Mental Health Counselor

Description

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for providing culturally responsive personal counseling and case management to enrolled students in need of services, and for contributing to the social and mental health of the student body at a liberal arts institution. As case manager, convene resources and advocate on students behalf, in collaboration with others, across units campus-wide, and/or with community and government agencies. Conducts workshops, engage in research relevant to unit objectives, and engage in service to the University community (including serving on committees, providing training sessions for colleagues, etc.). Ten-month, full-time staff position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Provide and document personal counseling and case management for undergraduates in need of services enrolled at the Surprise Residential Campus, ranging widely in levels of urgency (e.g., interpersonal issues, to eating disorders and suicide prevention), during individual and group sessions.
• Design and implement mental health promotion activities, including workshops, outreach programs, and liaison relationships designed to foster student success.
• Provide consultation and education to faculty and staff regarding student mental health needs.
• Provide assessments for student-athletes referred by the athletic department as part of the policy violation criteria.
• Address the psychological wellness needs of individual students and of the student body and generate positive student experiences that enhance social and mental health. Facilitate FERPA-compliant exchange of information as needed. Guide students to appropriate services, resources, co-curricular events, peers, and professionals to help them form and meet personal social and mental wellness goals.
• Coordinate the center's emergency and crisis response procedures and participate in threat assessment activities.
• Work in conjunction with local emergency services that provide care outside of business hours.
• Conduct workshops for various audiences on topics relevant to undergraduate mental health and wellness.
• Participate in annual unit research, planning, training, program development, and outcomes assessment.
• Provide leadership to those with whom you work through your conduct, attitude and professionalism. Understand the Universitys policies and procedures as they apply to your unit. Provide an effective and responsible interface to persons internal and external to the University who are seeking information and assistance. Represent the University to students, staff, faculty, and external groups in a way that reflects well on OU. Assure that University information is handled in a confidential and ethical manner in alignment with the Universitys Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Assist in processing accommodations for students when called upon.
• Other duties as assigned

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the Universitys policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the Universitys Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the Universitys Diversity Statement.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity): Masters degree in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity) Three or more years experience preferred in providing personal counseling to undergraduates, student assessment, and/or conducting training on mental health issues. Licensure as an LCP, LPC, LCPC, or equivalent level; or the ability to transfer licensure to the state of Arizona required regulatory agencies by beginning of employment.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Experience with assessment, treatment, and discharge planning; college-level personal counseling; exercising independent initiative; and adjusting practices in response to feedback in an outcomes-aware environment.
• Strengths in writing, public speaking, reasoning, and organization; accuracy and attention to detail.
• Commitment to a holistic model of undergraduate development, encompassing intellectual growth, relationship health, spirituality, career planning, community awareness, self-examination, and experiential learning.
• Computer skills: word processing, email, etc. (database systems and online teaching platforms desirable).

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• May require evening and weekend activities for certain events and meetings.
• Prolonged periods of sitting must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times.
• Office building requires daily use of stairs.
• 10-month position; vacation time off aligns with student academic calendar and during two month period during the summer when off of work.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No - Travel Required

• If YES, list type and approximate percentage: None
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No