Director, Counseling Center

Pepperdine University•Malibu, CA
•$145,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Director of the Counseling Center provides strategic direction and leadership for Pepperdine University’s mental health services and programs. The director supervises Counseling Center staff and ensures that services reflect the mental health needs of the community and current trends in college mental health. The role fosters collaboration among staff to support Pepperdine students. The director oversees clinical services, program assessment, budgeting, reporting, compliance, staff recruitment and supervision, and partnerships with behavioral health providers. The position also provides therapy, crisis support, and consultation; contributes to campus safety and emergency response; and advises the Vice President of Student Affairs on community mental health matters. The director is expected to uphold the University’s Christian mission and serve as a Christian role model. This is a regular, exempt, 40-hour-per-week position. The expected pay range is $145,000–$150,000 per year. Actual compensation may vary based on work experience, market conditions, education or training, and skill level. Pepperdine offers a competitive benefits package, but specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling, Social Work, or another relevant health-related discipline.
  • At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership role.
  • At least 2 years of recent related experience working in a university setting.
  • Licensed as a Clinical Counselor in California.
  • Ability to integrate Christian faith with student development theories and practice.
  • Personal faith in Jesus Christ, active involvement in a local church, and a worldview grounded in Christian theology.
  • Demonstrated support for the Christian mission of the University.
  • Familiarity with Titanium and SPSS.
  • Familiarity with Titanium Statistics and proficient research skills.
  • Excellent written communication skills.
  • Experience with general office equipment, computers, and copiers.
  • Ability to respect workplace differences and work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.
  • Successful completion of criminal, education, and employment screening is required for employment.

Nice To Haves

  • Doctoral degree in Clinical Counseling, Social Work, or another relevant health-related discipline.

Responsibilities

  • Provide vision and strategic direction for the Counseling Center.
  • Manage and analyze data on Counseling Center utilization and facilitate program evaluation.
  • Implement ongoing program assessment and evaluation; develop goals and objectives based on routine assessment, learning, and development outcomes.
  • Prepare reports, including the annual report and OKR, and assist with division-wide OKR and Student Affairs program review.
  • Develop clinical response plans for mental health crises and emergencies.
  • Supervise development of marketing materials and presentations to raise awareness of Counseling Center services.
  • Develop and implement the annual budget, establish accounting controls, monitor assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and conduct fiscal planning.
  • Ensure compliance with professional standards and state and federal laws regarding therapy services.
  • Manage the behavioral health partnership with a telehealth vendor.
  • Create clinical systems that respond to client flow and support excellent service delivery.
  • Provide clinical supervision for unlicensed therapists.
  • Provide therapy and crisis support for students and mental health emergencies, including 24/7 emergency/on-call support.
  • Consult with community members concerned about a student in distress.
  • Participate in planning programs and trainings that raise awareness of mental health issues and resources.
  • Collaborate on medical and/or psychological departures from and returns to the University.
  • Participate in the Student Care Team, with particular attention to campus safety concerns involving mental health presentations.
  • Work with the Threat Assessment Team and campus partners to identify safety concerns.
  • Advise the Vice President of Student Affairs on community mental health matters, including crisis response.
  • Participate in University emergency response during natural disasters and lead mental health support for the community.
  • Manage recruitment for open Counseling Center positions.
  • Supervise and evaluate clinical and administrative staff.
  • Contribute to University Counseling Center programs, conferences, committees, and professional organizations.
  • Explore innovative ideas and trends for the Pepperdine community.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Serve as a Christian role model and uphold the University mission through work performed.
  • Regularly attend President's Briefings and division meetings.
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