Counselor II (10-months)

About the role

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

Who We Are

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. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field
• Five (5) or more years of relevant counseling experience, with at least 3 years being post‑licensure
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York (applicants from other states or license‑eligible must be licensed at the time of employment)

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
• Demonstrated experience with the assessment and treatment of trauma‑related concerns, including interpersonal, sexual, developmental, and complex trauma, within a short‑term model
• Professional clinical experience specifically treating eating disorder diagnoses

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to convey information, test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by individuals
• Ability to assess mental status in patients and provide treatment options
• Preferred: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Job Duties

• 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 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 diagnose client problems
• Advise clients on how counseling can help their condition
• Evaluate the results of counseling methods to determine reliability and validity of treatments
• Consult with other professionals to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources, or techniques, and 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
• Occasional after‑hours work, including rotating on‑call crisis counseling/consultation and as‑needed student‑mental health programming
• Complete and maintain records and reports regarding students’ histories, progress, services provided, and other relevant information
• Promote mental health by participating in campus‑wide outreach activities as necessary
• Other duties as needed
• Shift work may include occasional weekends or evenings; local travel between campus locations only; incidental driving possible but not required

Pay

Starting salary range: $62,250 – $66,400 per year (10‑month appointment). This role follows a scheduled work period of August 1 through May 31, with a non‑work period June 1 through July 31. The position is eligible for year‑round benefits. Salary will be determined based on budget, internal equity, and the candidate’s qualifications, experience, education, and other job‑related credentials.

Benefits

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program provides stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a retiree medical and prescription plan. The program includes health and welfare benefits designed to offer financial security and protection for employees and their families.