Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

Posting Number EHRA800P Quick Link for Internal Postings Classification Title Director Working Title Director of Counseling and Psychological Services - Department Health and Counseling Services Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with experience About WCU Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 "America's Best Employers by State" list by Forbes, ranking 14 out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. Forbes has also ranked Western Carolina University in the Top 100 of America's Best Midsize Employers for 2023. Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. WCU's main campus is nestled in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville. WCU is located just 25 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the nation's most spectacular and most visited national parks. The entire region is known for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge. Position Summary The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. The anticipated begin work date is June 2024. Western Carolina University is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director, Counseling and Psychological Services. The Director reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Health & Wellness, Student Affairs. This position is responsible for providing overall management, leadership and supervision of the mental health services provided to WCU students. The Director provides clinical expertise to the campus community regarding college student mental health and develops and implements strategic goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures for optimal client care and operational effectiveness. The Director participates in long-range planning and assessment, division and institution compliance, and other responsibilities as directed by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs-Health and Wellness. The Director is a member of the Health & Wellness Unit within Student Affairs and works collaboratively with Health Services, Campus Recreation and Wellness, and Health and Wellness Education to provide services and programming that supports growth, development, and academic success for all students. The successful candidate is expected to provide clinical expertise to the campus community regarding college student mental health and develops and implements strategic goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures for optimal client care and operational effectiveness. This includes consulting with University administrators, faculty, staff, and others as appropriate on matters relating to mental health affecting all students. The Director: Provides clinical expertise to the campus community regarding college student mental health; Develops and implements strategic goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures for optimal client care and operational effectiveness Engages in systematic planning and qualitative and quantitative assessment; Ensures appropriate hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of Counseling and Psychological staff; Ensures fiscal responsibility of departmental budget and resources; Consults with University administrators, faculty, staff, and others as appropriate, on matters relating to mental health issues and problems affecting all students; Serves as an advisor to both the University Behavioral Assessment Team (BAT), and the Student Concerns Response Team (SCRT) to provide clinical expertise and recommendations for intervention; Coordinates the availability and effectiveness of 24-hour crisis intervention services including walk-in and contracted on-call services; Collaborates with other divisions and departments to create and implement outreach and informational programs Minimum Qualifications Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology and be licensed as a psychologist in North Carolina or other jurisdiction with eligibility for licensure in North Carolina. Additionally, candidates must be credentialled as a Health Service Provider-Psychologist in North Carolina or be eligible for that credential. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience working in a university counseling center. Candidates should demonstrate progressive leadership experience and have provided administrative supervision. Candidates must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications Current licensure as a Psychologist and Health Service Provider-Psychologist in North Carolina is preferred. Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week Number of Months Per Year 12 Posting Text Open Date 01/25/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for review. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected. Please attach a cover letter, current vita, and a listing of at least three professional references (include complete contact information). For questions and additional information, please contact Pam Buchanan at . Background/E-Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. Credential Verification All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. AA/EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call or email at . University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 ) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 ). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.