Director of Counseling Services

Director Of Counseling Services

Position Title: Director of Counseling Services

Department: Counseling and Wellness

Reports to: Dean of Students

Classification: Exempt

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: Full time, Monday through Friday

Travel: None

Summary/Objective: The Director provides leadership and oversight of Student Counseling Services and the delivery of comprehensive mental health services for Rivier students. Responsibilities include individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, coordination of care related to acute mental health concerns and hospitalization, and the development and implementation of prevention, education, outreach, and programming initiatives that support student well-being and success. The Director is responsible for the hiring, supervision, and development of clinical staff and collaborates closely with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to promote a healthy and supportive campus environment. The Director also provides direct clinical services as capacity allows and serves as the University's leading mental health professional, offering advocacy, consultation, vision, and strategic leadership for student mental health at Rivier University. This is a 40-week position, spanning from the second week of August through the third week of May. Counseling services are typically provided only when the University is in session and are not generally scheduled during periods when classes are not in session, such as academic breaks, holiday periods, recesses, and other scheduled closures. Participation in select University events occurring outside of the 40-week schedule, such as New Student Orientation, Accepted Students Days, Open Houses, trainings, and other assigned duties, may be required. Time worked beyond the 40-week appointment will be compensated through a mutually agreed-upon time exchange arrangement. Exact dates and expectations are subject to change based on institutional needs and will be communicated in advance whenever possible.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Consistent with the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), provide vision, strategic planning, and assessment for Student Counseling Services to advance departmental, divisional, and University mission and goals.
• Direct and oversee the overall operations of Student Counseling Services, including supervision of staff, budget management, and administrative functions; develop and modify programs, services, and delivery methods in accordance with student needs, institutional objectives, and available resources.
• Provide a full range of short-term personal, emotional, and social counseling services for students, including emergency and crisis intervention services; make referrals to university and community resources as appropriate and maintain all related clinical records.
• Exercise full supervisory authority and provide clinical supervision for professional staff counselors and graduate interns; conduct performance evaluations and support professional development.
• Provide referral and crisis intervention services to students as needed, coordinate and support suicide prevention and intervention efforts across the campus community.
• Provide consultation on campus and within the community regarding student mental health concerns; provide leadership and vision for Rivier in addressing emerging national and campus trends through prevention, education, outreach, and harm-reduction initiatives that support student development and well-being.
• Develop, implement, and administer center policies, protocols, and procedures in accordance with current national and regional best practices for college counseling centers.
• Coordinate Student Counseling Services' emergency and crisis response procedures and participate in university behavioral intervention, bias intervention, CARES, and threat assessment activities.
• Provide training each semester for students, faculty, and staff on pertinent counseling and mental health topics, such as bystander intervention, suicide awareness, stress management, and other student well-being initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the University to develop strategies that optimize student strengths, promote healthy development, and support prevention and intervention efforts related to psychological and behavioral concerns.
• Maintain relationships with off-campus mental health providers, hospitals, and community organizations; develop and implement procedures that ensure continuity of care following psychiatric hospitalization or other higher levels of care.
• Co-Chair the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Task Force, ensuring compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA), including completion of the biennial review and all related regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and regularly update Student Counseling Services' website and social media platforms.
• Confer regularly with the Dean of Students, University administrators, faculty, staff, parents, community healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to plan, coordinate, evaluate, and improve services and programs.
• Maintain a close working relationship with Student Health Services; consult on cases, make referrals as appropriate, and ensure information sharing is conducted in accordance with professional standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Provide and/or coordinate on-call and after-hours services and crisis interventions as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, professional ethical standards, licensure requirements, and University policies governing counseling services and student records.
• Represent the University through participation in professional organizations, community partnerships, and national associations.
• Participate in student recruitment, admissions, accepted student, orientation, and family engagement programs, as requested.
• Serve on University committees and task forces assigned.
• Perform other administrative, clinical, and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Master's Level clinician (LICSW, LCMHC) and a minimum of five years of post-licensure clinical and supervisory experience is required. Preference given to candidates with experience in a higher education setting.

Valid clinical licensure in current state, with the ability to obtain licensure in New Hampshire.

Experience in current college mental health issues including familiarity with the diversity treatment modalities commonly used with this population.

Experience supervising and evaluating clinical staff.

Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, with the ability to build meaningful relationships and work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities.

Experience with administrative duties and functions such as strategic planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures, budget planning and managing resources, and report writing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to respond effectively and compassionately in crisis situations, exercising sound clinical judgment, professionalism, and sensitivity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and evaluate data and information from a variety of sources to inform decision-making, planning, and recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, oral, presentation, and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, families, and community partners.
• Ability to establish priorities, manage multiple responsibilities and competing demands, and successfully oversee a complex and dynamic counseling operation.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience, including the ability to recruit, develop, mentor, and evaluate staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
• Ability to build relationships, develop partnerships, and work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to advance student well-being and institutional goals.
• Strong understanding of the developmental, emotional, and mental health needs of college students and the application of evidence-based prevention, intervention, and support strategies.
• Knowledge of current best practices, ethical standards, legal requirements, and emerging trends in higher education mental health and college counseling.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, ethical practice, and respect for privacy and confidentiality.

Supplemental Information

Applicants should apply online and include a cover letter along with resume/CV at: All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Rivier University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran or marital status, sex sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, and Title IX requires that the University not discriminate on the bases stated above.