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 Counseling Services (DCCS) leads and oversees the mental health care provided at Whitman College’s integrated Health and Counseling Clinic. This position is ideal for a seasoned clinical leader who’s passionate about expanding access to high-quality, culturally responsive mental health services for college-aged young adults. The DCCS supervises the clinical counseling team, guides service delivery, and ensures that students have access to timely, ethical, and evidence-based care.

The DCCS works closely with the Director of the Health Center, Assistant Director of Health Promotion, and the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Wellness as part of a collaborative leadership team guiding overall operations. This role also includes providing direct clinical care to a reduced caseload of students and serving as the point person for crisis consultation and after-hours support when needed.

Relocation assistance is available for eligible employees in accordance with Whitman College policy.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Clinical Counseling Leadership & Program Oversight (55%)

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Counseling Services team to ensure high-quality, student-centered mental health care.


• Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to pre-licensed and licensed mental health professionals.


• Review and update internal policies and clinical protocols to support equitable, trauma-informed, and inclusive care.


• Lead case assignment and coordination processes; maintain oversight of referrals, caseload balance, and service access.


• Serve as primary point of contact for clinical consultation and crisis intervention during business hours.


• Support integration of counseling services with campus wellness initiatives, health promotion, and primary care.


• Collaborate with other departments to support student safety and mental health,  including Student Affairs, Residence Life, and Campus Safety.


• Manage team schedules, evaluations, and performance-related matters in collaboration with HR and the AVP of Wellness.


• Serve as backup to the AVP of Wellness when needed, including participation in student support teams and after-hours response.

Direct Clinical Counseling Care (45%)

• Provide brief individual, couples, and/or group therapy for a diverse student population, supporting a wide range of mental health needs, from adjustment and stress to depression, anxiety, identity development, and crisis support.


• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with ethical and legal standards.


• Offer consultation, referrals, and psychoeducation for students not eligible for ongoing services or in need of off-campus care.


• Coordinate with outside providers and hospitals during psychiatric emergencies or higher-level care transitions.


• Deliver training and outreach to faculty, staff, and student leaders on mental health awareness, prevention, and support strategies.


• Collaborate within a team-based model of care to enhance communication, reduce silos, and center student 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 in mental health care.


• Skilled in clinical supervision and mentorship, particularly for pre-licensed clinicians and early-career professionals. 


• Ability to assess clinical risk, conduct triage and provide crisis intervention with sound judgement and calm under pressure. 


• Experience delivering short-term therapy using evidence-based approaches (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT, interpersonal therapy).


• Familiarity with or willingness to adopt an integrated care model in collaboration with primary care and wellness teams.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust across a diverse campus community.


• Comfortable with electronic health records and data tracking systems; able to analyze service data to improve care delivery.


• Knowledge of ethical, legal, and professional standards of clinical practice.


• Ability to think creatively and adaptively in response to emerging student needs, staffing dynamics, and wellness trends.


• Desire to support young adults during a transformative stage of life and learning.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or a closely related mental health field. 


• Current licensure as a therapist in the State of Washington OR eligible for licensure within 3 months of hire. clinical/counseling psychology, counselor education or social work. 


• 5+ years of post-licensure clinical experience. 


• 2+ years of experience supervising licensed clinicians and/or 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

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in counseling or clinical psychology, counselor education or related field.  


• 3+ years of experience in a college, university or young adult-focused counseling center.


• Familiarity with integrated care models and working in multidisciplinary teams.


• Understanding of the Okanagan Charter and/or Health Promoting Campuses framework.
  

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 16, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

July 2025