Beacon College is seeking qualified candidates with demonstrated counseling skills to join an outstanding team of faculty and staff to provide high quality programs and services for our collegians. Under the general supervision of the vice president of student affairs, the mental health professional provides mental health counseling and will begin this assignment as soon as possible. We are looking for a caring and compassionate professional interested in becoming a part of our small, stable, and distinct campus community. The professional selected will serve as one of four mental health counselors on staff working collegially to ensure the best level of student care and support. Over the past five years, Beacon College has enjoyed significant programmatic and enrollment growth, as well as increasing national recognition as a competitive liberal arts-based undergraduate institution, now ranked 5th for Social Mobility and 3rd overall in US News’ Regional Colleges – South category (2024).
Position Reports to: Vice President of Student Affairs
Specific Responsibilities:
- Provide a broad range of counseling and psychological services to Beacon College students including the following: diagnostic assessment and evaluation, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, consultation, and outreach programming and training.
- Exhibit expertise in addressing the complex emotional, social, and psychological challenges faced by collegians with learning and attention issues, applying specialized treatment and management techniques.
- Apply adept observation and behavioral assessment skills to support therapeutic processes.
- Fulfill assigned roles in the Counseling Center’s after-hours and weekend on-call roster, engaging actively in emergency response and crisis management protocols.
- Execute prompt triage assessments and manage the care of students at risk, ensuring timely and effective evaluations.
- Provide critical risk assessments and manage crisis intervention efforts with precision and care.
- Partner with colleagues to ensure seamless continuity of care for students with acute and ongoing emotional and psychological needs.
- Engage in college-organized after-hours events and activities as required.
- Collaborate with relevant parties to market and enhance the visibility of counseling services.
- Continuously update personal knowledge of local mental health resources and provide appropriate referrals to support student well-being.
- Stay abreast of advancements and emerging practices within the counseling and psychological fields.
- Consult with authorized family members, treatment professionals, and academic staff to ensure a holistic approach to student health.
- Facilitate the coordination of psychiatric hospitalizations and assist with the reintegration of students returning to campus life.
- Cultivate partnerships with external mental health professionals and organizations that support socio-emotional wellness.
- Lead and contribute to preventative and educational outreach programs to foster a supportive campus environment.
- Conduct training sessions for faculty and staff to enhance campus-wide mental health literacy.
- Serve actively on various College committees as appointed.
- Take part in significant college events such as orientations, graduations, open houses, and community outreach efforts.
- Maintain thorough and prompt documentation in the electronic record-keeping system.
Education and Experience Requirements
Minimum Qualifications for the Mental Health Counselor Position
- A master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Valid state licensure or registration as a professional counselor, clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist.
- A minimum of two years of professional experience in mental health counseling.
- Familiarity and experience with issues pertaining to learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Strong crisis management skills and experience with emergency response procedures.
- Proficiency in the use of electronic health records and data management systems.
- Commitment to continuing education and professional development in counseling practices and ethics.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to collaborate effectively with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
- Availability to participate in evening and weekend on-call duties and respond to emergencies as needed. Must live within 40 minutes of campus.
- Candidates who have experience with diverse populations, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, and possess an understanding of multicultural counseling principles are strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated experience and ability to work as part of a highly cohesive and interdisciplinary team.
- Exceptional organizational skills with a systematic approach to managing tasks and priorities.
- Strong ability to remain composed and maintain a clear focus during high-stress situations.
- Experience in maintaining confidentiality and highly sensitive information.
- Knowledge of and ability to follow college and counseling services policies and procedures.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community members.