Director of Counseling and Wellness

POSITION TITLE: Director of Counseling and Wellness

DIVISION: Administration

DEPARTMENT: Student Affairs

REPORTS TO: Vice President and Dean of Students

PAY TYPE: Exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-Time

UPDATED: April 2024

The Director of Counseling and Wellness is responsible for the overall management of on campus student counseling services including the development and implementation of, as well as resources and programs that promote wellness and retention of the undergraduate and larger KCAI community (faculty/staff). The Director also provides direct services to students including individual and group psychological counseling and crisis intervention, as well as supervision of counseling practicum students and trainees.

Essential Functional Responsibilities:

Daily operations and oversight of student counseling services and the KCAI Wellness Center, including:

• Direct and participate in the daily operations and activities for counseling/wellness services including schedule management, programming, as well as resources and services to effectively meet the needs of KCAI students.
• Oversee a range of clinical services for students, educational outreach, screening programs, and wellness initiatives for the campus community.
• Provide consultation, training, and outreach services/support to students, parents, faculty, and staff related to mental health/wellness issues.
• Direct appropriate referrals to on campus departments related to student needs (withdrawals, academic support, disability support, etc.).
• Develop and implement off campus referral services for students needing long-term psychotherapy, psychiatry, and/or other medical needs.
• Implement effective procedures and protocols in line with best practices; ensure compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and other federal/state/local laws, as well as college policies and procedures.
• Maintain student counseling data and records, including health records, progress notes, referrals, assessments, etc.
• Recruit, select, and supervise advanced counseling practicum students and/or trainees.
• Recruit and hire contracted licensed therapists, if applicable.
• Maintain student telehealth services, including but not limited to contract review and renewal, uploading student records, advertising and referrals, etc.
• Oversee The Pantry (food and hygiene items) for students.
• Oversee the promotion of counseling/wellness services and resources to the campus community through printed materials, website, social media, etc.
• Develop goals, objectives and procedures for counseling/wellness services and regularly assess the effectiveness of services.
• Oversight of counseling services budget and assist in the management/deployment of student health/wellness fees.

Provide direct service, including:

• Individual psychotherapy, as needed.
• Develop and conduct group therapy sessions for students, workshops, programs, and/or wellness initiatives.
• Provide on-call hours and walk-in services for students in need.

Provide crisis intervention support, including:

• Respond to acute student mental health crises, sometimes involving hospitalization of the student (during college hours, as well as after hours and weekends).
• Consult with the VP/Dean of Students and/or Associate VP of Student Affairs, and/or on-call senior staff professional regarding crisis situations.

Other responsibilities, including:

• Serve as a member of the Early Intervention Committee and Behavioral Intervention Team as needed.
• Maintain mandatory licensing requirements on an annual basis.
• Create and revise policies and guidelines related to counseling/wellness services.
• Be available to the campus community through conducting regular office hours.
• Respond to daily email and telephone inquiries from students, parents, faculty and staff regarding student issues.
• Meet with the VP/Dean of Students and/or student affairs staff on a weekly and/or regular basis.
• Create departmental assessment tools that fall within the division’s assessment and strategic plan, as well as analyze and share data collected.
• Participate in relevant professional organizations and professional development opportunities.
• Assist and/or plan other student affairs events and programs as needed.
• Ensure that position descriptions in the area of responsibility are kept up to date and are placed on file in the Human Resources office.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervises the following:

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellent clinical, outreach, consultation and crisis intervention skills related to a wide range of student issues.
• Knowledge and ability to supervise unlicensed students and/or clinicians providing counseling services.
• Skills in delivering clinical services to the college age and diverse populations.
• Adherence to federal and state mandates regarding student information, confidentiality, and operations related to the essential functional responsibilities of the position.
• Strong training and presentation skills.
• Ability to use current computer equipment and programs being used by the division.
• Must have strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team with a well-developed capacity to delegate successfully and monitor progress.
• Interact, inspire confidence, motivate, and work successfully with other college personnel and students.
• Ability to evaluate the nature and significance of objectives and goals and to translate them into a workable plan.
• Ability to effectively and accurately articulate the priorities, policies, and mission of the institution, as well as the academic advising and career services department.
• Must have a pleasant, courteous and professional attitude and presence.
• Ability to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
• Ability to maintain a high volume of assignments with proficiency and adjust priorities accordingly, as well as conclude projects on a timely basis and according to deadlines.

Required Experience/Education:

• PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology.
• Three years of clinical experience
• Current licensure in the State of Missouri required and must maintain licensure for continued employment.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• Five years of clinical experience.
• Experience working with college age students.

Statement

Kansas City Art Institute is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kansas City Art Institute’s Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu .

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets