University Counselor

UNIVERSITY COUNSELOR--24 hours per week, 9 months per year

BASIC FUNCTION

To 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 

• 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 as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Masters degree in counseling or related field with appropriate license or certification or eligibility for licensure, 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: Lyndon campus with possible travel to other campuses. 

Vermont State Colleges System (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 Lindsey Melo for assistance with accommodations at lindsey.melo@vermontstate.edu.

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.