Department
About the Department
Mental Health Services (MHS) at UChicago Student Wellness provides mental health care to eligible students and their dependents. Mental health services include diagnostic assessments; short-term individual, couples and group psychotherapy; psychiatric evaluation and medication management; crisis assessment and intervention; and case management services. MHS staff provides consultation to University of Chicago faculty, staff, and administrators, and outreach/education to the campus community. In its care for students, MHS employs a multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians, supports a psychology training program, and serves as a training rotation site for psychiatry residents. Sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural factors including diversity of identities, experiences, perspectives and communication styles are an important commitment in the delivery of services to a population of domestic and international college and graduate students. Mental health Services at the University of Chicago have experienced tremendous growth in the past few years through an increase in staffing, expanded leadership structure, and addition of third-party services.
Job Summary
The Associate Director of Clinical Services will assist with overseeing the day-to-day operation of the clinical system, including triage and intake processes; same-day and scheduled appointments; short-term focused individual therapy; follow-up intervention; case management, case disposition, and treatment planning and termination processes. This position shares responsibility for the electronic mental health records system and for developing, implementing, and revising forms for clinical documentation.
Beyond direct clinical duties, the Associate Director is tasked with the responsibility of supervising and supporting staff, including the Assistant Director of Access Management and the Assistant Director of Training, by enriching their professional trajectory. This leadership role extends to cultivating dynamic partnerships across campus and within student organizations, thereby elevating the student experience and fostering an environment conducive to wellness and academic success. A key aspect of this position is assisting the director and other Mental Health Services and Student Wellness Leadership with the ongoing process of Student Wellness integration. The Associate Director of Clinical Services represents Mental Health Services within Student Wellness and the broader University when the Director is unavailable, by responding to issues of concern from the campus community and serving as the Mental Health Services representative on university committees as appointed by the Director. In collaboration with other department leadership, the Associate Director of Clinical Services ensures that the department is fulfilling its responsibilities to provide high-quality and timely mental health programs and services. The Associate Director collaborates effectively with other Student Wellness units and other University departments, by engaging in program evaluation, and tracking and responding to utilization of services. This position frequently interfaces with the Student Wellness medical and psychiatry staff.
The University of Chicago champions a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, seeking candidates aligned with our core values of elevating student voices, advancing equity, fostering transformative collaborations, and promoting learning, innovation, integrity, and respect. This senior position requires clinical experience, a thorough understanding of APA ethical and Illinois legal standards in mental health care, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
This is a full-time, 12-month salaried position reporting to the Director of Mental Health Services within UChicago Student Wellness.
Responsibilities
Manage staff in the day-to-day provision of clinical care services at MHS.
Oversee and supervise all counseling and therapy related services.
Responsible for assisting the MHS director in hiring and retaining staff.
Supervise the professional development of direct reports.
Is accountable for the performance of the MHS case management team.
Provide consultation to MHS staff on students of concern and on clinical care plans for students with acute mental health needs.
Provide direct clinical and on-call services when required, and case management services such as developing care plans and facilitating referrals as needed
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and multicultural competency in working with students of color, students from all economic classes, first generation students, LGBTQ students, and international students.
Partner with MHS psychiatry leadership and oversee the coordination of care processes for students with complex mental health needs, including students requiring hospitalization and other higher levels of care.
Collaborate with the MHS leadership in managing clinical flow demands to ensure work completion within schedule and constraints.
Oversees Clinical Services, ensuring effective management and administration of staff and services through the UChicago Student Wellness EHR (Point and Click).
Lead the development and implementation of new models for care at MHS to meet a wide range of student mental health needs.
Provide senior-level consultation on student mental health needs to campus partners, including the CSL Dean of Student’s Office, Housing and Residential Life staff, College Dean of Students office, UChicago GRAD and Graduate Deans of Students, among others. ,.
Provide consultation assessments and facilitate referrals and support for students leaving and applying to return from leaves of absences to the university.
Recommend and contribute to the development, interpretation, and implementation of new and revised MHS practice guidelines, policies, and procedures that are in compliance with university administrative policies and procedures.
Manages emergency and crisis intervention services and monitors the flow of emergency services. Serves as a clinical resource for clinical staff by providing mentoring and guidance in difficult clinical situations.
Manages social workers and psychologists as well as clinical resources to ensure that clinic has sufficient coverage at all times. Meets with clinical staff informally on a regular basis and formally on an annual basis.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.---
Work Experience:
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Doctoral degree in social work or psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from an APA approved graduate program.
Experience:
At least five years of post-licensure experience providing clinical services in a clinic, agency, or college counseling center, including significant administrative experience and supervisory experience (staff and trainees).
Experience in a college mental health setting is strongly preferred.
Two years’ experience providing managerial and administrative supervision to professional clinical staff.
Two years’ experience providing clinical supervision and consultation to professional staff.
Certifications:
Licensed as a psychologist or social worker in the state of Illinois or currently licensed in another state and able to become licensed in the state of Illinois within 90 days of hire.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Review, analyze, interpret, and/or prepare federal and state laws, rules, regulations, Code of Ethics, policies and procedures as related to social work.
Preferred Competencies
Ability to protect confidentiality and meet all ethical standards associated with the practice of psychology within a university counseling center context.
Strong case formulation, assessment, and treatment skills, including working clinically with a diversity of clients, issues and levels of impairment.
Ability to manage complex crises and/or clinical situations and to provide related supervision, training, and consultation to a large multidisciplinary staff.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a university counseling center leadership team and a Student Wellness leadership team.
A commitment to diversity, and inclusion; and multicultural competency in working with students of color, students from all economic classes, first generation students, LGBTQ students, and international students.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion in retaining/developing staff and in the provision of services.
Excellent administrative skills and the ability to prioritize multiple activities and demands.
Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to develop a broad institutional perspective and work collaboratively with other departments and campus partners.
Experience providing data-driven decision-making and leadership in a college or other mental health setting.
Ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical records system.
Ability to take the lead when appropriate, both administratively and clinically.
Working Conditions
Provide daytime on-call and coverage.
Provide evening and weekend back-up on-call and coverage.
Direct patient contact or clinical care setting.
Office environment.
Use computers extensively for up to 2 hours at a time.
Use standard computer and office equipment.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
FLSA Status
Pay Frequency
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Benefits Eligible
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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