What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Counseling position at Simpson University?
Brief Description
Simpson University, a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), seeks a compassionate and licensed Mental Health Counselor to provide strategic leadership for all aspects of mental health and wellness programming for our residential campus in Redding, CA. The ideal candidate will deliver evidence-based counseling services while incorporating Christian principles to foster holistic student well-being. This role must balance the leadership of developing comprehensive mental health support, while being able to delegate and supervise a team of Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology (MACP) trainees in alignment with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) standards to appropriate level services. They will develop comprehensive wellness programming and deliver through individual sessions, group sessions, and campus programs to the 1100 Simpson students. Their goal is to foster holistic student success by supporting academic achievement, personal-emotional growth, and empower students to overcome personal issues that hinder academic progress. The Director will integrate psychological and Biblical principles. They will be skilled at weaving emotional and spiritual wellness showing students how to live out all the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Director will collaborate with faculty, staff, and student leaders to create intentional healthy communities where students pursue their academics and God's calling in their lives.
General Expectations
Counseling Services: Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for students addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, academic pressures, trauma, and adjustment to college life. Utilize integrative approaches that align with Christian values and evidence-based practices.
Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support during mental health crises, including risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to external resources or emergency services as needed.
Supervision and Training: Supervise California MFT trainees and associates, offering clinical oversight, case consultations, and mentorship to ensure compliance with BBS requirements. Facilitate training workshops for trainees and staff on topics like ethical counseling in a faith-based setting.
Assessment and Treatment Planning: Perform initial assessments, diagnose mental health conditions using DSM-5 criteria, and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to students' needs, cultural backgrounds, and spiritual journeys.
Campus Collaboration and Outreach: Partner with academic advisors, residence life staff, spiritual formation team, and student development services to support student retention and success. Develop and lead mental health workshops, faith-integrated wellness programs, and awareness campaigns (e.g., stress management during finals, biblical perspectives on mental health).
Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate, confidential client records in compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and BBS regulations. Participate in program evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, and accreditation processes.
Professional Development: Stay current with best practices in college mental health, Christian counseling, and supervision through continuing education, conferences, and peer consultation.
Other Duties: Contribute to a Christ-centered campus culture by modeling faith integration in all interactions; perform additional tasks as assigned by the Associate Dean or VP.
Timing of Duties: This position operates during regular business hours for nine months of the academic year, with time off during Christmas and summer breaks. The role is an exempt salaried position. Occasionally, the Director may host evening programs or counseling sessions to accommodate students whose daytime schedules are full.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to engage in the rhythms of campus life by attending academic, spiritual, athletic, and campus tradition events throughout the year in support of students. The university also encourages staff to attend one professional conference annually and pursue growth through professional organizations.
Simpson welcomes candidates who may maintain a private practice. The role can be structured as a four-day-per-week position, allowing one weekday and academic breaks for private practice work. The Director needs to participate in chapel services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
While Simpson values healthy work–life balance, the Director will serve on call when not scheduled away. On average, about once per month, the Director may respond on campus during evenings or weekends for urgent student mental health situations that cannot wait for regular counseling hours. Most concerns are resolved on campus; however, approximately once per semester, the Director may assist with hospitalizing a student and supporting them through intake and recovery.
The Director will also provide occasional after-hours consultation for the Student Life team, who serve on duty 24/7, typically involving several calls or texts per week during the academic year. At times, consultation may also be needed during Christmas or summer breaks to assess a student’s readiness to return for the academic term.
Pay and Benefits: We offer generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition benefit programs for children. We also provide full dining privileges for all faculty and staff for lunch each day.
Physical Requirements
Job Title:
Director of Counseling
Typical Working Conditions
(Describe environment including exposure to heat, cold, fumes, chemicals, allergens, mold, etc.)
100% indoors in controlled environments, mainly working in our library and occasionally visiting students on campus, in Residence Halls, and hospitals.
Equipment Used
(List all manual and automated equipment used in the course of performing essential functions.)
Computer, scanner, copier, mouse, keyboard, stapler,
Essential Physical Tasks
(List all physical tasks encountered in performing essential functions - i.e. sitting for long periods of time using a computer, standing, climbing ladders, etc.)
