Job Title

Chief Mental Health Officer and Director, Student Counseling Services

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Student Wellbeing and Dean of Students

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Chief Mental Health Officer (CMHO) and Director of Student Counseling Services is a strategic leadership position responsible for promoting the overall mental health and well-being of the Tarleton State University student body. Under the direction of the AVP for Student Wellbeing & Dean of Students, the CMHO will oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive mental health programs, services, and initiatives. This position provides oversight of clinical services, survivor advocacy services, training programs, consultation services, outreach, fiscal management, contract management, and more. The CMHO serves as the liaison between mental health staff and administration.  

 

The position is located in Stephenville, TX with occasional travel to the Fort Worth campus. Work hours are primarily Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM but will vary some based on location and demand. This position requires a flexible work schedule. Must be able to work remotely at the request of the university. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

35% Leadership and Strategy: 

·         Works closely with the AVP of Student Wellbeing & Dean of Students and other campus and community stakeholders to develop and implement a strategic vision of campus mental health with a primary focus on promoting healthy norms and protective factors for good mental health.  

·         Directs the activities of the university’s mental health services team, including counseling, survivor advocacy, training, and mental health outreach programs. 

·         Evaluates and delivers feedback on clinical staff performance, including quality of care, access and productivity, patient communication, team collaboration and patient satisfaction.  

·         Participates in and plans opportunities for consultation and continuing education for members of the clinical team in accordance with state licensing regulations and based on identified needs.  

·         Maintains the center’s accreditation. Promotes and supports an appropriate scope of practice; develops a network of potential referral resources and policies and procedures for cases requiring a level of care that falls outside the center’s scope of practice. 

·         Promotes the integration of mental health and wellbeing into the broader student services framework.  

·         Liaison with campus and community partners to shape community norms, develop and implement / update appropriate policies and procedures, influence crisis response, and guide campus / community response to students of concern. This includes serving on the Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) team; participating in division leadership team meetings; and participating in related community committees and task forces. 

·         Develop and manage the budget for counseling and advocacy services and programs. 

·         Prepare reports and presentations for division and university leadership on the status and impact of mental health initiatives. 

 

35% Provision of Clinical Services & Clinical Oversight: 

·         Provide consultation and direction to clinical staff, particularly relating to higher-risk, higher-acuity cases.  

·         Ensure compliance with ethical standards, licensing requirements, and best practices in mental health care including intake and assessment processes; treatment planning; service delivery; and discharge processes. 

·         Manage crisis intervention and emergency response protocols. Provide leadership in campus crisis response processes. 

·         Develop policies and procedures for limited delivery of assessment and diagnosis. 

·         Oversee clinical supervision processes for graduate interns and provisionally licensed staff. 

·         Provide direct care to students, carrying a small caseload and / or providing crisis support.  

 

20% Education and Outreach: 

·         Foster strong relationships with campus departments, including Academic Affairs, Residential Life, Campus Safety, and Student Organizations. 

·         Collaborate with external mental health organizations, local health providers, and community resources to enhance service delivery. 

·         Act as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration on issues related to mental health. 

·         Promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma through educational campaigns, events, and communication strategies. 

·         Advocate for policies and practices that support student mental health and well-being. 

·         Provide training and resources for faculty, staff, and students on mental health issues, crisis intervention, and support strategies. 

·         Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services, using data to inform improvements. 

 

10% Other Duties: 

·         Serve on appropriate committees, represent the office & division at various events, respond to the needs of the campus community.  

 

Qualifications: 

Required Education & Experience: 

·         Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance, Social Work, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or other specialty areas related to the job function. 

·         Seven years of related experience. 

·         Texas License (LPC, LCSW, or LP) with supervisor designation if applicable to license (LPC-S, LCSW-S) 

·         Crisis response experience. 

 

Preferred qualifications: 

·         Doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or related doctoral degree) in clinical/counseling psychology or related field. 

·         Ten years of related experience. 

·         Five or more years of experience within college counseling services. 

·         Training in cognitive behavioral therapy and / or solution-focused, brief models. 

·         Experience with Titanium or other electronic health record software. 

·         The ideal candidate will pursue innovative methods and strategies to address high demand for mental health services on a growing, thriving college campus. 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills and high level of professionalism and professional ethics. 

·         Ability to interact effectively and professionally with students, university personnel, and the campus and surrounding community. 

·         Sound judgement and ethical decision-making; strong knowledge of licensing laws and regulations. 

·         A desire to cultivate and sustain collegial relationships and build unity around difficult issues.  

·         Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and support staff in an environment where the work is demanding and pressure is high. 

 

Candidates with a doctoral degree, experience in a college counseling setting, and experience with clinical and administrative supervision and demonstrated progression of responsibility over their careers will be given preference.  

Compensation & Benefits

Commensurate with experience.

The target base annual salary range is commensurate and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Tarleton State University offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. As part of the Tarleton family, the following benefits are also available to full time and qualifying part time employees:

Educational Benefits - employee perks that help enrich, grow, and foster career and professional development:

Family Education Benefit (Tuition Scholarship) – scholarship opportunities for Tarleton employees, their spouses, or their dependents available after 6 months of continued full-time employment. Click the link to learn more about this incredible Texan benefit!

Masters Educational Assistance – is designed to invest in and assist employees further their knowledge, skills, and job effectiveness through 100% of eligible tuition and fees being paid on enrollment. Click link for additional guidelines and details!

Doctoral Educational Assistance – Full-time budgeted employees at all A&M System Universities, Agencies, and System Offices are qualified for reimbursement of tuition and mandatory fees. Eligibility: This program is applicable to the pursuit of a first doctorate degree only to full-time, budgeted employees who have been in a position no less than 2 long semesters. Click the link for additional details!

Employee Health, Wellness, and Financial Planning

Fully covered employee health insurance

Reimbursement of Insurance Premium Deductions! The State of Texas contributes to eligible employees’ insurance coverages as of the 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment in an eligible position. For those who elect coverage PRIOR to the first of the month after 60 days of employment, Tarleton State University will reimburse employees the State contribution towards health coverage during those first 60 days.

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement and Insurance programs

Paid Leave

Tarleton employees enjoy one of the greatest PTO packages in the area!

Paid sick leave

Holiday pay

Vacation

Longevity pay

Paid Birthday Leave – Tarleton State University awards all leave-eligible employees paid time off for their birthday!

Other

Complimentary tickets to all Athletic and Performing Fine Arts events!

Tarleton Employees enjoy two complimentary general admission tickets for athletics and performing fine arts events on campus! Join Texan Nation on the bleachers or in the auditorium.

Employee Wellness Release Time

Staff Gym Membership Discount with Campus Recreation

and other Tarleton Discounts

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

Completed online application

Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.