Director of Personal Support Services

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Type: Full-time, on-site 

Department: Student Affairs – Personal Support Services 

Reports to: Vice President of Student Affairs 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Director of Personal Support Services provides leadership for the University's personal support and mental health services, helping students navigate emotional, psychological, and personal challenges that may affect their well-being and academic success. 

As a licensed mental health professional, the Director provides confidential, short-term counseling, crisis assessment and intervention, and referrals to appropriate community resources. The Director also leads initiatives that promote emotional well-being, resilience, self-awareness, and a supportive campus environment. 

Working closely with Student Affairs leadership, faculty, staff, and community partners, the Director ensures that students have access to appropriate support while strengthening the University's capacity to recognize and respond to student mental health needs. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a closely related clinical field. 
• Current independent clinical licensure in Iowa, or eligibility to obtain such licensure prior to the start of employment. 
• Minimum three years of relevant clinical experience, preferably working with college students, young adults, or diverse populations. 
• Demonstrated experience providing individual counseling, mental health assessments, crisis intervention, and appropriate referrals. 
• Knowledge of suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and mental health crisis-response procedures. 
• Strong understanding of professional ethics, confidentiality, clinical documentation, and applicable legal requirements. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external mental health providers. 
• Commitment to holistic student development and providing inclusive, culturally responsive support services. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Counseling and Student Support 

• Provide confidential, short-term individual counseling to students experiencing personal, emotional, or psychological challenges. 
• Assess student mental health needs, develop appropriate treatment plans, and determine when referrals to external providers are necessary. 
• Support students experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, and adjustment challenges. 
• Maintain confidential clinical records in accordance with professional standards and applicable laws. 

Crisis Assessment and Response 

• Assess and respond to students experiencing acute emotional distress, suicidal ideation, or other mental health crises. 
• Conduct risk assessments, develop safety plans, and coordinate emergency referrals when appropriate. 
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students, Campus Safety, and other designated personnel on student safety concerns while maintaining appropriate confidentiality. 
• Develop and maintain procedures for mental health emergencies, referrals, and follow-up support. 

Leadership of Personal Support Services 

• Oversee the daily operations of Personal Support Services, including student intake, counseling appointments, referrals, and follow-up. 
• Establish departmental goals, service priorities, and procedures in collaboration with the Vice President of Student Affairs. 
• Supervise assigned staff and coordinate the work of other mental health professionals, as applicable. 
• Monitor student support needs, service utilization, and effectiveness, and recommend improvements. 
• Ensure that services are delivered consistently, professionally, and in accordance with applicable clinical and ethical standards. 

Campus Collaboration and Referrals 

• Work closely with Student Affairs, Academic Advising, Residential Life, faculty, and other campus departments to connect students with appropriate support. 
• Maintain relationships with community mental health providers and coordinate referrals for specialized or longer-term treatment. 
• Collaborate with the campus nurse and Integrative Wellness Clinic to support student well-being. 
• Serve as a resource to university leadership on student mental health concerns and appropriate support strategies. 

Mental Health Education and Prevention 

• Develop and facilitate workshops and educational programs addressing mental health, stress management, resilience, healthy relationships, and substance use. 
• Train faculty, staff, Residential Life, and Campus Safety personnel to recognize signs of student distress and make appropriate referrals. 
• Coordinate support groups and other student well-being initiatives based on identified needs. 
• Promote inclusive and culturally responsive mental health support for students from diverse backgrounds. 

Assessment and Continuous Improvement 

• Evaluate the effectiveness and accessibility of counseling and personal support services. 
• Identify emerging student mental health needs and recommend improvements to services and campus support practices. 
• Maintain appropriate aggregate service data and provide periodic reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs without disclosing confidential clinical information. 
• Stay current with professional standards, emerging practices, and developments in college student mental health. 

SKILL:

• Strong clinical assessment, counseling, and crisis-intervention skills. 
• Sound professional judgment and ability to respond calmly and effectively to sensitive or urgent situations. 
• Excellent interpersonal communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills. 
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with students from diverse backgrounds. 
• Strong understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical decision-making. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments while maintaining appropriate clinical independence. 
• Strong organizational, administrative, and program leadership skills. 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond appropriately to emerging student needs. 
• Commitment to student-centered service, continuous improvement, and holistic well-being.