Director of Counseling

Simpson University, a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), seeks a compassionate and licensed Mental Health Counselor to provide strategic leadership for all aspects of mental health and wellness programming for our residential campus in Redding, CA. The ideal candidate will deliver evidence-based counseling services while incorporating Christian principles to foster holistic student well-being. This role must balance the leadership of developing comprehensive mental health support, whole being able to delegate and supervise a team of Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology (MACP) trainees in alignment with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) standards to appropriate level services. They will develop comprehensive wellness programming and deliver through individual sessions, group sessions, and campus programs to the 1100 Simpson students. Their goal is to foster holistic student success by supporting academic achievement, personal-emotional growth, and empower students to overcome personal issues that hinder academic progress. The Director will integrate psychological and Biblical principles. They will be skilled at weaving emotional and spiritual wellness showing students how to live out all the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Director will collaborate with faculty, staff, and student leaders to create intentional healthy communities where students pursue their academics and God's calling in their lives.

General Expectations:

Qualifications:

Exceptional Qualifications (not required but seen as advanced qualifications or worthy goals)

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field
• Active in the Christian counseling field such as AACC professional organizations
• Experience in college counseling centers, particularly at Christian institutions
• Bilingual abilities to support Simpson's diverse community.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, substance abuse counseling, or eating disorder treatment.

Essential Functions:

Counseling Services: Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for students addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, academic pressures, trauma, and adjustment to college life. Utilize integrative approaches that align with Christian values and evidence-based practices.

Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support during mental health crises, including risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to external resources or emergency services as needed.

Supervision and Training: Supervise California MFT trainees and associates, offering clinical oversight, case consultations, and mentorship to ensure compliance with BBS requirements. Facilitate training workshops for trainees and staff on topics like ethical counseling in a faith-based setting.

Assessment and Treatment Planning: Perform initial assessments, diagnose mental health conditions using DSM-5 criteria, and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to students' needs, cultural backgrounds, and spiritual journeys.

Campus Collaboration and Outreach: Partner with academic advisors, residence life staff, spiritual formation team, and student development services to support student retention and success. Develop and lead mental health workshops, faith-integrated wellness programs, and awareness campaigns (e.g., stress management during finals, biblical perspectives on mental health).

Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate, confidential client records in compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and BBS regulations. Participate in program evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, and accreditation processes.

Professional Development: Stay current with best practices in college mental health, Christian counseling, and supervision through continuing education, conferences, and peer consultation.

Other Duties: Contribute to a Christ-centered campus culture by modeling faith integration in all interactions; perform additional tasks as assigned by the Associate Dean or VP.

Timing of Duties: This position operates during regular business hours for nine months of the academic year, with time off during Christmas and summer breaks. The role is an exempt salaried position. Occasionally, the Director may host evening programs or counseling sessions to accommodate students whose daytime schedules are full.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to engage in the rhythms of campus life by attending academic, spiritual, athletic, and campus tradition events throughout the year in support of students. The university also encourages staff to attend one professional conference annually and pursue growth through professional organizations.

Simpson welcomes candidates who may maintain a private practice. The role can be structured as a four-day-per-week position, allowing one weekday and academic breaks for private practice work. The Director needs to participate in chapel services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

While Simpson values healthy work–life balance, the Director will serve on call when not scheduled away. On average, about once per month, the Director may respond on campus during evenings or weekends for urgent student mental health situations that cannot wait for regular counseling hours. Most concerns are resolved on campus; however, approximately once per semester, the Director may assist with hospitalizing a student and supporting them through intake and recovery.

The Director will also provide occasional after-hours consultation for the Student Life team, who serve on duty 24/7, typically involving several calls or texts per week during the academic year. At times, consultation may also be needed during Christmas or summer breaks to assess a student’s readiness to return for the academic term.

Pay and Benefits: We offer generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition benefit programs for children. We also provide full dining privileges for all faculty and staff for lunch each day.

Physical Requirements:

Analysis of Physical Demands to Perform Essential Functions:

Key (Based on typical week):

N=Never
R=Rarely (Less than 1 hour per week)
O=Occasional (1%-33% of time)

F=Frequent (34%-66% of time)
C=Constant (over 66% of time)

Salary: $70,304.00 annually