The establishment of the Mississippi State University-Meridian (MSU-M) Mental and Behavioral Health Clinic aims to enhance the availability of mental and behavioral healthcare providers and services in the surrounding area. The clinic is designed to be a training site for current MSU students and provide community services.
The Clinical Professor & Director in Counseling or Psychology serves as the primary representative and clinic director for mental and behavioral health services in the Division of Education at the MSU-Meridian campus. Responsibilities include overseeing the delivery of services to the city of Meridian and neighboring counties, encompassing individual and group therapy, prevention and educational programs and workshops, and crisis management. Additionally, the Clinical Professor & Director is tasked with hiring and supervising clinical and support staff (in conjunction with the Division Head of Education), fostering collaboration and consultation with MSU-Meridian faculty and staff, seeking additional funding and external support, and providing direct clinical services and teaching as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Oversight of Mental and Behavioral Health Clinic: Direct supervision of staff, managing budgetary concerns, and handling administrative functions within the clinic.
Vision and Strategic Planning: Develop a forward-thinking vision and strategic plan for the clinic to align with the mission of the Division of Education and MSU-Meridian, ensuring continuous advancement.
Staff Management: Recruit, hire, supervise, and provide support for professional development opportunities for clinic staff.
Community Consultation: Offer consultation services on mental and behavioral health matters to both campus and community members, particularly focusing on the diverse needs of the population. Provide leadership in addressing community concerns through proactive prevention and education initiatives, emphasizing developmental and mental health awareness, and harm-reduction strategies.
Protocol Development: Develop and implement clinic protocols and procedures consistent with current national and regional best practices for counseling clinics.
Emergency ResponseCoordination: Coordinate emergency and crisis response procedures within the center, including refer all to community resources as needed. Participate in university and community behavioral intervention and threat assessment activities.
Collaborative Strategies: Collaborate with colleagues to devise strategies aimed at enhancing patient strengths, promoting healthy development, and addressing psychological and behavioral concerns through prevention and intervention efforts.
Accreditation Support: Support the accreditation process of the MSU-Meridian Mental and Behavioral Health Clinic by the American Psychological Association (APA), prioritizing the highest standards of clinical and professional practice. Ensure the provision of high-quality training and supervision to counseling and psychology students.
Flexibility in Schedule: Occasionally required to work nights and weekends to accommodate the clinic's needs and its clientele.
Perform other administrative, teaching, and clinical duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Administrative Proficiency: Demonstrated leadership in administrative roles for at least three years, encompassing supervision, fiscal management, and strategic planning responsibilities. Preferably held positions such as Director, Associate Director, or Assistant Director within a mental and behavioral health setting.
Doctorate Degree
Licensure as a Counselor or Psychologist. Must be licensed in the State of Mississippi (or able to obtain license within three months of employment), maintaining license continuously for the duration of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Clinical Experience: Possess a minimum of 4 years of clinical experience post-licensure.
Crisis Management Expertise: Proven record of accomplishment in crisis management with comprehensive knowledge of Behavioral Intervention Teams and Crisis Action Teams.
Professional Affiliations: Affiliation with both state and national professional organizations in the field.
Grant Writing: Experience with grant writing and securing external funding.
Telemental Health: Experience with supervising and/or providing telemental health services.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Technological Proficiency: Mastery in utilizing technology to facilitate clinic operations effectively.
Effective Communication Skills: Demonstrates outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities.
Consultation and Collaboration: Capable of consulting and collaborating seamlessly with both university personnel and external mental health and psychiatric services.
Experience with Diverse Populations: Possesses extensive experience and training in successfully working with culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
Professional Interaction: Exhibits the ability to engage professionally and effectively with students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Clinical Practice: Knowledge of clinical practice including assessment, treatment planning, therapy notes, supervisory and clinical theories, ethics, laws, and billing practices.
Ethical Adherence: Knowledgeable about and strictly adheres to professional legal, ethical, and standards endorsed by licensing professional organizations.
Community-Oriented with Wellness Focus: Oriented towards the community and demonstrates a strong emphasis on promoting wellness within individuals and communities.
About Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus
Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus, Division of Education
Mississippi State University (MSU) - Meridian Campus is a distinguished branch of the flagship institution, offering a dynamic learning environment and innovative academic programs designed to support the diverse needs of students in East Mississippi and beyond. Located in Meridian, MSU’s campus is committed to fostering academic excellence, community engagement, and student success. As part of MSU’s mission to provide high-quality education, the Meridian Campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including those within the Division of Education, that are tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s educational landscape.
The Division of Education at MSU - Meridian is the largest Division on campus and plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of educators, counselors, and educational leaders. Our faculty are committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers and make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Through a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in Education, Psychology, and Counseling, the Divi...sion prepares students for success in a variety of settings.
Our faculty engage in collaborative teaching, research, and community partnerships, with a focus on preparing students to meet the unique challenges of the 21st-century. The Division of Education at MSU - Meridian emphasizes real-world experience, providing students with the opportunity to complete internships, clinical residencies, and hands-on learning activities in local schools and community organizations.
The Counseling Program at MSU - Meridian offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for successful careers in both school and clinical mental health counseling. The program emphasizes an integrative approach to counseling, combining theory, research, and practical application. Graduates of the Counseling Program are equipped to provide essential mental health services, support, and guidance in educational settings, community organizations, and private practices.
Why Work at MSU - Meridian:
Commitment to Excellence: MSU - Meridian is dedicated to providing a high-quality, innovative education that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.
Supportive Environment: Our faculty and staff work collaboratively to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Professional Growth Opportunities: MSU - Meridian offers ample opportunities for professional development, including conference participation and community engagement.
Community Impact: The Division of Education’s programs, including the counseling program, are designed to meet the needs of the local community and the broader region, allowing faculty to make a meaningful impact on student and community well-being.
Location: MSU - Meridian is located in a vibrant and growing community in East Mississippi, providing a blend of urban and rural living, with easy access to regional and national cultural and recreational opportunities.