Lincoln University of Missouri
Assistant Director for Counseling Services
Lincoln University of Missouri, Jefferson City, Missouri, United States, 65109
Assistant Director for Counseling Services
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Purpose The Assistant Director of Counseling Services serves as a key clinical and administrative leader within the Division of Student Affairs, playing an essential role in advancing the mental health and overall well-being of Lincoln University students. This position provides direct therapeutic support to individuals, couples, and groups, addressing a wide spectrum of personal, academic, interpersonal, developmental, and crisis‑related concerns that may impact student success and retention. Reporting to the Senior Director for Student Health & Well‑Being, the Assistant Director delivers comprehensive mental health services including intake assessment, behavior threat assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and treatment planning, with occasional on‑call and after‑hours responsibilities as needed. The Assistant Director supports campuswide well‑being efforts by offering consultation to faculty and staff, coordinating referral pathways for specialized care, and promoting evidence‑based practices in counseling and prevention. This position works collaboratively with campus partners to cultivate a supportive, trauma‑informed, and developmentally appropriate environment that prioritizes student safety, access, and belonging. The Assistant Director also contributes to educational outreach, mental health literacy initiatives, and training programs that strengthen awareness of emotional well‑being, coping strategies, and early intervention. Through data‑informed practice, culturally responsive care, and strategic engagement with the campus community, the Assistant Director of Counseling Services advances the University’s mission to empower students, promote holistic wellbeing, and foster a thriving, resilient, and equitable learning environment.
Essential Job Functions
Provide strategic leadership for the delivery of mental health services, ensuring counseling operations, protocols, and practices align with national standards, institutional priorities, and ethical guidelines within higher education.
Deliver individual, couples, and group counseling utilizing evidence‑based, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches that support student retention and success.
Serve as a primary provider of crisis intervention and behavioral health triage, including on‑call response as needed, offering immediate stabilization, safety planning, and coordination of emergency services.
Develop, implement, and assess comprehensive psychoeducational programming, workshop series, and campus outreach initiatives that promote emotional well‑being, mental health literacy, coping skills, and early intervention.
Lead university efforts related to prevention and intervention for alcohol and other substances, including collaboration with community partners and other grant‑funded initiatives.
Coordinate care with external mental health providers, hospitals, and community agencies to ensure continuity of treatment, effective referrals, and wraparound support for students with complex clinical needs.
Provide consultation and training to faculty, staff, and campus partners on supporting students in distress, trauma‑informed practices, crisis response, and behavioral early‑alert concerns.
Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the Counseling Center, including supervision, training, and evaluation of professional staff, interns, practicum students, and contracted third‑party service providers.
Manage the development, delivery, and assessment of mental health outreach materials, digital resources, and communications in partnership with University Communications and Student Affairs leadership.
Support Access & Abilities Services by assisting with psychological testing coordination, reviewing accommodation requests, and issuing formal letters of accommodation to students and faculty.
Lead continuous improvement efforts through data‑informed decision‑making, assessment of student learning outcomes, and evaluation of counseling utilization trends to guide strategic planning.
Actively engage in professional development to maintain licensure, stay informed of emerging trends in college mental health, and strengthen competencies in trauma‑informed care, dual diagnosis, and crisis management.
Represent the Counseling Center and Student Health & Well‑Being at university events, committees, trainings, and orientation programs, contributing to a campus culture of holistic wellness.
Collaborate with campus and community partners to support students with co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring integrated and coordinated care pathways.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the Division of Student Affairs.
Other duties as assigned.
Additional Duties And Responsibilities
Serve on university‑wide committees, task forces, and working groups to advance institutional priorities related to student wellness, crisis response, and holistic student support.
Provide oversight and administrative supervision for the University’s Electronic Health Record (EHR/EMR) system, ensuring accurate documentation, adherence to privacy regulations, and efficient clinical operations related to Counseling Services.
Oversee the telehealth/virtual care platform, coordinating with contracted providers, addressing access and utilization needs, and ensuring seamless delivery of virtual counseling services.
