Mental Health Counselor - Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Overview

The Mental Health Counselor’s responsibility is to provide comprehensive counseling services to meet the social and emotional needs of all full and part-time students. This position provides assessments, clinical interventions, education, diagnosis, and advocacy for students who are affected by a social, physical, emotional, mental health or substance abuse issue. This position also has the responsibility for providing psychological consultation to faculty, staff, students, and families.

Coordinates with: 

The counselor coordinates with all entities of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences' campus community, including student affairs, faculty, academic advising, and success coaching staff.

Work Schedule: 

Typically, Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm with some nights and weekends and availability of call if a staff member needs intervention to assist a student.

Essential Functions:

1. Counseling:  Implements a comprehensive counseling program designed to help students develop their educational, social, career and personal strengths.
   • Adheres to the ACA Code of Ethics, federal and state regulations.
   • Provide intake assessments of students and employees seeking counseling, both on a scheduled and walk-in basis.
   • Offer individual and group counseling and referral for students focusing on personal, social, family, organizational, and academic problems. 
   • Serve as a consultant to college faculty, staff, campus groups and programs, such as student clubs/organizations, etc., to identify and alleviate sources of student stress and improve the mental health climate on campus.
   • Responsible for psycho-educational programs which focus on students’ learning and developmental needs an maximize students’ potential for success
   • Recognize and respond to emergency situations if the need arises, which may require coverage outside the normal working hours.
   • Maintain confidential client records and case notes.
2. Americans with Disabilities Act – Responsible for reviewing and authorizing student requests for accommodations and maintaining compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
   • Maintains awareness and complies with federal requirements
   • Assists students with the process
   • Refers students for appropriate testing
   • Collaborates with Dean, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, faculty and legal department to deliver reasonable accommodations.
3. Participates as a member of the student affairs team in college, division, meetings, committees, task forces, and other assignments as requested by the Dean, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. 
4. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Knowledge of counseling theories and models, particularly short-term therapy. 
2. Skills in clinical assessment and interventions
3. Skills in consulting within an educational institution.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people.
5. Awareness of student developmental stages for both traditional age and non-traditional age students.
6. Awareness of standards of practice and ethical guidelines
7. Ability to deal with emergency psychiatric situations and work with community agencies for referral.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling or social work or related field.
• Current professional licensure in the state of the counselor’s practice required to practice counseling.
• One to three years of clinical experience.
• Must have the ability to assess, diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse disorders
• Ability to work well with people

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Psychology or Counseling (Ph.D., Ed.D., or Psy.D.)
• Experience working within a higher education setting 
• Experience with providing disability services/accommodations