Jewish Student Therapist at the University Of Kansas/JFS Position

Title: Jewish Student Therapist at the University of Kansas /JFS Therapist Position

Department: Mental Health

Reports to: Clinical Director

Classification: This is a contractor position (1099 status) and not an employee role. The contractor will be responsible for their own taxes and benefits.

Term/Timeline: This contract will begin on 08/01/2025 and continue through 05/31/2026. Extensions may be considered based on funding and performance

Estimated Hours: 20 hours per week M-F occasional evenings and weekends

Location: The University of Kansas campus and JFS offices (Overland Park/Brookside

Organization: Jewish Family Services () Since 1901 Jewish Family Services (JFS) has

supported and strengthened lives throughout Greater Kansas City. We provide essential human services

for people of all faiths ages cultures and identities who are facing challenges in everyday life or times of

crisis. Our highly skilled and compassionate staff are dedicated to furthering the well-being stability and

dignity of the community members we serve. As a 501 (c) (3) public charity JFS offers a breadth of

connected services including Social Work Older Adult Services Food Pantry Mental Health and

Education and Jewish life. JFS was founded on the Jewish value of tikkun olam repairing the world one

person one family at a time.

Position Summary: This contract (20 hours per week) position provides in person counseling services to

undergraduate and graduate students on site at KU Hillel or virtual from JFSKC office; provides information

and referral to additional mental health support systems or local supports in other areas of daily living as

needed. The direct service of this role primarily takes place at KU Hillel Campus.

• A 12-session model of personalized goal-oriented interventions will be implemented to allow for effective clinical services while accommodating rotating client needs. This structured approach supports continuity of care and ensures equitable access for multiple students. Each case will be reviewed with the clinical supervisor to determine appropriateness for rotation and to ensure treatment goals align with the time-limited framework.
• Conduct confidential intakes assessments and culturally responsive individual counseling.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions as time allows on trending topics presented by students.
• Address acute student crises and triage active concerns alongside campus Hillel staff.
• Provide resources education training and talking points to campus Hillel staff regarding general wellness practices or trends from counseling sessions.
• Maintain 12 weekly direct service hours.
• Develop relationships with KU Hillel staff University of Kansas student crisis response team fellow JFS staff and local entities in Douglas County KS to serve and meet the needs of clients for appropriate referrals. (supports may include counseling centers; food banks; academic support; housing support; disability services; etc.)
• Maintains professional and timely documentation of services in electronic medical record including but not limited to intake notes progress notes treatment plans termination notes and other forms or documents which may be needed to track program data and enhance service effectiveness.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings professional development clinical supervision and all other meetings as necessary with Hillel and JFSKC.
• During times when school is not in session (Spring/Winter/Summer breaks) this position will complete administrative work on behalf of the Clinical Director.

This role may also:

• If applicable supervise student intern(s).

Essential Education Knowledge and Experience:

• Masters degree or higher in Social Work (MSW) Counseling Psychology Marriage and Family Therapy or related mental health field.
• Must be licensed or license-eligible (LCSW LPC LMHC LMFT PsyD PhD etc.) in the state of KS.
• Experience providing individual and/or group therapy to adolescents or young adults.
• Minimum of two years clinical experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently as the sole practitioner in this setting.
• Training and/or familiarity with CBT/DBT Solution Focused Therapy EMDR and/or Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is strongly preferred.
• Strong crisis management and safety protocol skills and experience including mandated reporter protocols.
• Deep understanding of Jewish culture traditions and values.
• Experience or comfort working within diverse Jewish communities (including Reform Conservative Orthodox LGBTQ Jewish individuals etc.).
• Sensitivity to interfaith multicultural and intersectional identities.
• Strong clinical judgment and ethical standards are important.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and FERPA regulations.

Environment/Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a contractor to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Frequently required to sit stand talk and hear.
• Able to work in a communal work environment.
• Able to effectively use office equipment such as video conferencing digital phone system Windows/Office printer copier and fax machine.

Key Competencies:

• Cultural Humility: Engage in the regular practice of self-reflection on how ones own background and the background of others impact workplace experiences.
• Organizational Leader: Must have an innovative mindset and create and maintain a strong reputation as a strategic doer demonstrating agility and collaboration throughout the organization.
• Emotional Intelligence: Empathy and strong interpersonal skills are essential. Must be compassionate self-aware and able to skillfully manage their emotions and those of others.
• Adaptability: Must have a strong sense of urgency and ability to work efficiently under sometimes rapidly changing circumstances.
• Integrity: Must utilize effective judgement and problem-solving skills while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.

Guiding Principles:

JFS is guided by five principles that inform how we engage with each other and the community we serve. The right candidate will be in alignment with these principles:

1. BYachad - Stronger Together: We are stronger as an agency and a community when we think work and serve together.

2. Being Human Centered: We put the human experience and perspective at the center of our thinking programming services and interactions.

3. Collaboration: We actively seek partnering opportunities within JFS and throughout our community.

4. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: We respond and continually adapt to ongoing needs and changes in the Greater Kansas City area.

5. Open Communication: We communicate openly honestly and in a solution-oriented manner.

EEO: Jewish Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment decisions are based on qualifications merit and organizational need. All applicants will be considered for employment with dignity and respect free of all discrimination including that which is based on race color religion gender language national origin ancestry age disability marital status sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.