SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Counseling Services is responsible for the overall direction of all programs and activities of Counseling Services, including clinical services such as intake, individual/group counseling, emergency/crisis response and individual assessment. Duties include direct counseling services for students; development and facilitation of related programs; participation in committee work as assigned; management of calendar and budget; and support of Studer Affairs programs. The Director of Counseling Services advises the university leadership on current mental health trends and services and is also a member of the university’s Emergency Response Team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides individual and group counseling services to students who may be experiencing psychological or behavioral difficulties.
• Assists students to define and accomplish personal and academic goals.
• Assists students to develop the ability to relate meaningfully with others.
• Provides crisis intervention, as appropriate and in relationship to other available mental health resources; may be on individual basis or as part of university’s Emergency Response Team.
• Leads or assists in the coordination of developmental mental health-related programming for students.
• Provides training for staff and faculty on mental health trends and issues.
• Develops and reviews university guidelines, procedures, rules and regulations within area of responsibility.
• Monitors compliance with state and federal laws and national professional standards.
• Serves on university committees, as assigned. Chairs the Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee.
• Participates as an active and supportive member of the Student Affairs team and with related division or university-wide programs; participation requires Director to be available periodically during the summer or weekends for Mountaineer Days, other programs, and team retreats.
• Consults with the university staff regarding referrals both to and from counseling.
• Serves as an advisor and resource person to the Dean of Students and the Cabinet to ensure that the environment is beneficial to the intellectual, emotional, and physical development of all students.
• Establishes channels of communication with students, faculty, staff and administration, informing them of counseling services, the referral process, available resources, and obtaining input regarding student needs.
• Administers individual assessment instruments, as appropriate.
• May teach a course(s) for academic credit, if appropriate and approved by the Dean of Students.
• Supervises master’s degree interns, as appropriate.
• Prepares and manages the Counseling Services budget.
• Establishes and monitors Institutional Effectiveness objectives and outcomes for Counseling Services; provides periodic reports related to Counseling Services activities and concerns, as requested and needed.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling.
• Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas.
• At least five (5) years counseling experience, preferably in a university setting.