Summary of Position

The Counseling Services Director provides leadership and oversight to the program using a holistic philosophy. This position is responsible for direction for student services, oversight of the referral process, crisis response management and coordination of outside mental health services.  The Counseling Services Director is a member of the Child Services Team.  This is an exempt position.

Accountability

Reports to the Executive Director of Child Services

 

Core Responsibilities

• Supports and models the Catholic Mission and the Native American Culture that are the foundations of St. Joseph’s Indian School.
• Empowers staff to be able to promote a reclaiming environment for all students through the Circle of Courage.

Responsibilities

1. Plans, manages and oversees Counseling Services ensuring mental health services are coordinated and delivered through appropriate programming, staffing, service delivery systems and coordination of on-call schedules. This includes working closely with all Child Services departments to fully encompass a holistic approach for each student.

 

2. Provides direct supervision of the Family Service Counselors, the Prevention and Substance Abuse Therapist, the Equine Therapy program and the consulting psychologist and psychiatrist.

 

3. Provides oversight and strategic direction for the Equine Therapy Program, working collaboratively with counselors, equine staff, and others to design and deliver programming for students and families.

 

4. Acts as a member of the Child Services Team to assist in the coordination of all student programming integrating aspects of Christianity, Catholicism, as well as Lakota spirituality and culture into that programming for students and staff.

 

5. Authorizes admission and dismissal of students working in conjunction with the Child Services Administrative Team. Initiates and participates in reclaiming meetings as necessary.

 

6. Directs the mental health referral process to ensure students receive appropriate and timely services. This includes coordinating services with outside mental health providers in the areas of Psychological Evaluations, Psychotropic Medication Management, Family Service Counselor Consultations, direct care services and crisis management.

 

7. Keeps executive director informed of issues, concerns, and emerging trends/needs related to programming as well as privacy protection and management.

 

8. Works collaboratively with the Data and Program Analyst to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate performance and quality improvement actions. Utilize this information to make informed decisions about the future of counseling programming.

 

9. Oversees and directs the Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Prevention Coordinator and Substance Use Programming, including sobriety events and Red Path groups.

 

10. Immediately reports any case of physical, emotional and sexual abuse to the proper authorities.

 

11. Promotes awareness of St. Joseph’s Indian School to other organizations by attending or presenting at meetings, seminars, etc.

 

12. Completes other responsibilities as required by the Executive Director of Child Services.

Qualifications

• Required:

• • Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work or related field
  • Minimum of two years’ experience
  • Mastery of computer skills (i.e., Word, e-mail).
• Preferred:

• • Professional licensure
  • Valid driver’s license

Physical Demands

• Uses both hands and wrists repetitively for prolonged periods.
• Some supervision may require standing for prolonged periods.

Expectations of Hours Worked

• At least 40 hours/week
• Flexible schedule – evenings and weekend hours are required at times

• Participates in Child Services Team on-call weekend coverage