Director of Clinical Counseling Services

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Clinical Services (DCCS)  provides leadership, coordination and strategic direction for clinical counseling services within the Whitman Health and Counseling Clinic. As an active and positive member of the Wellness Leadership Team, the DCCS collaborates with the Director of the Health Center, the Assistant Director of Wellness: Health Promotion, and the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Wellness, reporting directly to the AVP of Wellness. The Wellness Leadership Team works collaboratively to guide the operations of the Whitman Health and Counseling Clinic. 

In Fall 2025, Whitman College will transition to a fully integrated health and counseling clinic, further strengthening collaboration between medical and mental health services. The clinic is currently staffed with five full-time counselors, one part-time counselor and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving a student population of approximately 1,400—a robust and highly competitive ratio that reflects our institutional commitment to student mental health and well-being.

The DCCS is responsible for evaluating and enhancing clinical services and mental health systems, with a strong focus on equitable access to care and meeting the needs of historically marginalized populations. This role serves as the primary point of contact for clinical consultation and supervision of clinical staff,  including pre-licensed professionals. Additionally, the DCCS provides direct clinical services to a reduced caseload of student clients.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leadership (55%)

• Monitor and evaluate clinical services to ensure high-quality care for the Whitman community. 


• Serve as the primary point of contact for clinical supervision, providing weekly one-on-one support to pre-licensed professionals and overseeing all counseling staff, including performance reviews, time-off approvals, and personnel management.


• Serve as an active and positive member of the Wellness Leadership Team. 


• Oversee the daily operation of Counseling Services and the delivery of mental health care through effective communication with all stakeholders. 


• Develop and update policies that enhance equitable access to services, particularly for underserved student populations.  


• Lead and coordinate the Case Distribution process, including tracking, case management, referral and client case assignments.  


• Act as a super-user for the integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. 


• Support the creation, development, and implementation of internal and external administrative processes related to counseling services.


• Assist in reviewing and revising Counseling Service policies and procedures in collaboration with the AVP of Wellness and, when appropriate, the Wellness Leadership Team. 


• Step in for the AVP of Wellness when unavailable; including serving as backup for CARE team and providing after-hours support for mental health-related concerns within the Whitman community.   


• Serve as the primary contact for crisis consultation during business hours, providing guidance to Residence Life, Student Affairs, Public Safety, and other administrative units, as well as offering crisis debriefing to staff as needed. 

Direct Clinical Services (45%)

• Provide comprehensive individual, couples, and/or group counseling to diverse students facing a range of concerns, including adjustment challenges, relationship issues, stress and time management, conflict resolution, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, gender and sexuality, suicidality, and substance abuse.


• Maintain clinical records in compliance with legal and ethical standards, ensuring timely documentation. 


• Assist in facilitating psychiatric hospitalization for students when necessary. 


• Provide information, referrals, and psychoeducation to individuals ineligible for services at the Whitman Health and Counseling Center.


• Consult with students’ families, friends, staff and faculty as needed, while maintaining confidentiality. 


• Deliver evidenced-based training and consultation to faculty, staff, student leaders, and campus groups on identifying and preventing mental health concerns. 


• Collaborate with staff to share critical information and support student safety and well-being.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Actively and positively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.


• Implement both individualized and system-based solutions to address staffing needs in response to evolving circumstances.


• Analyze and report on data relevant to student use of counseling services. 


• Effectively utilize a brief model of therapy. 


• Maintain professional composure in high-stress situations. 


• Conduct thorough psychological triage and assessment. 


• Think creatively to develop new and innovative programs.


• Respect diverse perspectives, including those that may differ from one’s own


• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and growth in equity, diversity, and inclusion.


• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, integrated model of care.


• Adhere strictly to the ethical standards of the profession, license and certification. 


• Apply knowledge of evidence-based service delivery models in a college counseling center.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in clinical/counseling psychology, counselor education or social work. 


• Licensed therapist in the State of Washington or eligible for licensure in the state within 3 months of hire. 


• 5+ years of post-licensure clinical experience. 


• 2-3 years of clinical practice experience providing consultation for licensed clinicians and clinical supervision for pre-licensed trainees.


• OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
  

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical/counseling psychology, counselor education or social work. 


• 3-5 years of experience in a college or university counseling center. 


• Experience working in a multidisciplinary integrated health clinic. 


• Familiarity with Health Promoting Campuses principles, Okanagan Charter, and Collective Impact.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS 

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee
tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees. 

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on June 2, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

July 21, 2025