The Staff Counselor is responsible for providing direct clinical services within a culturally competent framework and will be expected to participate in campus outreach initiatives and activities as needed.

Core Competencies:

Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University. Upholds the

Mission Statement:

At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business. Supports learning through the performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events. Provide direct clinical counseling services to university undergraduate and graduate students including screening, assessment, diagnosis, case management, crisis intervention, treatment planning and treatment implementation. Provide short-term counseling for individuals, create psychoeducational workshops and groups independently and in collaboration with other University departments and, when appropriate, make referrals to outside providers and services. Complete risk assessments and make appropriate recommendations and referrals. Serve as a campus mental health expert offering consultative services to faculty, staff, administration, athletics, and families in a variety of modalities ranging from informal individual consultation to structured workshops and trainings. Consult within a multi-disciplinary team including medical, academic, and administrative professionals. Provide mandatory assessments after disciplinary violations and provide brief substance abuse or behavioral health assessments and recommendations regarding treatment to inform necessary sanctions or corrective actions. Serve as a liaison for a portfolio of academic and/or administrative department(s) across campus as assigned by the Director of the Wellness Center. Develop and ensure provision of proactive education and programming.

Education:

Minimum requirement of a Master's degree in a mental health discipline (Social Work, Counseling or Clinical Psychology) with track to obtain independent level of licensure in the State of Illinois within 6 months of employment. Clinical experience relevant to working with college students or young adult populations. Experience providing crisis intervention. Well-developed public speaking skills. The employee should have an interest in providing outreach and consultation to groups. Knowledge and experience with multicultural theory and research with the ability to apply such research to college counseling center work. Knowledge, experience, and ability to provide services to neuro-diverse adults. Experience and training in trauma response and effective treatment modalities for trauma. The successful candidate will have the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, with a high degree of independent organization, communication, and ethical practice. The chosen candidate will attend to the collegiate mental health needs within a framework of the larger mission of higher education and Aurora University. The ability to develop strong collaborative working relationships with all campus constituencies is required.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work with a computer for long periods of the day. Ability to attend off-campus meetings. Office setting, standing, walking, sitting.

Work Hours:

Expected equivalent of 40 hours per week, but days/hours may vary as needed. Hybrid or work from home employment will be considered if a candidate can demonstrate the ability to fulfill this role effectively off-site and will only occur at the discretion of the Director and with alignment with overall Aurora University policies.