challenges on a global scale.
We’re privately funded, coeducational, and nonsectarian, and we offer bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and doctoral degree programs in a wide range of disciplines.
Clark University’s 72-acre, tree-filled campus is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, known as “the Heart of New England.” Our location in the center of the state makes us easily accessible from just about any point in New England, including Boston (one hour), Providence (45 minutes), and Portland, Maine (two hours). We’re also an easy 3-1/2-hour drive from New York City.
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