Counselor, University Counseling Center

Position Summary:

The Counselor for the Continuity team (Counselor) is a clinical staff position at the University Counseling Center (UCC) that will perform comprehensive mental health and consultation services for Vanderbilt Universitys diverse student population. The Counselor is one of four mental health providerson the Continuity team which focuses on normal transitional and developmental stressors young adults experience in a university setting. Characteristic duties include but are not limited to providing clinical assessment and individual and group counseling and crisis intervention services to Vanderbilt University undergraduate graduate and professional students the development of treatment plans and the conceptualization of clinical presentations that take into account unique aspects of identity. This position will also perform community outreach consultation and liaison activities. Multicultural awareness and responsiveness are important components of all clinical and community outreach-oriented work. This position is a full-time onsite role.

About the Work Unit:

The University Counseling Center (UCC) supports the mental health needs of Vanderbilt students encouraging their work toward their academic and personal goals. Our highly skilled and multidisciplinary staff develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individuals unique background and needs by working together with students campus partners and community providers. The UCC also emphasizes prevention and education through collaboration and consultation focused on the development of the skills and self-awareness needed to excel in a challenging educational environment. We offer culturally responsive services in a safe and affirming space and are committed to engaging in an ongoing dialogue that provides our team with opportunities to grow in the context of their own cultural identity development. The UCC is committed to understanding the role of diverse experiences and backgrounds in order to best promote mental health and wellbeing in the lives of individuals and in our community.

About the Student Care Network:

The Student Care Network (SCN) is comprised of the Center for Student Wellbeing Student Care Coordination the University Counseling Center and the Student Health Center. The SCN is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt University students who have paid the Student Health Fee. As such staff within the offices comprising the SCN work collaboratively to create integrated processes referrals and treatment plans to better serve the entire student.

About Student Affairs at Vanderbilt:

Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt advancing the Universitys mission of teaching research and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant inclusive communities that foster a students sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships transformative learning experiences and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection belonging compassion development and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge awareness skills and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Provide professional short-term mental health services to students:

• Provide an integrated assessment of students presenting for counseling to include the influence of bio-psycho-social variables on treatment and to effectively guide subsequent treatment planning.
• Develop appropriate treatment plans to target the needs of the student within a short-term multidisciplinary and multimodal system of care and collaborate effectively with other treatment resources for the benefit of students.
• Participate in development of effective and innovative intervention and skill development programs for students based on knowledge and awareness of emergent campus mental health trends and needs.
• Maintain the expectations of Individual Service Plan which outlines a 60% caseload level throughout the academic year.
• Develop effective working relationships with the Vanderbilt community including Student Care Network entities academic deans faculty residential staff Dean of Students departments Vanderbilt University Police Department and other relevant campus partners to ensure a collaborative support network on campus to respond to student needs and optimize support and safety for Vanderbilt students.
• Provide outreach and educational programming to campus community to support campus and individual mental health wellness and skill development.
• Maintain appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers based on ethical and legal standards and requirements to enhance care for students.

Provide specialized crisis intervention and follow-up services:

• Provide clinical assessments of students in a mental health crisis demonstrating effective diagnostic skills and effective treatment planning for a variety of mental health concerns and conditions.
• Respond to mental health emergencies in a culturally responsive manner to support students in a framework and manner that acknowledges their unique and intersecting personal and cultural identities.
• Identify appropriate interventions for students in crisis working effectively with the staff of the UCC and Student Care Network to access appropriate resources and engaging campus partners effectively to develop an effective plan for supporting students.
• Communicate with campus partners supporting students in crisis and develop intervention strategies to ensure student safety and support.
• Collaborate with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital the Partial Hospital Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other community providers as appropriate to ensure positive student outcomes a smooth transition to outside care and/or a seamless discharge/transition back to campus for students.

Provide consultation for staff and trainees:

• Participate in training activities including case conference small group supervision and seminars/workshops to support trainee development and progress within the UCCs accredited training program.
• Co-facilitate therapy and skill-based groups/works with trainees to provide effective treatment and coping skill development for students as well as learning and role modeling for trainee co-facilitators.

Perform other administrative functions:

• Serve on divisional committees and working groups to enrich the experience and resources available to staff across the division.
• Participate in division-wide events (Move-In Day Rites of Spring Diverse Dores Day MLK Day etc.) as needed to support colleagues and ensure these events run smoothly.
• Learn and comply with financial policies and procedures related to travel procurement and expense reporting in order to be a good steward of university funds.
• Engage in professional development including presentations at pertinent conferences and workshops to expand upon and bring back skills and knowledge to the greater UCC team.
• Perform other duties necessary to enhance the student experience and/or facilitate the success of the University division or department.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have any supervisory responsibility; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Director for Continuous Care.

Education and Certifications:

• A Masters degree from an accredited institution of higher education in counseling social work or other mental health-related field is necessary.
• Eligibility for licensure (LPC LCSW LMFT Psychologist) in Tennessee within one year of employment is required.

Experience and Skills:

• Completion of practicum and internship in discipline is required.
• 1-3years of post-licensure clinical experience is strongly preferred.
• 1 years working with high acuity patients strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with patients/ clients from diverse backgrounds is required.
• Effective interpersonal skills to form and maintain meaningful relationships with students colleagues and all stakeholders required.
• Specific knowledge experience and skills in providing services to a diverse student population including APIDA international Latinx African-American LGBTQI military first-generation low-income and/or rural is preferred.
• Evident language fluency in Mandarin Cantonese Korean Japanese Hindi Bengali or other Asian languages is preferred.
• Growth mindset and willingness to learn is necessary.
• Ability to work effectively within a team framework is necessary.
• Experience with young adult population is strongly preferred.
• Experience in crisis and care evaluation and intervention is preferred.
• Experience working in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated skill in written and oral communication including public speaking and group meeting facilitation is preferred.
• Ability to function in an acute care model for assessment and management of clinical emergencies is preferred.