Triage Counselor (HR Title: Counselor) at Southern Methodist University Inc in Dallas, Texas

Job Description:

Description



Salary Range:



Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications



About SMU



SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.


SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.


SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.


Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.


SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.



About the Department:



The mission of the SMU Health Service is to provide quality, caring, cost effective and convenient ambulatory healthcare and health education services in association with other university departments that promote healthy lifestyles and enhance academic productivity leading to satisfying and rewarding college experiences.



About the Position:



This role is an on-campus, in-person position.


The Triage Counselor will coordinate and provide triage assessment and crisis intervention within Counseling Services. The primary responsibility is to conduct initial assessments with students seeking services to determine if their needs fall within our short-term model and assign them to a counselor, if appropriate, or refer them to case management if needed. The Triage Counselor is responsible for assessing students in crisis, providing intervention and managing the situation until resolved. This position also provides outreach programming and education to the SMU community. Works collaboratively with professional colleagues and departments in the Divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. Creates a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel supported and respected.



Essential Functions:

• Clinical Duties - Direct Care:Conducts initial assessments for students seeking services, assigns students to a counselor or case manager as apporpriate and provides crisis intervention services and manage crisis cases from students at high risk.
  
  


• Clinical Duties - Indirect Care: Completes appropriate/timely clinical documentation, coordination of support services and care with other Health Center units and with the Office of Student Advocacy & Support. Assists with managing counselor caseload by ensuring equal distribution of clinical cases.
  
  


• Outreach: Provides outreach education to the university community on topics related to crisis intervention and seeking mental health care, and collaborates with campus partners to provide programming to support students who do not seek care at Counseling Services.
  
  


• Other Duties: Attends and participates in regular Counseling Services staff meetings, case conferences and in service trainings. Participates in Student Affairs and other university committees as assigned by the Director and Associate Director of Counseling Services.
  
  

Qualifications



Education and Experience:



A Master's degree in Mental Health, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or related field is required.


A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required. Experience with crisis intervention; ability to conduct risk assessments and manage potentially high-risk clients is required. Experience providing clinical services to culturally diverse client population is also required. Experience working in a college or university setting or with college aged population is preferred.


An LMSW, LCSW, LPC, or LMFT is required.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:



Candidate must demonstrate the ability to assertively communicate and enforce policies while maintaining professionalism and respect. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.


Candidate must possess astute problem solving skills especially relating to clinical emergencies. Must also be able to adhere to legal and ethical principles associated with the field.


Candidate must have the ability to consult and work with other Health Center staff.


Candidate must be able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Records.



Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:



Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by February 7, 2025.


This position is open until filled.



EEO Statement:



SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.



Benefits:



SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.


SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.


The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits. Apply Now