Student Counselor and Group Facilitator

The position reports to and supports the Dean of Wellness Services. Under general supervision and guided by therapeutic standards and professional codes of ethics, wellness models, trauma-informed practices, retention and student development theories, and self-empowerment models, the position is responsible for conceptualizing, delivering, and evaluating data-informed, student-centered, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and collaborative therapeutic and psychoeducational group student experiences and services that improve resilience and personal responsibility as well as student learning, retention, graduation, post-baccalaureate placement, and other student success outcomes from enrollment to degree or program completion. This position is directly responsible for typically overseeing a caseload of approximately 100-150 students which could vary based on enrollment and in compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable state and federal laws (e.g., FERPA, Americans with Disabilities Act). The position is also responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with team members and various campus stakeholders such as Student Affairs colleagues, academic colleges, Center for International Education, Academic Advisors, and others. At the employee’s request and in consultation with the disabilities support office (ADA office), employees receive reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties associated with the position. The position requires some evening and weekend hours to participate in Center, student, staff, and University programs and events or support students experiencing difficulties or crisis. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Position Specific Responsibilities

Supporting operations such as greeting and assisting students, directing visitors, covering schedules or tasks during absences, and assisting health and wellness colleagues and partners who may share space.
Providing brief counseling services as well as case management and crisis intervention to students with high need for services (e.g., coordinate intake, assessment, and treatment plans for students).
Employing appropriate assessments to best manage student cases and influence proper referrals to campus and external resources, including in student’s hometown.
Providing proactive follow-up by alerting the counseling treatment team when the student is not improving, meeting goals, or following through on commitments or appointments; supporting medication management; helping facilitate changes in treatment if warranted; and facilitating communication with members of the treatment team or appropriate campus stakeholders. 
Developing, implementing, evaluating/assessing, and improving non-clinical psychoeducational topical, preventative, and developmental seminars and workshops (e.g., anxiety management, stress management, coping with change, managing wellness, faith-based, men’s groups, women’s groups, special groups for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, international, and other students, etc.).
Developing, implementing, evaluating/assessing, and improving counseling group sessions which are necessary to reduce caseload demands.
Assisting staff with implementing student conduct related prevention and diversion programs, as well as residential outreach programming related to mental and behavioral health.
Supporting Student Affairs on-call operations by providing after hours emergency on-call support as needed for mental and behavioral health emergencies. 
 

Core Student Affairs Responsibilities

Promoting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Sense of Belonging (e.g., foster welcoming environment; participate in appropriate training and professional development; ensure accessibility to services; promote inclusive excellence in programming and service delivery; report policy, legal, and regulatory violations; etc.).  
Assisting with routine administrative functions as appropriate (e.g., budgeting, report-writing, strategic planning, record-keeping, data collection and management, developing policies and procedures, and evaluation and assessments related to student outcomes and program effectiveness).  
Assisting with customer feedback processes to ensure concerns are addressed and improvements are considered. 
Supporting and assisting with signature campus experiences (e.g., Admitted Student Days; Orientation and Registration Days; Convocations; Commencements; Homecoming and Family Weekend; Student Welcome Week; Involvement Fairs; Career Fairs; Annual Awards Program; etc.).   
Serving on appropriate university or community committees, councils, and boards as recommended by the supervisor or University President.  
Implementing emergency communication plans and protocols which includes providing direction, oversight, guidance, and support as needed in emergency or crisis situations.
Seeking and proposing opportunities for ongoing appropriate professional development for self and, if applicable, reporting staff.
Communicating effectively university and department goals, achievements, challenges, solutions, practices, changes, and consistently enforcing all policies and regulations. 
Maintaining high ethical standards and integrity by conducting all operations professionally, including acting in accordance with all Millikin University policies and procedures.
Performing other mission-critical and job-related duties as assigned based on operational needs. 
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES   

Supervising paraprofessionals, graduate assistants, or interns may be assigned as needed and based on licensure.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a results-driven professional organization. Transferable skills from relevant experiences in education, not-for-profit, business, or other industries and fields will be considered. Additional qualifications specific to this position are below: 

Education and/or Experience 

Required

A master’s degree in counseling or social work. 
Clinical licensure in Illinois at the LPC/LSW or must secure Illinois licensure within one year of hire.
Direct experience in crisis intervention and management.
Preferred

At least two years providing direct related services to individuals. 
In-depth understanding of the changing demographics and behavioral health needs of adolescents, college students, and adult learners.
Experience with alcohol and other drug treatment and programming.
Prior experience in an educational setting. Other therapeutic or counseling settings may be considered including Chaplain roles.
Experience using software and tools for documenting and managing services (e.g., electronic health record (EHR), Maxient, Ellucian, etc.). 
Desired Critical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of this job are described below. 

Knowledge 

Preparatory knowledge: coursework (e.g., counseling models, student development theories, retention theories, engagement theories, wellness models, trauma-informed theories, advising models, student affairs practice); military; or work-based knowledge.  
Software/database systems: software or database platforms related to the position.  
Accountability: experience with applying formative, summative, qualitative, and/or quantitative methodologies which can be used to assess student learning outcomes and/or evaluate operations, programs, and services.  
Multimedia experience: ability to collaborate on or design brochures, event flyers, and/or newsletters and/or ability to develop or manage social media efforts.  
Events management: ability to plan, organize, manage, and execute programs and events.  
Skills  

Excellent clinical skills for diverse and high stress populations.
Communication skills: excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.  
Self-management skills: ability to manage time effectively, learn and contribute to overall departmental tasks and goals.   
Project coordination skills: ability to lead or contribute to planning or organizing projects, programs, services, etc.  
Conflict resolution skills: ability to use interpersonal skills to develop and maintain positive professional relationships and resolve conflict in a team environment and with individuals from various diverse backgrounds and experiences.  
Analytical skills: ability to analyze information and offer sound recommendations.   
Computational skills: ability to perform basic mathematical computations to assist with financial operations and/or data collection, analysis, and reporting.  
Computer skills: proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software, preferably Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Outlook Calendaring, Office 365.  
 Abilities  

Ability to adhere to work attendance requirements.  
Ability to model self-care and well-being for colleagues and, most importantly, students.  
Ability to manage emotions, function effectively, and make sound decisions in stressful and crisis situations. 
Ability to handle multiple projects, services, activities, etc. in a timely and professional manner in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.  
Ability to promote and achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion of multi-racial/ethnic, low-income, LGBTQ+, veteran, non-traditional, online, disability, first-generation, and others.  
Ability to be flexible, diplomatic, patient, service-driven, and a self-starter.  
Ability to work independently under limited supervision and in teams.   
Ability to make reasoned administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive and confidential issues.   
Ability to work evening and weekend hours based on operational need.  
Ability to comply with university vehicle-use requirements (some driving may be necessary, including transporting students and staff to approved events).