LOCATION

This position is fully on-site and requires a regular presence in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this position.

JOB SUMMARY

The Wellness Counselor provides outreach, individual, group, and crisis counseling as assigned to students enrolled in all programs with ACHE. The primary focus of the position is wellness counseling that supports student success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Knowledge of professional counseling practices, policies, and procedures. 
• This position will also provide referrals for additional concentrated mental health services as needed.
• Provide and support direct student wellness and mental health interventions for students dealing with cognitive, social, interpersonal communication skills or emotional behaviors which interfere with their success.
• Provide individual and group counseling to students in the educational environment
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other constituent groups in support of student success.
• Effectively collaborate with student-facing departments for appropriate student wellness support.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Ability to express empathy while maintaining professional ethical standards.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Provide crisis assessments, intervention, and referral services for students experiencing urgent mental health concerns. Will assist with occasional crisis situations outside of normal work hours.
• Maintain active Arkansas license; Active in professional organizations (membership, presentations, publications) Aware of and maintains ethical standards of profession.
• Case Management: Maintain appropriate documentation, coordinate referrals, conduct follow-up with students, and connect students with campus and community resources.
• Maintain HIPAA compliant documentation and comply with HIPAA, FERPA, and other relevant laws and regulations.
• Provide Student Wellness Coaching Services alongside Clinical Therapy for students. 
• Coordinate and consult on student cases with the Director of Counseling and Wellness Services if necessary.
• Evenings and weekends may be required.
• Opportunity for paid LAC supervision fees.
• Other duties assigned by the Director of Counseling and Wellness Services or their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or equivalent.
• Active, valid, license through the state of Arkansas as a Licensed Associate Counselor LAC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
• Established, ARBOEC approved, Supervision Agreement if applicant is an LAC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work with health professions graduate students.
• Strong crisis-intervention skills.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards relevant to health professions education.
• Experience working with online, hybrid, or international student populations.
• Multi-state licensure.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to record and track direct and indirect client hours for supervision.
• Ability to maintain supervision ratios according to licensure requirements.
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, i.e. Microsoft Office.
• Display professionalism for the college in all communication and interactions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to prioritize and organize numerous and varied assignments.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

ACHE is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations when necessary. The following are essential abilities and physical requirements for all positions at the college.

• Ability to orally communicate effectively with others with strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation.
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and supervisory staff at all levels.
• Ability to understand oral and written information, using the English language, and organize thoughts and ideas into effective forms of communication.
• Ability to make decisions which range from moderate to a significant impact on the immediate work environment, as well as outside contributors.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of ACHE to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
• Expertise in negotiation.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
• May be required to accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies to include, but not limited to pens, pencils, calculators, computer keyboards, telephone, etc.
• May be required to transport oneself to other campus offices, conference rooms, and on occasion, to off-campus sites to attend meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc.
• May require significant travel or work away from campus.
• Requires attendance at events representing ACHE both within as well as outside of the college setting.
• Frequently required to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations.
• Frequently required to see for purposes of reading matter.
• Frequently required to hear and understand speech at normal levels.
• Occasionally required to lift items in a normal office environment.
• Ability to safely lift and carry 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Frequently required to operate office and presentation equipment.

If you need assistance in the application process because of a disability, or any other reason, please contact Vicki Broadaway, Vice President and Chief People Officer, at 479.308.2290 or hr@achehealth.edu.

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education is an equal opportunity employer.