Sitting for long periods of time using a computer
Analysis Of Physical Demands To Perform Essential Functions
Key (Based on typical week):
N=Never
R=Rarely (Less than 1 hour per week)
O=Occasional (1%-33% of time)
F=Frequent (34%-66% of time)
C=Constant (over 66% of time)
Activity
Frequency
Activity
Frequency
N
R
O
F
C
N
R
O
F
C
Lifting/Carrying
Twisting/Turning
Under 10 lbs
X
Reach over shoulder
X
11-20 lbs
X
Reach over head
X
21-50 lbs
X
Reach outward
X
51-100 lbs
X
Climb
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Crawl
X
Kneel
X
Pushing/Pulling
Squat
X
Under 10 lbs
X
Sit
X
11-20 lbs
X
Walk-Normal Surfaces
X
21-50 lbs
X
Walk-Uneven Surfaces
X
51-100 lbs
X
Walk-Slippery Surfaces
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Stand
X
Bend
X
Driving
Automatic Trans
X
Standard Trans
X
Other
Keyboard/Ten Key
X
Fingering (fine dexterity)
X
Handling (grasping, holding)
X
Repetitive Motion – Hands
X
Repetitive Motion - Feet
X
Salary: $70,304.00 annually
Simpson University, a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), seeks a compassionate and licensed Mental Health Counselor to provide strategic leadership for all aspects of mental health and wellness programming for our residential campus in Redding, CA. The ideal candidate will deliver evidence-based counseling services while incorporating Christian principles to foster holistic student well-being. This role must balance the leadership of developing comprehensive mental health support, while being able to delegate and supervise a team of Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology (MACP) trainees in alignment with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) standards to appropriate level services. They will develop comprehensive wellness programming and deliver through individual sessions, group sessions, and campus programs to the 1100 Simpson students. Their goal is to foster holistic student success by supporting academic achievement, personal-emotional growth, and empower students to overcome personal issues that hinder academic progress. The Director will integrate psychological and Biblical principles. They will be skilled at weaving emotional and spiritual wellness showing students how to live out all the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Director will collaborate with faculty, staff, and student leaders to create intentional healthy communities where students pursue their academics and God's calling in their lives.
General Expectations
- Personal relationship with Jesus, a vibrant Christian faith, and a commitment to Christian community; capable of sharing faith and engaging in conversations about Christ
- Demonstrate Simpson University Values in the performance of all duties
- Maintain lifestyle in accordance with Simpson University Lifestyle Policy in Staff Handbook
- Maintain the confidentiality of information, data and records
- Properly exercise tact, diplomacy, discretion, and professional judgment
- Demonstrate strong customer service skills in the performance of job duties
- Demonstrate good organizational and communication skills in the performance of job duties
- Supervises employees in accordance with Simpson University policies and procedures
- Support the overflow needs of other departments within the respective university area
- Perform other duties in accordance with this position as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor
- Education: Master's degree (or higher) in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related mental health field from an accredited institution.
- Licensure and Supervision Eligibility: Hold an active, unrestricted California license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Psychologist, or Psychiatrist for at least two (2) years. Must fully meet all California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements for supervising MFT trainees and associates, including completion of approved supervisory training.
- Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of post-licensure clinical experience in mental health counseling, preferably in a higher education or faith-based setting. Experience supervising trainees or interns is highly preferred.
- Strong clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and therapy; excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards; and cultural competency.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional non-business hours for crisis response or visiting a student in the hospital.
- This position should demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to undergraduates from diverse cultural, economic and academic backgrounds.
- Ability to work as a team member and leader and collaborate with the Student Development team to bring holistic programming to the Simpson student body.
- Doctoral degree in a relevant field
- Active in the Christian counseling field such as AACC professional organizations
- Experience in college counseling centers, particularly at Christian institutions
- Bilingual abilities to support Simpson's diverse community.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, substance abuse counseling, or eating disorder treatment.
Counseling Services: Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for students addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, academic pressures, trauma, and adjustment to college life. Utilize integrative approaches that align with Christian values and evidence-based practices.
Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support during mental health crises, including risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to external resources or emergency services as needed.
