Director of Counseling Center

The Director of the Counseling Center provides leadership and oversight for all administrative, counseling, crisis intervention, and development services offered to Ocean County College and Kean/Ocean students. This position supervises departmental staff, delivers mental health care, and offers consultative services to students, faculty, and staff. The Director ensures that counseling services meet high standards of care, adhere to ethical and legal requirements, and align with current best practices. Additionally, this role contributes to strategic planning and assessment to enhance student retention, particularly for at-risk populations, and directs assigned federal and state grant programs.

Classification: Non-Affiliated Administrator

Staff Duration: Full Time 12 months

1. Develop and execute strategic plans for counseling and intervention services. Regularly assess service quality and outcomes, making adjustments to advance the College's mission and support student retention efforts.
2. Oversee daily operations of the Counseling Center, managestherecruitment,training,supervision,developmentandevaluation of the center's personnel; ensures legal and ethical requirements for licensed counselors are followed.
3. Work in collaboration with the Executive Director, CARE Team, and with other entities on campus regarding student behavioral and emotional issues, classroom concerns and current behavioral health issues. Serves as a member of the CARE team. Maintain partnerships with external mental health providers and community resources.
4. Provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation on mental health and behavioral issues. Manage student referrals to off-campus facilities when needed and oversee follow-up care. Maintains con?dential student ?les.
5. Develop and deliver psychoeducational programs addressing student development and well-being. Lead the implementation of campus-wide crisis intervention protocols.
6. Plan and manage the department's operating budget and oversee staff responsible for federal and state grant-funded programs, ensuring compliance with financial and reporting requirements. Explore external funding opportunities.
7. Serve as the principal counseling resource and liaison with campus departments. Provide consultation services and collaborate on faculty and staff training in areas such as mental health, crisis management, and policy development.
8. Effectively communicates program, administrative, and clinical direction to counseling staff. Discusses challenging cases with counselors and social workers and makes suggestions and recommendations. Reviews case records for completeness, consistency, and quality of mental health services provided including application of proper techniques. Consults with individual counselors to promote staff development and to suggest solutions to challenging cases.
9. Prepares and evaluates statistical, analytical, and narrative reports to inform leadership about trends, service demand, and opportunities for program improvement, aiding in data-driven decision-making.
10. Ensure compliance with legal and ethical responsibilities related to suicide prevention, alcohol and substance abuse education, works with HR on Title IX issues, and other regulatory requirements.
11. Manage secure storage and confidentiality of counseling records in both electronic and physical formats. Ensure the proper use of technology to meet the evolving needs of the student population.
12. Related duties, initiatives, and projects as assigned.

1. Master's Degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or a related field.
2. Three years field experience with a diverse client population, five years supervising a large team of professionals (five+ employees) in a fast-paced environment.
3. Licensed as a professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or psychologist in New Jersey or ability to attain licensure within six months of employment.
4. Proficiency in data collection and management using Microsoft Office, web-based tools, and database systems.
5. Demonstrated strong supervisory and leadership skills.

1. Experience working with alcohol/substance abuse issues.
2. Experience in a higher education environment.