Direct First Responder Counselor Jobs in Schenectady, NY

Job Summary:

 The Counselor I will facilitate the normal developmental process of Rensselaer students, and assist students whose normal developmental process is being impeded by adjustment problems and other disorders. This role will work with students individually and in groups, as well as proactively work with the Rensselaer Community to create an environment that will allow students to maximize their personal growth. The Counselor will also develop and implement mental health prevention and education programs.

NOTE: This is a 10-month role with a scheduled work period of August 1 through May 31 of the following year. The position will enter the non-work period beginning June 1, extending through July 31. This role is eligible for year-round benefits.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field
• Three (3) or more years of applicable experience with at least one (1) year being post-licensure

OR 

• Ph. D. in counseling or clinical psychology
• Two (2) years of professional clinical experience

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
  • Demonstrated experience with the assessment and treatment of trauma-related concerns, including interpersonal, sexual, developmental, and complex trauma, within a short-term model
• Clinical experience with young adult/adolescent populations is especially desired
• Clinical work experience in a higher education setting is helpful
• Experience with electronic health record systems
• Clinical experience with at least one of traditionally underserved student population and/or International students 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Ability to effectively communicate in written and verbal form
• Ability to effectively communicate information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the individuals
• Ability to assess mental status in patients and to provide treatment options

Representative Job Duties:

• Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand problems, define goals, and develop realistic action plans
• Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods for use in diagnosis and treatment planning. Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, and needs
• Analyze data such as interview notes, test results, and reference manuals to identify symptoms and to diagnose the nature of clients' problems. Advise Clients on how counseling can help their state/condition
• Evaluate the results of counseling methods to determine the reliability and validity of treatments
• Consult with other professionals to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources, or techniques, and to share occupational information
• Refer clients to specialists for non-counseling treatment of problems
• Provide consultation to teachers, administrators, and other staff as needed in responding to students who present with adjustment and mental health problems
• Respond to after-hours emergencies by providing and/or arranging for emergency evaluations and treatment
• Complete and maintain records and reports regarding the students' histories, progress, services provided, and other relevant information
• Promote mental health by participating in campus-wide outreach activities as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Shift:

Business Hours, Monday through Friday; weekends and/or evenings occasionally required

Travel:

Driving:

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $54,780 - $58,100

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

NOTE: This is a 10-month role with a scheduled work period of August 1 through May 31 of the following year. The position will enter the non-work period beginning June 1, extending through July 31. This role is eligible for year-round benefits.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).