Lead University Counselor

BASIC FUNCTION

The Lead University Counselor provides advanced clinical counseling services and serves as the lead clinician for Vermont State University's counseling program. In addition to providing comprehensive mental health assessment, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and short-term counseling services, this position provides clinical supervision and functional leadership to University Counselors, counseling interns, practicum students, and student employees. The Lead University Counselor coordinates the daily clinical operations of counseling services, serves as the primary clinical resource for complex student mental health concerns, and supports the Director of Health and Wellness in implementing counseling initiatives, clinical best practices, and quality improvement efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, implement, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the University's counseling services as part of the Health and Wellness Department.
• Provide comprehensive mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and short-term counseling services to students.
• Provide clinical supervision, mentoring, and work direction to University Counselors as assigned, graduate counseling interns, practicum students, undergraduate interns, and student employees.
• Coordinate daily counseling schedules and clinical coverage to ensure continuity of counseling services.
• Serve as the primary clinical consultation resource for counselors regarding complex student mental health concerns, crisis response, risk assessment, and treatment planning.
• Review clinical documentation and provide guidance regarding counseling best practices, ethical standards, and applicable licensing requirements.
• Assist the Director of Health and Wellness with implementing counseling procedures, evidence-based clinical practices, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide short-term counseling, psychological assessment, crisis intervention, and referral to campus or community resources as clinically appropriate.
• Serve as a consultant and trainer for Residential Life, Student Success, CARE Teams, faculty, and staff regarding student mental health concerns, crisis response, and behavioral intervention.
• Instruct, advise, and provide educational presentations regarding mental health, resilience, student well-being, and related counseling topics.
• Confer regularly with Student Success staff, faculty, parents, community mental health providers, and other University personnel regarding clinical consultation and coordination of student support.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case consultation meetings involving students with complex mental health concerns.
• Collect and analyze counseling utilization and outcome data and provide recommendations to the Director to support continuous improvement of counseling services.
• Plan and administer counseling record systems and ensure compliance with professional documentation standards.
• Keep abreast of developments in clinical counseling, higher education mental health, and evidence-based treatment practices.
• Participate on University committees and multidisciplinary teams as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
   

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direct supervision is received from the Director of Health and Wellness.
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Direct supervision to University Counselors, graduate counseling interns, practicum students, undergraduate interns, and student employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in counseling or related field with appropriate license or certification, plus three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible clinical counseling experience, including crisis intervention and behavioral health assessment and a minimum of  two (2) experience supervising or mentoring professional staff, graduate interns, or practicum students, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to obtain a VSC fleet license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of clinical mental health counseling principles, assessment, diagnosis, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapeutic practices.

• Knowledge of college student development, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and emerging mental health issues affecting higher education populations.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, ethical standards, and professional licensing requirements, including FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), Title IX, and mandated reporting obligations.
• Knowledge of clinical supervision principles, professional development practices, and mentoring techniques.
• Understanding of higher education systems, student success initiatives, CARE/Behavioral Intervention Team processes, and interdisciplinary student support models.
• Knowledge of electronic health record systems, clinical documentation standards, and quality assurance practices.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and culturally responsive counseling practices.

Skills

• Advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, crisis intervention, and short-term counseling skills.
• Clinical supervision, coaching, mentoring, and staff development skills.
• Leadership and coordination skills with the ability to provide functional leadership without full administrative authority.
• Strong interpersonal, consultation, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Conflict resolution, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency using electronic health record systems, Microsoft Office, and other technologies supporting counseling services.
• Ability to analyze clinical issues, identify trends, and recommend improvements to counseling practices.

Abilities

• Ability to lead and coordinate the daily clinical operations of counseling services while fostering collaboration and teamwork.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and evaluate counselors, interns, and student employees while promoting professional growth and accountability.
• Ability to provide sound clinical judgment in complex, high-risk, and crisis situations.
• Ability to consult effectively with faculty, staff, students, families, and community providers while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to build trust and establish effective working relationships with diverse individuals and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to interpret and apply professional standards, institutional policies, and legal requirements while exercising independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to promote an inclusive, equitable, and student-centered environment that supports the success and well-being of all students.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, lead through change, and respond effectively during emergencies.
• Ability to represent the counseling function professionally and positively throughout the University.

Scheduled Hours Weekly:

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