Clinical Counselor

SUMMARY OF POSITION: Under the supervision of the Director of Counseling and Wellness, the Clinical Counselor supports student success by providing student-centered, culturally-competent, and evidence-based individual and group counseling to University students with mental health, academic, career, developmental, and/or personal concerns. The position requires professionalism, adaptability, excellent clinical skills, organization, and the ability to work well both independently and as a member of a team.

The Clinical Counselor must possess a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and experience addressing these issues in mental health settings and through informed treatment practices, including addressing cultural competence across all facets of diversity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Responsibilities (85%):

• Maintain current professional licensure for the state of South Carolina
• Conduct assessments and offer appropriate recommendations for treatment and services
• Provide individual and group mental health services to students in support of wellness, academic success, and retention
• In consultation with the Director and/or other clinical staff, provide crisis intervention and management
• Facilitate referrals to community agencies and hospitals for psychiatric evaluation, medications, and/or specialized/longer-term treatment
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation of client contacts, consultations, and referrals in accordance with professional guidelines
• Attend weekly treatment team meetings
• Participate in supervision with the Director and other Wellness Center staff as needed or required for licensure

Consultation and Training Responsibilities (5%):

• Provide advocacy, consultation, and training services for faculty and staff on the mental health needs of the student population
• Consult with parents, treatment providers, faculty, and staff when appropriate and with appropriate authorization, in order to provide quality care to Converse students
• Provide training for student employees and organizations, faculty, and staff as needed
• Consult with faculty and staff regarding students of concern as needed
• Consult with concerned families/friends of students as needed

Outreach Programming Responsibilities (5%):

• In collaboration with the Wellness Center team, develop, coordinate, and implement outreach programming for students, faculty, and staff in support of mental health awareness (e.g., activities, educational programs, speakers, etc.)
• Collaborate and communicate with other departments and organizations, both on- and off-campus, who co-sponsor programs
• Participate in departmental, divisional, and college-wide initiatives and committees (as requested or assigned)
• Collaborate and communicate with members of the College community

General Responsibilities (5%)

• Ensures optimal operations of the Counseling Center by conferring with the Director regarding administrative policies and procedures of the Center and the University
• Provides input and remains current on operations of the Counseling Center by attending staff meetings
• Maintain and enhance the quality and relevance of services provided by the Center through on-going evaluation of all services
• Participate actively as a team member of the Division of Student Development and Success
• Participate in campus/division committees as needed
• All other duties as needed to ensure the success of students, staff, faculty, and the College
• Participate in the Division of Student Development and Success weekend on-call rotation (typically two or three weekends per semester)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications:

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy (or equivalent)
• Active licensure in South Carolina as a psychologist, counselor, clinical social worker, or marriage and family therapist (out-of-state and new professionals must obtain licensure within 60 days of start date)
• Experience with individual and group counseling and crisis management
• Experience providing clinical services to adolescents and young adults

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a college or university mental health counseling center
• Three or more years of experience as a licensed mental health provider
• Experience with planning, implementing, and evaluating mental health programs and services that promote mental health and wellness
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and workshops

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of and ability to apply mental health counseling principles, approaches, methods, and techniques
• Strong knowledge of and ability to apply crisis intervention techniques
• Strong understanding of and ability to apply standards of HIPAA, FERPA, state privacy law, professional ethical codes, and state law around the provision of mental health treatment
• Ability to provide culturally-sensitive services that value and affirm the unique backgrounds of the student population
• Proficiency in Titanium or other electronic medical recordkeeping systems
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Well-grounded philosophy of honesty, integrity, and respect
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly in time-sensitive situations
• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stressful situations
• Demonstrating professionalism and positive attitude
• Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite Apps

GUIDELINES AND SUPERVISION: The Clinical Counselor reports to the Director of Counseling and Wellness. This position normally receives minimal instruction on day-to-day work and receives general instructions on new assignments. The Clinical Counselor is expected to Decisions requiring clinical knowledge are made in consultation with the Center's medical and/or mental health clinicians.

NOTE: Although all Clinical Counselors may receive informal supervision from the Director of Counseling and Wellness, Clinical Counselors who are not fully licensed and who are not eligible to receive clinical supervision towards independent licensure from the Director of Counseling and Wellness are responsible for finding a clinical supervisor and paying any costs associated with clinical supervision.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; telecommuting not possible for this position; on-call obligations several weekends per semester

Licensure: Active licensure (or currently eligible for licensure) in South Carolina as a psychologist, counselor, clinical social worker, or marriage and family therapist (out-of-state and new professionals must obtain licensure within 60 days of start date)

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

We believe that a diverse faculty and staff are essential to achieving academic excellence; thus, we strongly encourage applications from candidates from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.