University Counselor

UNIVERSITY COUNSELOR                                                  

BARGAINING UNIT: VSC UP PAT
FLSA: Exempt
GRADE: 13                                              

BASIC FUNCTION

To coordinate and provide student counseling services, mental health educational programs, mental health assessment and referral and, to provide direct developmental counseling services for individual students as part of the Student Success team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Plan, implement, administer, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the specific programs, services and functions of the University’s counseling program as part of the Health and Wellness department.
• Exercise supervisory authority over counseling interns, if needed, as well as one or more student assistants. Confer regularly with staff to plan and coordinate activities, assign and review work, assist with difficult or unusual tasks or problems, and the like.
• Provide short-term personal and social counseling services to students, including individual psychological testing and evaluation, workshops, and group leadership
  programs, and emergency crisis intervention services. Make referrals to other VTSU or outside services as appropriate. Maintain related case records.
• Serve as a consultant and trainer for residential life and other Student Success staff on counseling-related matters. Meet periodically with Residential Life Staff to develop and implement relevant programs and operating systems. Present workshops and educational opportunities for students on relevant topics.
• Instruct, advise, and provide educational programs to various groups and individuals regarding counseling and human development concerns.
• Confer regularly with Student Success staff, faculty, and other VTSU personnel, as well as, parents, community health care providers, and others outside the University, to plan, coordinate and evaluate activities/programs, exchange information, make case referrals, investigate, resolve problems, and the like.
• Serve on various University committees as appropriate.
• Plan and administer appropriate counseling record systems.
• Keep abreast of current developments in the field. Participate in various regional and national professional groups and organizations.
• Other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Direct supervision is received by the Director of Health and Wellness or an Associate Director of Health and Wellness.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 
Direct supervision of interns and student workers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Masters degree in counseling or related field with appropriate license or certification or rostered to provide therapy with appropriate experience, plus two to four years of relevant counseling and administrative experience, 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
Knowledge:

• Understanding of the educational goals and objectives of Vermont State University including attention to accessibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Understanding of the psychological and cultural characteristics of economically and educationally disadvantaged students, particularly in a rural setting.
• Awareness of developmental, holistic, and proactive approaches to student success.
• Experience making data-informed decisions.

Skills:
• Excellent interpersonal, supervisory, and communication skills.
• Able to meet students where they are, ensure they feel listened to, and that they are comfortable working with an advisor to navigate challenges and concerns as they come up.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with (or ability to learn) technologies such as Aviso, Colleague, Self-Service, Slate, Microsoft products, and Perceptive Content.
• Proven record of accountability and follow-through with the ability to meet deadlines.

Abilities:
• Demonstrated ability to positively influence student skill development, such as communication skills, leadership skills, academic skills, technical skills, non-cognitive or ‘soft’ skills, and social skills.
• Demonstrated ability to foster student development in the attainment of student success goals, such as academic purpose, sense of belonging/identity, agency, career readiness, civic readiness, access & equity.
• Demonstrated positive attitude regarding Vermont State University and a desire to improve student outcomes, including attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to support a diverse community and promote diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals within the University and capacity to work as part of a team to collaborate and choose student success.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with college personnel as well as families/guardians and external resources in carrying out the various coordination, liaison, and advocacy aspects of the job.
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings to provide student support outside of normal business hours.

Location: Johnson campus with possible travel to other campuses.

Compensation: The budgeted compensation for this position is $50,000 - $53,000.

Benefits Package:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Waiver to Vermont State Colleges
• Tuition Waiver to UVM* for dependent children
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Long Term Disability 
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Personal, and Vacation Leave    

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.

We encourage applicants with a demonstrated interest in building and supporting an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community at VSC.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning.  Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community.  VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations.  VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant.  Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at humanresources@vermontstate.edu.    

NOTE: This job could be subject to a criminal background check. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.