Director, Counseling Afredircnsl

Director, Counseling (FT), AFREDIRCNSL

The College of DuPage is a comprehensive community college located 27 miles west of downtown Chicago, vitally connected to our local area for over 50 years. We prepare students for a lifelong passion for learning on our 273‑acre campus which is home to nine associate degrees and a wide variety of professional and technical certificates. Many of these credentials prepare students to seamlessly articulate into the baccalaureate programs of our higher education partner institutions.

College of DuPage is committed to student success and values an inclusive and welcoming community environment. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce. Our connection to the larger metropolitan area is essential to our success and provides a wealth of diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.

• Provide strategic leadership and effective management to counseling faculty and staff.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop vision, planning framework and implementation strategies for student mental health and wellbeing initiatives utilizing data, student feedback, best practices and state‑mandated standards.
• Establish, implement and evaluate long and short‑term goals and objectives for the department, while creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment.
• Analyze, integrate, and align data with student counseling and wellness programs and services.
• Research, develop and implement innovative and culturally relevant services and programs tailored to the needs of a diverse student population.
• Develop, review, and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance, and alignment with evidence‑based mental health programming.
• Oversee and monitor mental health compliance activities; work closely with general counsel and risk management to review policies, assess risk and advise the student affairs leadership on issues critical to students.
• Design and implement prevention, education, and wellness initiatives for the community or student population.
• Partner with campus and community stakeholders to promote mental health awareness and integrate holistic support systems.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with external mental health agencies and referral networks.
• Serve as the primary leader, facilitator, and coordinator of the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT).
• Convene, lead, and document regular BIT meetings to ensure effective information sharing, case review and decision‑making.
• Guide the team's use of behavioral assessment models, tools, and best practices to evaluate risk and determine intervention strategies.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of intervention and support plans for individuals of concern.
• Maintain clear communication between the BIT and relevant departments (e.g., Counseling, Student Conduct, Human Resources, Campus Safety, Academic Affairs).
• Lead the development and assessment of mental health training programs and related curriculum initiatives.
• Promote cultural fluency and inclusive practices in all interactions with colleagues, direct and indirect reports, and students recognizing that a culture of respect and belonging is foundational to student success.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor division spending and approve expenditures according to annual financial plans.
• Manage and resolve conflicts promptly, fairly, and equitably.

• Education
  • A master’s degree in psychology, counseling, student affairs administration, higher and/or student affairs experience required.
  • Licensed as: LCSW or licensed clinical psychologist, or eligible LCSW or LCPC in Illinois is preferred.
• Experience
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in higher education to include two (2) years in a leadership role required. Three (3) years of counseling experience, preferably in a higher education setting required.
  • Demonstrated success in administration and/or student affairs, and experience with traditional, adult and non‑traditional learners required.
  • Dynamic leadership and excellent communication skills required.
  • Flexibility with the ability to be a collaborative team player required.
  • Demon…