Supervise and support Counselors‑in‑Training, including interns and practicum students, through clinical guidance, training, evaluation, and mentorship to ensure high‑quality services and compliance with accreditation standards.
Oversee the Zen Zone, ensuring programs, services, and wellness initiatives align with best practices in mindfulness, stress management, and holistic student well‑being.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in counseling, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Required.
Minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience, including full‑time employment and/or a supervised internship, involving clinical interviewing, diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and referral coordination for individuals presenting with a wide range of psychological, behavioral, and developmental concerns. Required.
Licensed or license eligible as a mental health provider in the State of Missouri (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist), with the expectation of obtaining full licensure within the timeframe designated by Missouri state regulations. Required.
Demonstrated willingness and ability to participate in on‑call and after‑hours rotations, including crisis response and mental health consultation, as operational needs dictate.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Personal Characteristics
Demonstrated knowledge and professional competencies necessary to function as a skilled, licensed mental health counselor, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis response, and therapeutic intervention.
Strong grounding in trauma‑informed principles and practices, with the ability to apply them across diverse student populations and present concerns.
Commitment to exceptional customer service, including responsiveness, professionalism, and a student‑centered approach to care.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey clinical information clearly while maintaining sensitivity and discretion.
High level of attention to detail, strong active listening skills, and the ability to manage complex information with accuracy and care.
Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and protected health information in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and contribute to data‑informed decision‑making and program improvement.
Highly self‑motivated, dependable, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively without direct or continuous supervision.
Thorough proficiency with Medicat, Adobe Suite, and the Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to learn and integrate additional platforms or technologies as needed.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations impacting student mental health and higher education, including HIPAA, Title IX, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Clery Act, the Drug‑Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA), and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) guidance and compliance requirements.
Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule, including participation in evening and weekend activities, as required to meet student needs and ensure continuity of services.
Physical Demands
Light sedentary office work.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Terms Of Employment
This is a full‑time, 12‑month, position.
Benefits include professional development support.
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder’s responsibility.
Salary: $60000 - $68000 per year
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Purpose The Assistant Director of Counseling Services serves as a key clinical and administrative leader within the Division of Student Affairs, playing an essential role in advancing the mental health and overall well-being of Lincoln University students. This position provides direct therapeutic support to individuals, couples, and groups, addressing a wide spectrum of personal, academic, interpersonal, developmental, and crisis‑related concerns that may impact student success and retention. Reporting to the Senior Director for Student Health & Well‑Being, the Assistant Director delivers comprehensive mental health services including intake assessment, behavior threat assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and treatment planning, with occasional on‑call and after‑hours responsibilities as needed. The Assistant Director supports campuswide well‑being efforts by offering consultation to faculty and staff, coordinating referral pathways for specialized care, and promoting evidence‑based practices in counseling and prevention. This position works collaboratively with campus partners to cultivate a supportive, trauma‑informed, and developmentally appropriate environment that prioritizes student safety, access, and belonging. The Assistant Director also contributes to educational outreach, mental health literacy initiatives, and training programs that strengthen awareness of emotional well‑being, coping strategies, and early intervention. Through data‑informed practice, culturally responsive care, and strategic engagement with the campus community, the Assistant Director of Counseling Services advances the University’s mission to empower students, promote holistic wellbeing, and foster a thriving, resilient, and equitable learning environment.
Essential Job Functions
Provide strategic leadership for the delivery of mental health services, ensuring counseling operations, protocols, and practices align with national standards, institutional priorities, and ethical guidelines within higher education.
Deliver individual, couples, and group counseling utilizing evidence‑based, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches that support student retention and success.
Serve as a primary provider of crisis intervention and behavioral health triage, including on‑call response as needed, offering immediate stabilization, safety planning, and coordination of emergency services.
Develop, implement, and assess comprehensive psychoeducational programming, workshop series, and campus outreach initiatives that promote emotional well‑being, mental health literacy, coping skills, and early intervention.
