The CARE (Campus Assessment Response and Evaluation) Support Specialist will work individually with students of concern and consider unique aspects of identity to determine appropriate treatment plans and help coordinate follow-up for students. The CARE Support Specialist will support students of concern in accessing on and off-campus resources and services, including higher levels of care, planning and setting goals related to their care, and/or re- entering the University after a medical leave of absence. Additionally, this position will assist with outreach and education for the campus community (students, staff, and faculty) regarding identification and intervention for students of concern.

About the Work Unit:

The Student Care Network (SCN) is comprised of the Center for Student Wellbeing, Student Care Coordination, the University Counseling Center, and the Student Health Center. The SCN is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt University students who have paid the Student Health Fee. As such, staff within the offices comprising the SCN work collaboratively to create integrated processes, referrals, and treatment plans to better serve the entire student. 

Student Care Coordination fosters wellbeing and success by identifying concerns and coordinating support for students facing life events that may interfere with their academic and personal goals using a proactive, collaborative, and student-centered approach. Student Care Coordination is the central and first point of contact for students to help identify needs and determine the most appropriate resources in Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network and in the Nashville community to address concerns. The CARE Support and Intervention Team within Student Care Coordination provide crisis intervention, care management, and support for students with elevated concerns, serious mental health challenges, students who pose a potential threat to themselves and/or others in the community, and students with other high acuity needs. This team will work closely with the Director of Student Care Network and Student Care Coordination and Associate Dean for Community Standards and Student Support, along with members of the CARE team, Welfare Panel, and other campus partners to help maintain the safety and health of Vanderbilt students. SCC offers a flexible work environment that embraces a hybrid approach, allowing a balance of working remotely and collaborating in the office with colleagues.

About Student Affairs

Student Affairs Students serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.

 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Care Coordination for High Acuity Students of Concern:

Complete intake and assessment with high acuity undergraduate, graduate and professional students of concern to fully understand their needs and concerns and develop Student Success Plans with students to encourage realistic goals and identify potential support resources. Maintain a caseload of mostly high acuity students, provide appropriate ongoing follow up with students of concern in person or by phone/email for continuity of care and accountability and to evaluate successes, barriers, and/or gaps in support. Meet individually with students of concern who have been hospitalized (and their families, if necessary) to coordinate and provide ongoing care management to ensure appropriate services are in place for a successful transition back to the campus setting. Work closely with key stakeholders of the CARE Team and Welfare Panel to facilitate coordinated and holistic support measures for students of concern. Consult with Associate Director, as needed, on acute cases. Be knowledgeable about and connect students with appropriate support services on and off- campus to help students effectively navigate the Student Care Network. Build relationships with and maintain a network of community providers and resources that meet the needs (medical, financial, and otherwise) of the student population so that off-campus referrals can be made intentionally and successfully. Support students returning from medical leaves of absence to facilitate personal and academic success as they return to campus. Provide services to a diverse campus community to support campus and individual mental health, wellness, and skill development. Utilize electronic documentation systems to create and/or update wellbeing files in Maxient to share information with campus partners and guarantee accurate file maintenance. Respond to after hours or weekend emergencies on a limited basis to ensure continuous support for students.

CARE Team:

Provide support for the Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Team and coordinate ongoing support for students of concern in an effort to ensure health, wellbeing, and safety. Update and maintain all documentation in preparation for weekly meetings related to students of concern so that information is distributed accurately, and campus partners are well-informed. Provide support and act as back up for Associate Director duties (Student of Concern Reports, Dean’s Notification requests, communication with Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, etc.) on an as needed basis.  Support the Associate Director with tracking progress of all incoming referrals, inquiries, and student of concern reports to ensure timely response to concerns and accurate reporting and documentation. Collaborate closely with the Associate Director, Assistant Director of Care in Residential Education, UCC Clinical Case Manager, and other campus partners to determine a supportive plan for follow up with students of concern. Assist Associate Director in communication with the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and other community providers, as appropriate, to ensure positive student outcomes, a smooth transition to outside care, and/or a seamless discharge/transition back to campus for students. In collaboration with the Associate Director, advise staff and faculty members on how to manage complex student issues so that the community feels supported in responding to challenging situations and providing students with the most appropriate care. Assist Associate Director and CARE Support Coordinator in meeting with students returning from medical leaves of absence to ensure procedural compliance and facilitate personal and academic success.

Outreach and Development:

Build relationships with campus partners and act as a resource on matters pertaining to student wellbeing and students of concern to promote holistic support for students and further the mission and strategic priorities of SCC and Student Affairs. Assist in the design of programs and publications and conduct trainings to educate students, faculty, and staff about student wellbeing, Student Care Network resources, and identifying and responding to students in distress. Engage in professional development to remain abreast of trends in higher education, student mental health, substance use, and wellbeing to ensure our practices are both relevant and evidenced-based. Assumes other responsibilities as directed by the Associate Director and/or Director in matters related to student wellbeing/students of concern.

Other Duties:

Serve on divisional committees and working groups to enrich the experience and resources available to staff across the division. Participate in division wide events as needed (Move-In Day, Rites of Spring, Diverse ‘Dores Day, MLK Day, etc.) to support colleagues and ensure these events run smoothly. Maintain and understanding of institutional and departmental financial policies related to areas such as travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting to ensure compliance and proper stewardship of university resources. Engage in professional development to remain abreast of trends in higher education, student mental health, substance use, and wellbeing to ensure practices are both relevant and evidenced- based. Demonstrate a willingness to support colleagues across the division to encourage the implementation or fulfillment of divisional goals and strategic priorities.

 

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Director of CARE Support and Intervention.

 

Education and Certifications:

A master’s degree in social work or counseling from an accredited institution of higher education is required. (A master’s degree in related mental health field or relevant higher education area may also be considered). A bachelor’s degree in social work or counseling from an accredited institution of higher education along with equivalent experience can be considered in lieu of a Master’s.. Possession of an appropriate license (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) or case management certification is preferred.

 

Experience and Skills:

At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience or equivalent is necessary. Specific knowledge, experience, and skills in providing services to a diverse student population including APIDA, international, African-American, military, first-generation, low-income, rural, Latinx, and/or LGBTQI students is preferred. Demonstrated skill in written and oral communication, including public speaking and group meeting facilitation is preferred. Strong organizational skills and self-motivation are preferred. Knowledge of care management, intake/assessment and counseling techniques is preferred. Significant experience working with students in crisis and creating behavioral intervention plans and/or case coordination is preferred. Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds attending highly selective institutions with a broad range of campus groups, departments, and organizations is preferred. Knowledge of principles and procedures involved in risk assessment in a University setting is preferred.