Course Developer - Pre-Practicum in Counseling I & II

Job Description

Job Description

Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty.

As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.

The School of Mental Health at Sonoran University of Health Sciences has launched a new Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC) program and is actively seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assist in the development of the 6-week, 2.5 credit, online course, Pre-Practicum in Counseling I and the 6-week, 2.5 credit course Pre-Practicum in Counseling II.

These courses are offered sequentially in the seventh quarter of the MSCMHC program currently.

Preference will be given to applicants who are interested and qualified to teach these courses following development.

Pre-Practicum in Counseling I and II are experiential and skills-based, providing students with structured opportunities to learn and demonstrate foundational counseling skills and techniques essential to professional practice. In Pre-Practicum in Counseling I students develop competencies in areas such as establishing rapport, conducting counseling interviews, paraphrasing, using open-ended questions, summarizing, and demonstrating accurate empathy. Pre-Practicum in Counseling II introduces more advanced counseling skills, including immediacy, interpretation, reframing, self-disclosure, challenge, and transference/countertransference.

Subject Matter Experts within the School of Mental Health are critical to the success of Sonoran University’s online programs. They are responsible for leveraging their subject matter expertise to create current and relevant course content and engaging learning experiences. Subject Matter Experts receive supervision and guidance from the dean and/or Program Director along with instructional design support from Sonoran University’s Instructional Support Team. The course development process in the School of Mental Health is a team effort. Subject Matter Experts are responsible for developing course content, and the Instructional Support Team incorporates that content into Canvas, Sonoran University’s Learning Management System.

Please note: Course description, objectives, and select course level assessment plans that align with CACREP standards, KPIs, Program Objectives, and/or Professional Dispositions have already been proposed for all program courses and therefore do not need to be developed by Subject Matter Experts. However, Subject Matter Experts are invited to recommend updates upon initiating course development.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in, and passion for the course subject area, possess online classroom experience, prior clinical practice experience, demonstrate experience with course curriculum development and assessment, and, for those candidates wishing to teach the course after development, a passion for teaching.

1. Provide expert knowledge in mental health counseling specific to the course subject area(s).
2. Review and provide refinement to course objectives in alignment with program outcomes and CACREP standards. Develop learning modules that guide students through their educational experience.
3. Create and curate original, current, relevant, and evidence-based module content including as well as engaging learning experiences and assessments in alignment with course objectives and in alignment with KPIs, Program Objectives, and CACREP standards. (Select courses may also include assessment of Professional Dispositions).
4. For each weekly course module:
   1. Develop original PowerPoint presentations with voiceover recordings including a course welcome video and instructor welcome video,
   2. Create engaging and relevant homework assignments,
   3. Develop interactive discussion board topics that enable students to delve more deeply into the content while building community,
   4. Develop instructional lesson plan for live weekly sessions,
   5. Develop assessments (and corresponding instructions and rubrics) to measure course objectives, KPIs, and CACREP standards, and 
   6. Identify evidence-based supportive resources such as multimedia materials and/or scholarly reading assignments.
5. Add richness to the content of live sessions, lectures, and/or assignments by offering first-hand field knowledge (anecdotal stories, case studies, best practices, clinical pearls, tips, and/or “tricks-of-the-trade”) that support and enhance student learning and engagement.
6. Commit to periodic check-in meetings with supervisor, IST, and/or peer review team to refine course content, discuss revisions, and make improvements.
7. Provide periodic a final review of the course and make any necessary revisions to ensure that it meets expected academic rigor and course objectives are met.

1. Education and experience in the field of clinical mental health counseling.
2. Previous course development experience, preferably in an online setting at a college or university.
3. Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and deliver new course content including course assessments.
4. Demonstrated ability to use innovative teaching and learning strategies and methods.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proper use of APA guidelines.
6. Experience in mental health as a clinician, leader, researcher, and/or educator is preferred.
7. Previous teaching experience preferably in an online setting at a college or university.
8. Familiarity within online teaching and/or a desire to learn new technological approaches to education.
9. Experience using the Canvas Learning Management system a plus.
10. A positive attitude, a sense of humor, honesty, and the ability to inspire.
11. Commitment to academic integrity, high academic standards, diversity and intercultural understanding, experiential learning, and continued professional development.

1. Minimum of a master’s with an emphasis or focus on clinical mental health counseling; doctorate is highly preferred.
2. A degree from a CACREP accredited program is preferred.
3. Counseling practice experience is highly preferred.

NOTE: Subject Matter Experts looking to continue as the lead faculty (Adjunct or Full-Time) for the course they develop will need to meet qualifications for faculty including having a doctoral degree in counselor education; preferably with an emphasis or focus on clinical mental health counseling, and preferably from a CACREP-accredited program.

Candidates for faculty positions will also be considered if they have a related doctoral degree and have been employed as a full-time faculty member in a counselor education program for a minimum of one full academic year before July 1, 2013, OR have been employed as a full-time doctoral-level faculty member in a CORE-accredited master’s program prior to July 1, 2017, OR have graduated from a rehabilitation doctoral program prior to January 1, 2018.

Course developers/SMEs are expected to have a personal computer with internet access and virus protection. Sonoran University provides a Sonoran University email account and password protected access to faculty sections of the LMS and website and additional faculty resources and tools.

This position is remote/online. Subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Frequent communication with internal and external individuals is required to perform essential functions.

All employees at Sonoran University undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position. All applicants must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

Sonoran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Sonoran University is a Smoke-Free campus.

* Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.

1. Cover letter
2. Resume/CV

About Sonoran University:

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing .

The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.

The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.

The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.

Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu

Benefits:

At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow!

Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle.
Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage.
Every team member benefits from paid sick time, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest — with shipping available!
Enjoy a delicious meal our onsite café, or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month.

Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking.
Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through our annual Employee Appreciation Day.
Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart.
With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!