Assistant Professor of Counseling and Student Mental Health Clinician

Position Summary

Wilberforce University invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor of Counseling and Student Mental Health Clinician to advance student well-being, personal growth, and academic success.

This position offers a meaningful opportunity for a compassionate mental health professional to positively shape students’ lives through accessible, confidential, and culturally responsive counseling, crisis intervention, and individualized support. The successful candidate will help students navigate personal challenges, develop resilience, and strengthen their sense of belonging while contributing to a campus environment where students can thrive.

The position carries faculty status, with primary responsibility for direct, in-person clinical services and collaboration with campus and community partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Counseling and Student Support

• Provide confidential, individual counseling and therapeutic support for students experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, adjustment difficulties, substance misuse, and other personal or emotional challenges.
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide appropriate short-term counseling and follow-up services.
• Assist students in developing healthy coping strategies, emotional resilience, and skills that support personal well-being and academic success.
• Maintain accessible on-campus counseling hours and provide timely appointments for students seeking professional assistance.
• Coordinate referrals to specialized mental health, psychiatric, substance use treatment, and community support services when appropriate.
• Maintain confidential clinical records in accordance with professional standards and applicable regulations.

Crisis Intervention and Student Well-Being

• Provide professional assessment and intervention for students experiencing significant emotional distress, suicidal ideation, or other mental health crises.
• Collaborate with designated University personnel and community providers to ensure appropriate crisis response, safety planning, and continuity of care.
• Assist in strengthening campus procedures for identifying, referring, and supporting students experiencing mental health challenges.
• Provide appropriate follow-up and support to students affected by traumatic events or campus emergencies.

Campus Collaboration and Wellness

• Partner with Student Affairs, Residence Life, the Center for Academic Success and Student Support (CASSS), Campus Ministry, and faculty to promote student well-being and early intervention.
• Provide consultation and guidance to Resident Assistants, faculty, and staff on recognizing student distress and connecting students with professional assistance.
• Contribute to campus initiatives promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, healthy decision-making, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Strengthen relationships with community behavioral health providers to expand students’ access to specialized services.

Faculty Contributions

• Hold faculty status within an appropriate academic unit, consistent with University policies.
• Contribute professional expertise to relevant academic and student development initiatives.
• Participate in selected faculty activities and professional development consistent with the position’s primary clinical responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related clinical discipline from an appropriately accredited institution.
• Current, unrestricted Ohio license authorizing independent clinical mental health practice, such as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), or Psychologist.
• Demonstrated experience providing clinical counseling, mental health assessment, and therapeutic intervention.
• Competence in suicide risk assessment, crisis intervention, and evidence-based counseling practices.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive, compassionate care to students from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related discipline.
• Experience providing mental health services in a college or university setting.
• Experience working with students at historically Black colleges and universities or other institutions serving diverse and historically underserved populations.
• Specialized training in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, substance use treatment, or crisis intervention.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary student support teams and community behavioral health providers.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, current curriculum vitae or résumé, documentation of professional licensure, and contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Wilberforce University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified individuals committed to its educational mission and the well-being of its students.

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The University does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas for this position.