Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

About the role

The Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Bennington College provides vision, strategic planning, and supervision to a multidisciplinary team, serving as a clinical psychotherapist, overseeing clinical and administrative supervision and programmatic development, increasing student access, and promoting holistic and integrative student care and support.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional mental health services to the students on campus - includes evaluations, ongoing treatment (individual and group), and crisis intervention.
• Oversees clinical and administrative aspects of CAPS; manages crisis intervention, and serves as a clinical psychotherapist to support the emotional and mental health/well-being of students.
• Oversees the administration of the student health insurance policy with the Associate Dean of Integrative Wellness and works with the Administrative Assistant and Biller to oversee the tracking of billable and non-billable student visits. Develops and directs procedures for patient billing with/to the appropriate health insurance carrier.
• Works in collaboration with Student Life units (including Health Services, Wellness Education, Campus Safety, Residence Life and Student Engagement) to educate the community and to ensure the care and safety of students on campus.
• Establishes and ensures adherence to clinical protocol and related policies.
• Hires and supervises professional clinical staff; ensures training and clinical expertise are maintained. Provides supervision to interns.
• Collaborates with United Counseling Services and a virtual provider to respond to student crises. Oversees the secondary on-call rotation.
• Keeps and maintains professional medical records of all clinical work.
• Provides mental health consultancy to staff and faculty and all offices on campus, and work effectively with families and referring clinicians. Ensures continuity of care with external agencies/providers.
• Serves on relevant college committees and working groups.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• An earned master’s in clinical mental health counseling, counseling psychology, counselor education, or social work from an accredited program.
• A current license to practice psychology, counseling, or social work, or the ability to be licensed in Vermont within six months of hire.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a licensed clinician in a college or university counseling center or similar setting.
• A history of successive leadership roles in a college/university counseling center or similar setting.
• Outstanding communications skills and an adherence to ethical standards.
• Understanding and appreciation for diverse approaches to mental wellness.
• Experience working with and relating to students and a deep dedication to improving the health and well-being of the college student population, with an understanding of confidential and ethical matters within a higher education setting.
• Strong cultural competence in working with diverse populations and a successful track record addressing issues of equity and inclusion with students, parents, faculty, and administrators.
• Excellent managerial leadership skills, including the ability to develop and implement strategic objectives, to motivate staff, and to effectively manage resources.
• Knowledge of local, national, and international issues, trends, and best practice standards in college mental health as well as of national certification and accreditation requirements.
• Experience with electronic health records.

Benefits

Compensation: The salary for this position starts at $90,000. The College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits, including Tuition Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness center as well as generous time off benefits.