The mental health counselor provides students counseling services and to connect them to resources, both in the college and in the local community. This position supports the college’s vision of enabling student success by providing students access to a college mental health professional; focusing on safe resolutions and problem-solving for students as well as the college community; and by providing information, resources, and workshops for students, faculty, and staff related to students’ emotional and mental health.

The counselor supports PPSC to develop safer schools, improving the school climate, increasing awareness of mental health issues, and developing a continuum of social, emotional, and behavioral supports that ensures improved outcomes for all students. The counselor  will organize and assist in the implementation of all mental health policies, procedures, responsibilities, and curriculum within the school and coordinate mental health awareness training and activities for students, staff, and faculty. Coordinate all Behavioral Intervention Team activities including training, data collection, and support and follow-up for crisis students.

The counselor will have a work schedule full-time, Monday through Friday to support department needs. The counselor must be able to travel to all PPSC campuses to support student and department needs.

The college offers the possibility for alternative work arrangements such as flexplace, remote work, or flextime scheduling upon completion of training and department needs.

Reports to: Director of Counseling Center

Essential Functions

• Manage student case load, maintain office hours, meet students for crisis intervention and counseling services at scheduled and emergency appointments, provide emergency on-call access after regular business hours as needed and as part of a rotating schedule.
• Follow-up with students, support, and assistance as needed.
• Serve as a resource for faculty and staff working with students in crisis.
• Work in confidential partnerships with appropriate team members, especially related to safety and wellness and the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) (e.g., Ombuds, dean of students, campus police, accessibility services, student support services, faculty, deans).
• Assist with data collection, tracking, reporting, record-keeping, retention data on students who utilize counseling services.
• Maintain confidential records according to FERPA, HIPPA, State and College regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completed master’s degree in counseling or social work.
• Completed licensure exam with clinical hours in progress.
• One year of professional level counseling experience to include internship hours.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite to include use in presenting and conducting workshops.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Professional level experience is defined by the Colorado Division of Human Resources: A position that involves the exercise of discretion, analytical skill, judgment, personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, or sharing an organized body of knowledge.  Colorado revised statute (C.R.S. 24-50-135(1) allows colleges to exempt positions from the State Personnel Classified System that are determined to be professional level work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language ability to read, write, and speak fluent Spanish. 
• Crisis counseling experience in a higher education environment.
• Experience with tracking and accountability systems.
• Experience in working as part of a team in a multi-counselor setting.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Cultural competency and demonstrated evidence, understanding, and commitment to the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism, and their application in the workplace.
• Utilize excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Understanding of crisis intervention and counseling techniques and ability to apply to diverse population.
• Work with students, faculty, staff and community members.
• Work independently and ethically as a counselor and as a team member.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize on a continuous basis.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, briefings, and student services.

Salary range is $65,000.00 to $70,000.00 annual gross.  Applications accepted until position is filled.  

Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.

Application Instructions:  Application must be submitted online.  Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration.  A complete application will include:

• Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
• Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.  
• Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts.  Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.  
• Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.

This position may be eligible for a variety of employee benefits.  Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.

Note: Prior submission of application materials will not be considered.

EEO Statement: Pikes Peak State College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act institution.  We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging.  Pikes Peak State College encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.