Counselor, Mental Health, Healthcare

Position: Counselor I
Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses-Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia-and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties.

The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for performing a variety of functions addressing students' personal and educational needs. These functions include counseling services of a remedial, preventive and developmental nature for students who are experiencing psychological, social or emotional distress relating to a wide array of concerns. In keeping with State of Georgia law, incumbents in this position should have obtain an associate licensed as a Professional Counselor, Social Worker or Psychologist in Georgia, and work with supervision, under the direction of someone licensed and approved by the State Board of Examiners until full licensure is attained.

Responsibilities

Counseling (65%)
- Provides ongoing individual and group counseling while conducting initial assessments. Perform duties relating to client cases, including client treatment planning and completing treatment documentation, in a professional and timely fashion in accordance with center policy.

Works to individually address the needs of students who struggle with concerns such as mental health and wellness, homelessness, and food insecurity through direct outreach and follow up with student and referrals to campus and community resources.

Interprets students' psycho-educational assessment reports; interprets psychological and development assessments and inventories.

Develops and facilitates structured groups in areas related to educational choices, interpersonal relationships, and social problems.

Promotes the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices for mental, emotional and social health.

Must meet with an approved clinical supervisor for regular meetings TBD by Clinical Supervisor

Confidentiality/ Record Keeping/ Administrative Duties (20%)
- Maintains confidential records of student cases according to privacy laws, (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-HIPAA) while having a working knowledge of Electronic Health Records, (EHR).

Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.

Performs related duties as assigned to support the mission on the University, including attending university committees, task forces or other meetings assigned by the Director.

Serves as member of the Assessment & Care Team.

Identifies as a Campus Security Authority (CSA)

Campus and Community Duties (10%)
- Provides appropriate college community and clinical referrals.

Provides outreach and consultative services. Outreach programing includes developing and delivering workshops and presentations on topics related to mental health issues, and participating in various faculty/staff/student trainings. Consultation services include providing consultation to faculty, staff, families and students regarding mental health issues.

Crisis Management (5%)
- Provides crisis intervention including same-day emergency appointments for students, faculty, staff and administrators.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Graduate Degree in Counseling, Social Work or Psychology is required.

Other

Required Qualifications

Must be Associate Licensed to practice in the State of Georgia (LAPC, LMSW).

Must be under clinical supervision and actively pursuing clinical hours towards licensure.

Required Experience

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of counseling services in the context of higher education.

Knowledge of federal and state laws related to counseling services.

Knowledge of counseling principles as related to at-risk populations and crisis situations.

Knowledge of various laws (FERPA, HIPAA, etc.) that impact counseling service provision in the university counseling center.

Experience with short-term therapy models

Experience with providing case management services

Experience with providing crisis intervention

Experience in group counseling modalities.

Skill in and a commitment to providing clinical and outreach services to all populations.

Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.

Skill in decision making and problem solving.

Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.

Skill in oral and written communication.

USG Core…