Director of Counseling - Kent School : Job Details

Director of CounselingKent School in Kent, CT, has engaged DovetailED to lead a search for a Director of Counseling beginning in January 2025. Interested candidates should review the opportunity statement and submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a consolidated PDF to Lynda Hamilton-Kirk, Managing Partner at DovetailED Talent Sourcing, at [email protected]. Kent School Director of Counseling: Job Description:Kent School is a grades 9-12 college preparatory boarding school located in northwest Connecticut.The Director of Counseling acts as an integral part of Kent School's Health Center management team.The Director will oversee the strategic direction of Counseling Services in collaboration with the Medical Director, provides clinical and administrative supervision of designated staff, provides counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health outreach services to enhance the psychological and emotional welfare of students and the School community within the scope of his or her training and licensure.In addition, the Director of Counseling will help develop and implement needed educational and support programming for faculty, staff, and students.Job Duties:Oversees the day to day operation of the Kent School Counseling Center in partnership with the Kent School Medical DirectorServes as the direct supervisor of the School's employed counselors and student support personsProvides leadership and direction for the Kent School Counseling CenterCreates a culture of quality care and continuous improvement among Counseling Center staffCoordinates communication and serves as a liaison with students' therapists, psychiatrists and other mental health providers that are outside of the Kent School systemDevelops and maintains a collaborative partnership between the Counseling Center, Health Center, Dean's Office and Administration for the benefit of campus-wide student mental healthDevelops and articulates strategic plans, protocols, and organizational strategies to enhance and support student counselingOversees the administration and coordination of activities of the Counseling Center including but not limited to clinical support for counseling staff, identification of areas of mental health needs within the Kent School community, program and employee evaluation, and development of clinical policies and proceduresCreates an environment to ensure equitable and respectful care and support for students with diverse cultural beliefs and practices, from varied backgrounds, and with varying degrees of health and wellness literacyConfers with Kent's Consulting Psychiatrist and other clinical professionals for diagnostic and management assistance as deemed necessaryMonitors (or delegates such task) students who are working with private mental health providers and functions as a case managerProvides or coordinates on-call mental health services including during school breaksEnsures the provision of telehealth counseling (where necessary and appropriate) via online resources which meet industry standards and comply with state regulationsProvides consultation, advice, and education to faculty, advisers, and parents on individual student issues, campus-wide concerns, or incidents (examples: sleep, stress, sexuality, substance use, world or local events, loss of a community member, etc)Maintains case notes and other documentation as required by Connecticut State law and Kent's Health Center policies and proceduresDelegates appropriate tasks and functions to school counselors and student support personsAttends the biannual meeting of the New England Independent School CounselorsWork with the School's outside legal counsel to ensure compliance with Connecticut mental health law and American Counseling Association and American Psychological Association ethics, including maintaining confidential student records and data and compliance with Connecticut licensure and supervision requirementsMeets all requirements to maintain Connecticut Licensure in their field;Participates in continuing education programs to maintain the most up to date knowledge and skills for their duties as both Counselor and DirectorMinimum Qualifications:Master's degree in a mental health discipline (e.g. psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work). Currently licensed in a mental health field by the State of Connecticut or immediately license eligible;At least 10 years of experience providing licensed, direct mental health services to adolescents;At least 5 years of experience providing clinical supervisionAbility to support a team first environment allowing for the exchange of ideas and continuous communication that allows counselors to grow and provide critical student support.Demonstrated understanding of and proficiency in the delivery of culturally competent careKnowledge of or experience in independent boarding schools or residential living environments preferredThe ideal candidate thrives in a small residential adolescent community where a counseling team can be integrated in the community to understand student experience and how best to serve students.Staff position, Academic 10 month positionReporting To - Medical Director and Associate Head of School - CFO & COOAdditional Requirements:

• Successful completion of post-offer, pre-employment criminal background checks and drug test.
• Maintain punctual and regular attendance.
• Work is performed on a smoke free campus.

Additional information:The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exclusive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.Kent School is committed to making equal employment opportunities available to all qualified persons. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all personnel without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, ancestry, citizen status, veteran status, physical or mental handicaps, sexual orientation, or any other factors protected by law. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.