Counselor I (10-months)

Troy, NY, New York, United States | Full Time

About the role

The Counselor I will facilitate the normal developmental process of Rensselaer students, and assist students whose normal developmental process is impeded by adjustment problems and other disorders. This role will work with students individually and in groups, as well as proactively work with the Rensselaer Community to create an environment that allows students to maximize their personal growth. The Counselor will also develop and implement mental health prevention and education programs.

This is a 10-month role with a scheduled work period of August 1 through May 31 of the following year. The position will enter the non-work period beginning June 1, extending through July 31. This role is eligible for year-round benefits and the ability to spread salary over 12 months.

About us

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One—the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

Responsibilities

• Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand problems, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
• Collect information about individuals or clients using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods for use in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, and needs.
• Analyze data such as interview notes, test results, and reference manuals to identify symptoms and to diagnose the nature of clients' problems.
• Advise clients on how counseling can help their state/condition.
• Evaluate the results of counseling methods to determine the reliability and validity of treatments.
• Consult with other professionals to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources, or techniques, and to share occupational information.
• Refer clients to specialists for non-counseling treatment of problems.
• Provide consultation to teachers, administrators, and other staff as needed in responding to students who present with adjustment and mental health problems.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies by providing and/or arranging for emergency evaluations and treatment.
• Complete and maintain records and reports regarding the students’ histories, progress, services provided, and other relevant information.
• Promote mental health by participating in campus-wide outreach activities as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field.
• Three (3) or more years of applicable experience with at least one (1) year being post-licensure OR Ph.D. in counseling or clinical psychology.
• Two (2) years of professional clinical experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical experience with young adult/adolescent populations.
• Clinical work experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience with electronic health record systems.
• Clinical experience with at least one traditionally underserved student population and/or international students.

Skills

• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to effectively communicate in written and verbal form.
• Ability to effectively communicate information, test results, diagnoses, and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by individuals.
• Ability to assess mental status in patients and provide treatment options.

Schedule

• Business hours, Monday through Friday; weekends and/or evenings occasionally required.
• Local travel between campus locations only.
• Incidental driving possible, but not required.

Pay

Expected hiring range: $54,780 - $58,100. The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials.

Benefits

Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. The Total Compensation Program includes:

• Stable pay growth.
• A comprehensive and affordable benefits package.
• A comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan.
• A comprehensive health and welfare program for financial security and protection during employment.