Mental Health Counselor

Job Description:

Job Title: Mental Health Counselor

Department: Counseling & Psychological Services

Primary Work Location: North Benson Rd., Fairfield

Direct Supervisor: Director – Counseling & Psychological Services

Basic Function:

Provides individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, consultation and referral; prepares, communicates and executes psycho-educational programs to full-time undergraduate students.  Interacts with university community on an as needed basis and is responsible for documentation relative to treatment notes, statistical reports, monthly and annual reports. This is a 9 month, 35 hour/week position.

Unusual Work Conditions:

Some evenings and weekends may be required. Regular office hours are 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday, excluding national and University-recognized holidays. Regular hours may vary occasionally in response to emergent clinical need and/or after-hours on-call coverage.  Responsible for the management of confidential and sensitive student information.

Education, Certification, License, and Experience Requirements:

• EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy.

• LICENSE: Licensed in the State of Connecticut, or license eligible.  If unlicensed, clinical supervision will be provided by a licensed C&PS counselor; full licensure must be obtained within 18 months of hire.

• EXPERIENCE: 1-2 years internship or general counseling experience.  Demonstrated knowledge in the developmental aspects of young adulthood; ability to interact with students, and effective interpersonal skills.  Understanding and appreciation of the Jesuit mission of the University.

Essential Functions:  

1. To provide individual counseling services.  This involves:

• Providing short-term counseling,

• Coordinating case management and recommending referral and/or follow-up counseling with an outside source,

• Maintaining confidential documentation,

• Administering triage and providing walk-in coverage to evaluate level of risk and screen students for intake appointments,

• Conducting family sessions as needed and communicate with parents and referral resources.

2. Provides crisis intervention on an emergency basis; rotates weekly 24/7 crisis coverage.

3. Provides group counseling.  This involves:

• Developing programs focusing on topics of interest/personal growth

• Conducting Group pre-screening sessions

• Determining appropriate timeframe, information discussed, materials distributed and group rules.

• Responsible for developing, promoting, coordinating and marketing of C&PS Group therapy semester offerings.

4. Prepares, communicates and executes preventative psycho-educational Outreach and programs.  This involves:

• Providing training for Orientation staff, Student Leader and RAs, Faculty and Administrators,

• Developing campaigns and literature to promote mental wellness.

5. May provide individual supervision to MA level students for internship training. Supervision comprised of reviewing intake reports, session notes and more adeptly understanding treatment needs and case conceptualization.

6. Participation in Quality Assurance Program. Stages quarterly internal audit processes aimed at improving and maintaining quality of medical records and compliance with IACS standards for CPS accreditation.

7. To interact with university community on an as needed basis including Department of Residence Life, Campus Ministry, Student Engagement, Public Safety, etc.

8. To participate in the professional development of the department and division.  This involves:

• Fostering an environment of trust and caring necessary within a mental health facility,

• Monitoring development of mental health through attendance at workshops and seminars and in the reading of professional literature,

• Acting as a responsible committee representative as requested,

• Attending departmental staff meetings,

• Communicating effectively with supervisor concerning pertinent departmental and university matters,

• Promoting an image of efficiency and courtesy throughout the university community

• Remaining informed of national, university and departmental mental health concerns and procedures for effective communication and subsequent education,

• Maintaining a knowledge of reliable community services and agencies.

9. To promote safe and secure working conditions.  This involves:

• Promoting the proper utilization of equipment and materials,

• Reporting immediately to supervisor any unsafe working conditions.

Work Schedule:

9-month, 35 hour/week position

Employee Type

Exempt

Applicable to all positions:

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

Category:

Student Life - Admin Academic Year

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate. 

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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