Supervision and Training: Supervise California MFT trainees and associates, offering clinical oversight, case consultations, and mentorship to ensure compliance with BBS requirements. Facilitate training workshops for trainees and staff on topics like ethical counseling in a faith-based setting.
Assessment and Treatment Planning: Perform initial assessments, diagnose mental health conditions using DSM-5 criteria, and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to students' needs, cultural backgrounds, and spiritual journeys.
Campus Collaboration and Outreach: Partner with academic advisors, residence life staff, spiritual formation team, and student development services to support student retention and success. Develop and lead mental health workshops, faith-integrated wellness programs, and awareness campaigns (e.g., stress management during finals, biblical perspectives on mental health).
Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate, confidential client records in compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and BBS regulations. Participate in program evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, and accreditation processes.
Professional Development: Stay current with best practices in college mental health, Christian counseling, and supervision through continuing education, conferences, and peer consultation.
Other Duties: Contribute to a Christ-centered campus culture by modeling faith integration in all interactions; perform additional tasks as assigned by the Associate Dean or VP.
Timing of Duties: This position operates during regular business hours for nine months of the academic year, with time off during Christmas and summer breaks. The role is an exempt salaried position. Occasionally, the Director may host evening programs or counseling sessions to accommodate students whose daytime schedules are full.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to engage in the rhythms of campus life by attending academic, spiritual, athletic, and campus tradition events throughout the year in support of students. The university also encourages staff to attend one professional conference annually and pursue growth through professional organizations.
Simpson welcomes candidates who may maintain a private practice. The role can be structured as a four-day-per-week position, allowing one weekday and academic breaks for private practice work. The Director needs to participate in chapel services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
While Simpson values healthy work–life balance, the Director will serve on call when not scheduled away. On average, about once per month, the Director may respond on campus during evenings or weekends for urgent student mental health situations that cannot wait for regular counseling hours. Most concerns are resolved on campus; however, approximately once per semester, the Director may assist with hospitalizing a student and supporting them through intake and recovery.
The Director will also provide occasional after-hours consultation for the Student Life team, who serve on duty 24/7, typically involving several calls or texts per week during the academic year. At times, consultation may also be needed during Christmas or summer breaks to assess a student’s readiness to return for the academic term.
Pay and Benefits: We offer generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition benefit programs for children. We also provide full dining privileges for all faculty and staff for lunch each day.
Physical Requirements
Job Title:
Director of Counseling
Typical Working Conditions
(Describe environment including exposure to heat, cold, fumes, chemicals, allergens, mold, etc.)
100% indoors in controlled environments, mainly working in our library and occasionally visiting students on campus, in Residence Halls, and hospitals.
Equipment Used
(List all manual and automated equipment used in the course of performing essential functions.)
Computer, scanner, copier, mouse, keyboard, stapler,
Essential Physical Tasks
(List all physical tasks encountered in performing essential functions - i.e. sitting for long periods of time using a computer, standing, climbing ladders, etc.)
Sitting for long periods of time using a computer
Analysis Of Physical Demands To Perform Essential Functions
Key (Based on typical week):
N=Never
R=Rarely (Less than 1 hour per week)
O=Occasional (1%-33% of time)
F=Frequent (34%-66% of time)
C=Constant (over 66% of time)
Activity
Frequency
Activity
Frequency
N
R
O
F
C
N
R
O
F
C
Lifting/Carrying
Twisting/Turning
Under 10 lbs
X
Reach over shoulder
X
11-20 lbs
X
Reach over head
X
21-50 lbs
X
Reach outward
X
51-100 lbs
X
Climb
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Crawl
X
Kneel
X
Pushing/Pulling
Squat
X
Under 10 lbs
X
Sit
X
11-20 lbs
X
Walk-Normal Surfaces
X
21-50 lbs
X
Walk-Uneven Surfaces
X
51-100 lbs
X
Walk-Slippery Surfaces
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Stand
X
Bend
X
Driving
Automatic Trans
X
Standard Trans
X
Other
Keyboard/Ten Key
X
Fingering (fine dexterity)
X
Handling (grasping, holding)
X
Repetitive Motion – Hands
X
Repetitive Motion - Feet
X
Salary: $70,304.00 annually
Salary : $70,304