Director of Counseling and ADA Services

This position provides leadership and oversight for counseling and mental health wellness programs at Talladega College. The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting the holistic development of our students—particularly first-generation students—by providing individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and educational programming. The position also partners with faculty, staff, and community agencies to foster a supportive campus culture that reflects the mission of an HBCU. This position reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the identification, implementation, and assessment of counseling and wellness initiatives that align with the College’s mission and strategic goals.

• Develop and coordinate innovative student development programs designed to support the persistence, retention, and overall well-being of students, with a special emphasis on first-generation and at-risk populations.

• Provide individual and group counseling, including crisis intervention, emergency assessment, and referral to community resources when appropriate.

• Collaborate with academic affairs, student success, and faculty to develop and implement programs that address academic and personal challenges faced by students.

• Partner with key campus stakeholders to design and deliver educational workshops for students, faculty, and staff on mental health awareness, resilience, and wellness strategies.

• Maintain current knowledge of state and federal regulations, higher education best practices, and culturally responsive approaches to mental health in college settings.

• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to counseling procedures and techniques to improve the quality of services.

• Serve as an administrative and counseling resource for Student Success and Retention Services.

• Support students in navigating challenges such as information verification, problem-solving, and resource connection.

• Engage with community groups and external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships that benefit student wellness.

• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and safety protocols related to counseling and wellness.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Counseling, Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Special Education, or a closely related field.

• At least three to six years of progressive experience providing counseling services in a college/university, community, or therapeutic setting.

• Demonstrated experience supporting first-generation, underrepresented, and/or HBCU student populations.

• Strong knowledge of counseling theories, student development models, and organizational management practices.

• Evidence of effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Demonstrated cultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity in working with diverse student, faculty, and staff populations.

• Ability to design and implement innovative programs that promote student persistence, academic success, and personal wellness.

• Must hold appropriate license(s) and credentials; Alabama licensure preferred.