Staff Associate, Mental Health Counselor – Worcester State University

OFFICIAL TITLE: Staff Associate, Mental Health Counselor
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Associate Dean for Health and Wellness/Director of Counseling Services
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise student employees, as assigned

General Statement of Duties: The Staff Associate, Mental Health Counselor is part of a team of licensed professionals who are responsible for administering and delivering mental health services to students at the university. This is a 10-month position, paid over 12-months, with 9 weeks off in the summer between June and August each year.

Responsibilities:

(E) = Essential

• (E) Provides mental health services, including but not limited to individual and group counseling services, safety assessments, and planning to a diverse population of students.
• (E) Provides necessary case management services to ensure utilization of both on-campus and off-campus support systems, as needed.
• (E) Provides mental health consultations to the faculty, staff, and parents, as needed.
• (E) Provides training in mental health response to paraprofessional staff including RA’s, orientation leaders, peer mentors, and tutors.
• (E) Assists in the implementation of mental health outreach to the university community, which includes classroom presentations, faculty training, and other innovative outreach activities.
• (E) Provides academic advising as it relates to student mental health needs and facilitates on-campus referrals to academic support services.
• (E) Acts as a liaison for on-campus and off-campus support services for referral purposes; establishes and maintains professional working relationships accordingly.
• (E) Assists with the planning and implementation of new student orientation programs.
• (E) Participates in committees, professional development, and research.
• (E) Demonstrates civility and professional, customer-service oriented behavior, worthy of emulation by other staff and students.
• (E) Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan.
• (E) Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field from an accredited institution
• Independently licensed to provide mental health services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; LICSW, LMHC, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience as a counselor in an academic, clinical, or social service setting.
• Ability to de-escalate crises, conduct safety assessments, and implement safety planning.
• Professional skills and demeanor appropriate for the work; ability to serve and work effectively with a diverse student population.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive and meaningful professional working relationships.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations after normal business hours.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to successfully pass a thorough background check and CORI check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of higher education principles, practices, and procedures.
• Prior experience in a university counseling setting.
• Experience contributing to an environment that fosters diversity and inclusivity
• Knowledge of LGBTQ+, first generation, and BIPOC population risk factors and experience providing clinical treatment to these populations.
• Experience working with and providing clinical treatment to those with substance use disorders.

Additional Information:
This is a 10-month, full-time, benefited, exempt, professional APA position. Duties are performed on-campus, within mostly traditional business hours and occasional evening or weekend hours for special events or emergency situations. The firm annual salary for this position is $58,000. The salary is for 10 months of work, and paid over 12 months. The successful candidate will be off for 9 weeks during the summer between June and August. The start date for this position will be August 1, 2022.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• a choice of 11 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year (pro-rated based on worked time)
• 15 sick days accrued per year (pro-rated based on worked time)
• 5 personal days per year (pro-rated based on worked time)
• paid holidays
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more…

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.