Assistant Director, Counseling Center (48 weeks)

About Framingham State University:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good.  At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry.  FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them.  Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it.  Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast. 

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs.  Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Assistant Director will assist in providing leadership for the planning, implementation and operational activities of the Counseling Center. The Assistant Director (AD) will coordinate the training of graduate student interns and assist in the coordination of all outreach activities to the University community. The AD will also provide psychological evaluation, psychotherapy and crisis intervention to student clients. The AD will have clinical supervisory responsibilities as well as serve as liaison to faculty, other staff and community resources. This position works for 48 weeks per year.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The Assistant Director will be supervised by the Director of the Counseling Center

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Assistant Director will supervise graduate intern trainees and other clinical staff as assigned by the Director.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In the absence of the Director, exercises supervision and oversight of the Counseling Center and represents the department in divisional activities on campus.
• Assists with coordinating outreach efforts to the University community with particular emphases on suicide prevention as well as mental health equity on campus.
• Works collaboratively with FSU offices in providing ongoing training to students and staff regarding mental health issues (e.g. Residence Life, CASA, University Police, faculty).
• In consultation with the Counseling Center Director, recruits, selects, orients and supervises graduate student interns as is appropriate to training/ experience of Staff Associate and needs of Center.
• Maintains a liaison relationship with field advisors and faculty of graduate students' academic programs and attends field education meetings as related to above item.
• Assists with the organization and implementation of the weekly professional development seminars for Counseling Center staff and trainees.
• Assists in planning, implementing and evaluating Counseling Center Services.
• Assists with the recruitment, selection, and supervision of graduate interns and new staff.
• Directs or coordinate specific area(s) of Counseling Center function as assigned by Director (e.g., intern training, outreach programming).
• Assists with the supervision of Counseling Center staff as assigned.
• Conducts initial evaluations and diagnostic assessment of students.
• Serves on University committees as assigned.
• Maintains open and positive lines of communication with all other FSU administrative and faculty offices.
• Provides consultation, crisis intervention, and/ or psychotherapy to students for mental health issues related to personal and education concerns.
• Establishes and maintains liaison with and refers students to other community mental health providers for treatment when appropriate.
• Collects, stores, and uses client records in accordance with state and federal laws and standards of professional ethics so that the highest level of client confidentiality may be maintained.
• Consults with and advises faculty and administrative staff regarding mental health issues affecting the educational process.
• Attends/assists with University functions of general importance to student body or University (e.g. Orientation, Commencement, etc.).
• Accountable for ensuring that inclusivity, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate level training and earned degree in a counseling-related field (e.g., Social Work, Mental Health), with Massachusetts clinical licensure (e.g., LICSW, LMHC).
• Experience working with adolescents and young adults required; experience with college students preferred.
• Experience in individual therapy, group therapy, and outreach programming.
• Experience with clinical assessment and crisis management/response.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Previous supervisory experience
• Experience using an electronic health record.
• Clinical experience working with diverse populations and underrepresented groups
• Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish or English and Portuguese are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Assistant Director. The starting salary range is $77,000-80,000 for 48 weeks of work.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For best consideration, apply by 5/31/2024. Applications may continue to be considered until the position is filled. 

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or [email protected] .