Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

The Director of Student Counseling Services reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs and is responsible for designing, implementing, planning strategically, and evaluating comprehensive mental health services for university students. The Director leads a department of staff psychologists and mental health practitioners who provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, training, educational outreach programming, and consultation to the University community regarding student mental health issues. Additionally, the Director leads division-wide projects, including the provision of mental health services at all university locations, as well as partnerships with the student affairs, academic affairs, student success and retention departments. The Director establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with and provides consultations to university students, faculty, staff, and other constituent groups in support of student success.

Job Description:

• Develop and implement Counseling and Psychological Services strategies that promote student success and enhance overall effectiveness.

• Oversee hiring, training, evaluation, and direct supervision of Counseling and Psychological Services staff.

• Coordinate and manage the ProtoCall after-hours emergency coverage program, including the on-call schedule for mental health counselors and staff rotations.

• Establish and periodically review service priorities, planning and executing an integrated approach to service delivery, case-staffing procedures, and staff development initiatives.

• Prepare and administer the Counseling and Psychological Services budget, allocating resources efficiently and setting annual goals, objectives, and outcome measures.

• Collaborate with academic and student support services to articulate Counseling and Psychological Services objectives and build internal and external resource networks.

• Coordinate clinical training programs for doctoral practicum students and postdoctoral fellows from clinical and counseling psychology programs.

• Maintain liaison relationships with key University representatives, participate in the Behavioral Concerns Team, and foster effective collaboration on student behavior and crisis intervention.

• Design and implement ongoing evaluation methods for counseling and health services, outreach programming, and consultation impact.

• Lead the development, preparation, and submission of external funding proposals aligned with Counseling and Psychological Services' goals.

• Ensure the adoption of best-practice delivery systems and methodologies across all service areas.

• Develop strategic plans, goals, and outcomes in support of Student Affairs and University priorities, and conduct regular program assessments.

• Serve on university committees and task forces, advocate for student needs, and recommend policy or procedural changes as appropriate.

• Create and maintain print and electronic publications, leveraging online resources to support student wellbeing and success.

• Engage in professional development to stay current on best practices, policies, and ethical/legal issues related to counseling services.

• Liaise with county, state, and federal agencies to expand student counseling services, negotiate MOUs and contracts, and secure grant funding for identified needs.

• Partner with other NEIU departments on student counseling, success, and retention initiatives.

• Administer and evaluate grants, such as the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act program, and other related funding.

• Assist with division-wide initiatives that promote student mental health, supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom.

• Perform other duties as assigned or delegated by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Transcripts

Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.

Minimal Qualifications:

The successful candidate will hold a master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field from an accredited institution and possess a current clinical license in any U.S. state, with the ability to secure Illinois licensure within the first year of employment. They will bring three to five years of progressively responsible experience in a college or university counseling center, nonprofit, or clinical setting, demonstrating a proven ability to develop and implement campus-wide mental health awareness and education initiatives, recruit and evaluate clinical and administrative staff, and manage budgets from diverse funding sources—including writing and administering grants to sustain program growth.

They will have a collaborative track record of partnering with student affairs, academic affairs, and student success teams to provide consultation and resources, along with active involvement in emergency management and behavioral intervention activities on campus. Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, coupled with strong organizational aptitude, are essential for coordinating comprehensive counseling and psychological services for a diverse university community. Experience in an urban, commuter campus environment is preferred.

Deadline: Applications submitted by July 31, 2025 will receive priority review by the search committee.

This position requires a background check.

About Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University's Main Campus is located on 67 acres in a residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. The University has three additional locations in the metropolitan area: the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro and the Center for College Access and Success. Northeastern also is a founding member of the University Center of Lake County consortium campus in suburban Lake County, north of Chicago. Northeastern offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs.

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