Academic Year Mental Health Counselor

Title: Academic Year Mental Health Counselor

Agency: Student Affairs-50

Location: Radford

FLSA: Exempt/ Not eligible for overtime

Hiring Range: Pay Band 4b, Commensurate with Experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Job Description:
The Academic Year Mental Health Counselor role is crucial in nurturing the mental well-being of our diverse student body, acknowledging and appreciating the multitude of lived experiences within our community. Across nine months from August to May, this role involves providing culturally competent and trauma-informed counseling, crisis intervention, and clinical outreach/educational services. Given the rich diversity of our student population in terms of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, the Academic Year Mental Health Counselor plays a pivotal role in supporting their personal, educational, and vocational development through a lens of inclusivity and understanding.

The capacity to engage and build connections with a diverse student body representing various lived experiences is fundamental for this position. The Academic Year Mental Health Counselor will conduct comprehensive intake assessments to ensure a deep understanding of each student's unique background and requirements. They will offer time-limited individual and group counseling sessions, employing methods sensitive to diverse cultural perspectives and informed by trauma-informed practices. Acknowledging the significance of non-traditional counseling approaches, the counselor will also facilitate individual and group sessions utilizing nature and the environment to promote mental health and well-being.

Crisis intervention, an essential aspect of this role, necessitates a prompt and empathetic response, recognizing the potential impact of trauma on students' mental health. The counselor's ability to handle crises effectively is augmented by their understanding and respect for each student's diverse cultural and personal contexts.

Besides delivering direct counseling services, the Academic Year Mental Health Counselor is vital in our proactive outreach initiatives. They work in collaboration with student organizations, faculty, and staff to advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatize help-seeking behaviors. Their engagement with campus partners and involvement in departmental initiatives not only further the integration of mental health support within the broader framework of student services but also bolsters retention efforts and fosters a campus culture of holistic well-being. This collaborative approach strengthens our team and proves to be effective, and we highly value the contributions of the Academic Year Mental Health Counselor to our efforts.

The day-to-day responsibilities of the Academic Year Mental Health Counselor include providing culturally competent and trauma-informed counseling, conducting intake assessments, and offering time-limited individual and group counseling sessions. The role also involves crisis intervention, using non-traditional counseling approaches such as nature-based therapy, and collaborating with campus partners to promote mental health awareness. The counselor is responsible for proactive outreach, effective documentation and care coordination, and active participation in departmental initiatives to support student well-being and retention. Continuous professional development and adherence to ethical standards are also key components of this role.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants for this position are professionals and experts in their respective fields. They should hold an advanced degree in counseling, psychology, clinical social work, or a related field, demonstrating a commitment to continuous cultural competency and professional development. Licensure or eligibility for licensure in a mental health-related discipline in Virginia is necessary. Proficiency in brief intervention, crisis assessment, and group therapy is vital, as is a nuanced understanding of counseling theories and techniques within diverse cultural contexts. We highly regard your qualifications and the expertise you bring to the role.


Furthermore, we are looking for candidates who have a proven ability to work with a diverse population of students from various backgrounds. Preference will be given to those with experience conducting non-traditional individual and group counseling sessions incorporating nature and the environment. Proficiency in electronic health records systems is crucial for effective documentation and care coordination, especially in times of crisis. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong capacity for collaborative work, showing empathy, fairness, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions. A solid understanding of professional ethics, exceptional communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills are all essential in establishing trust and rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with 3-5 years of professional clinical experience in college/university or community counseling settings, particularly those who have successfully provided outreach, prevention, and consultation services, will receive priority consideration. Holding an active license in Virginia (i.e., LPC or LCSW) and proven experience in high-paced environments serving diverse student populations is highly desirable. This includes a proven ability to navigate complex situations with resilience and adaptability, fostering a climate of inclusivity and support for all students on their journey toward holistic well-being.