Lead university efforts related to prevention and intervention for alcohol and other substances, including collaboration with community partners and other grant‑funded initiatives.
Coordinate care with external mental health providers, hospitals, and community agencies to ensure continuity of treatment, effective referrals, and wraparound support for students with complex clinical needs.
Provide consultation and training to faculty, staff, and campus partners on supporting students in distress, trauma‑informed practices, crisis response, and behavioral early‑alert concerns.
Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the Counseling Center, including supervision, training, and evaluation of professional staff, interns, practicum students, and contracted third‑party service providers.
Manage the development, delivery, and assessment of mental health outreach materials, digital resources, and communications in partnership with University Communications and Student Affairs leadership.
Support Access & Abilities Services by assisting with psychological testing coordination, reviewing accommodation requests, and issuing formal letters of accommodation to students and faculty.
Lead continuous improvement efforts through data‑informed decision‑making, assessment of student learning outcomes, and evaluation of counseling utilization trends to guide strategic planning.
Actively engage in professional development to maintain licensure, stay informed of emerging trends in college mental health, and strengthen competencies in trauma‑informed care, dual diagnosis, and crisis management.
Represent the Counseling Center and Student Health & Well‑Being at university events, committees, trainings, and orientation programs, contributing to a campus culture of holistic wellness.
Collaborate with campus and community partners to support students with co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring integrated and coordinated care pathways.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the Division of Student Affairs.
Other duties as assigned.
Additional Duties And Responsibilities
Serve on university‑wide committees, task forces, and working groups to advance institutional priorities related to student wellness, crisis response, and holistic student support.
Provide oversight and administrative supervision for the University’s Electronic Health Record (EHR/EMR) system, ensuring accurate documentation, adherence to privacy regulations, and efficient clinical operations related to Counseling Services.
Oversee the telehealth/virtual care platform, coordinating with contracted providers, addressing access and utilization needs, and ensuring seamless delivery of virtual counseling services.
Supervise and support Counselors‑in‑Training, including interns and practicum students, through clinical guidance, training, evaluation, and mentorship to ensure high‑quality services and compliance with accreditation standards.
Oversee the Zen Zone, ensuring programs, services, and wellness initiatives align with best practices in mindfulness, stress management, and holistic student well‑being.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in counseling, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Required.
Minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience, including full‑time employment and/or a supervised internship, involving clinical interviewing, diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and referral coordination for individuals presenting with a wide range of psychological, behavioral, and developmental concerns. Required.
Licensed or license eligible as a mental health provider in the State of Missouri (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist), with the expectation of obtaining full licensure within the timeframe designated by Missouri state regulations. Required.
Demonstrated willingness and ability to participate in on‑call and after‑hours rotations, including crisis response and mental health consultation, as operational needs dictate.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Personal Characteristics
Demonstrated knowledge and professional competencies necessary to function as a skilled, licensed mental health counselor, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis response, and therapeutic intervention.
Strong grounding in trauma‑informed principles and practices, with the ability to apply them across diverse student populations and present concerns.
Commitment to exceptional customer service, including responsiveness, professionalism, and a student‑centered approach to care.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey clinical information clearly while maintaining sensitivity and discretion.
High level of attention to detail, strong active listening skills, and the ability to manage complex information with accuracy and care.
Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and protected health information in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and contribute to data‑informed decision‑making and program improvement.
Highly self‑motivated, dependable, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively without direct or continuous supervision.
Thorough proficiency with Medicat, Adobe Suite, and the Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to learn and integrate additional platforms or technologies as needed.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations impacting student mental health and higher education, including HIPAA, Title IX, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Clery Act, the Drug‑Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA), and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) guidance and compliance requirements.
Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule, including participation in evening and weekend activities, as required to meet student needs and ensure continuity of services.
Physical Demands
Light sedentary office work.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Terms Of Employment
This is a full‑time, 12‑month, position.
Benefits include professional development support.
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder’s responsibility.
Salary: $60000 - $68000 per year
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