Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Job Description

The Clinical Mental Health Counselor provides counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and mental health outreach services to enhance the psychological and emotional welfare of Champlain College students. This position supports the mission and philosophy of the Student Health and Wellness Center, the Division of Student Affairs, and Champlain College. The Clinical Mental Health Counselor provides respectful and confidential services for all students, valuing differences in race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, ability, veteran status, socioeconomic status, and age.

Working collaboratively with the Student Health & Wellness team, the Clinical Mental Health Counselor provides cross-cultural and multicultural individual and group counseling, responds to acute mental health crises, and develops specialized plans to ensure student safety. This role also contributes to the broader campus community through psychoeducational programming, faculty and staff trainings, and representation at campus-wide events.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Counseling & Crisis Intervention

• Provide cross-cultural and multicultural individual and group psychological counseling to students to address various mental health and wellness-related issues
• Assess individuals with acute/severe problems related to substance abuse, mental or emotional crises - including clients who may be suicidal, depressed, psychotic, and/or potentially violent - and develop specialized individual plans to identify and resolve problems and ensure safety
• Respond to Care Team referrals that require clinical intervention through same-day triage appointments and/or provide consultation and guidance to the Care Team
• Facilitate referrals in the community when students seek transfer of care or when a higher level of care is warranted

Student Support & Wellness

• Work collaboratively with the Student Health & Wellness team to develop and implement holistic treatment plans
• Support students with the Medical Leave process by sharing pertinent information, communicating with parents, faculty, and staff, and coordinating care with community providers
• Develop and present psychoeducational materials that promote student wellness
• Serve in counselor "on-call" rotations (two-week shifts, approximately 5 times per academic year) to consult and provide clinical support to administrators/residential life for after-hour emergencies

Outreach, Training & Administration

• Provide trainings to faculty, staff, and student employees about various mental health topics
• Represent the College and Counseling Center at campus-wide events (Orientation, Admitted Students Day, Open House, Commencement)
• Provide clinical and administrative support to the graduate intern program
• Maintain encounter notes and other documentation according to best practices and policies

Requirements

• Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related discipline required
• Experience in a college counseling setting preferred
• Maintain appropriate state licensing, continuing education requirements, and/or certifications to practice in Vermont, including participating in professional development opportunities
• Skills in risk assessment, diagnosis, culturally-responsive counseling, short-term counseling modalities, and trauma-informed counseling approaches
• Awareness and adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality laws
• Proficiency with electronic health record software; experience with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and Zoom preferred
• Maintain highest ethical standards according to Vermont statutes and standards in the mental health professions

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, year-round position based at our main campus in Burlington, VT
• Standard business hours with some evening and weekend hours required
• Combines office-based computer work with regular movement throughout campus buildings to access resources, deliver educational programming, and facilitate groups

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $60,000
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
  • Paid Time Off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time and 2 days of personal leave
  • Retirement: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contribution
  • Education: Tuition benefits for employees and family members
  • Wellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentives
  • Welfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insurance
  • Other Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programs

Application Instructions

To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College

The College seeks candidates who can enhance its mission through their work, life experiences, service, teaching, or research. Please include specific examples of how you would contribute to these efforts in your Cover Letter.

To streamline our hiring process and ensure fairness for all candidates, we manage all recruitment communications through our online application system. Please do not call regarding your application status. We'll reach out directly if we'd like to schedule an interview.

The successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.

Champlain College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, religion, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, veteran or military service status, HIV -positive status, qualified disability, or on the basis of any other status protected by law, and does not discriminate in the administration of its education and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices or co-curricular and other College-administered programs. Champlain College will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified students, applicants for admission or employment, or employees.

Champlain College is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. We believe that bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches education and strengthens our community. At Champlain, all members are valued as individuals and respected for their unique contributions.