Director of Student Mental Health & Support Services

Maharishi International University; Fairfield (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Maharishi International University in Fairfield, IA seeks a Director of Personal Support Services to lead the university's mental health services and personal support for students. You will supervise clinicians, coordinate crisis response, and collaborate with campus partners to promote well-being and academic success.

The role emphasizes confidential counseling, risk assessment, and program leadership to ensure inclusive, culturally responsive support for a diverse student body.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or closely related field.
• Current independent clinical licensure in Iowa, or eligibility to obtain such licensure prior to the start of employment.
• Minimum three years of relevant clinical experience, preferably working with college students, young adults, or diverse populations.
• Demonstrated experience providing individual counseling, mental health assessments, crisis intervention, and appropriate referrals.
• Knowledge of suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and mental health crisis-response procedures.
• Strong understanding of professional ethics, confidentiality, clinical documentation, and applicable legal requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external mental health providers.
• Commitment to holistic student development and providing inclusive, culturally responsive support services.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential, short-term individual counseling to students experiencing personal, emotional, or psychological challenges.
• Assess student mental health needs, develop appropriate treatment plans, and determine when referrals to external providers are necessary.
• Support students experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, and adjustment challenges.
• Maintain confidential clinical records in accordance with professional standards and applicable laws.
• Assess and respond to students experiencing acute emotional distress, suicidal ideation, or other mental health crises.
• Conduct risk assessments, develop safety plans, and coordinate emergency referrals when appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students, Campus Safety, and other designated personnel on student safety concerns while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Develop and maintain procedures for mental health emergencies, referrals, and follow-up support.
• Oversee the daily operations of Personal Support Services, including student intake, counseling appointments, referrals, and follow-up.
• Establish departmental goals, service priorities, and procedures in collaboration with the Vice President of Student Affairs.
• Supervise assigned staff and coordinate the work of other mental health professionals, as applicable.
• Monitor student support needs, service utilization, and effectiveness, and recommend improvements.
• Ensure that services are delivered consistently, professionally, and in accordance with applicable clinical and ethical standards.
• Work closely with Student Affairs, Academic Advising, Residential Life, faculty, and other campus departments to connect students with appropriate support.
• Maintain relationships with community mental health providers and coordinate referrals for specialized or longer-term treatment.
• Collaborate with the campus nurse and Integrative Wellness Clinic to support student well-being.
• Serve as a resource to university leadership on student mental health concerns and appropriate support strategies.
• Develop and facilitate workshops and educational programs addressing mental health, stress management, resilience, healthy relationships, and substance use.
• Train faculty, staff, Residential Life, and Campus Safety personnel to recognize signs of student distress and make appropriate referrals.
• Coordinate support groups and other student well-being initiatives based on identified needs.
• Promote inclusive and culturally responsive mental health support for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and accessibility of counseling and personal support services.
• Identify emerging student mental health needs and recommend improvements to services and campus support practices.
• Maintain appropriate aggregate service data and provide periodic reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs without disclosing confidential clinical information.
• Stay current with professional standards, emerging practices, and developments in college student mental health.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Collaboration

Professional ethics

Documentation

Cultural responsiveness

Leadership

Organizational skills

Student wellbeing

Education

Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, social work, MFT, or related field

Licensed in Iowa or eligible for licensure

Job description

Maharishi International University in Fairfield, IA seeks a Director of Personal Support Services to lead the university's mental health services and personal support for students. You will supervise clinicians, coordinate crisis response, and collaborate with campus partners to promote well-being and academic success.

The role emphasizes confidential counseling, risk assessment, and program leadership to ensure inclusive, culturally responsive support for a diverse student body.