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Ferris State University invites confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Director of the Birkam Health Center and Personal Counseling Center. The new Director will report to Joy Pulsifer, Dean of Student Life, and is expected to begin in July 2022. Ferris State University is a vibrant, public institution in rural Michigan that builds on its founders’ historic commitments to education for all, with attention to collaboration, diversity, ethical community, excellence, learning, and opportunity. This is an exciting role for a caring, collaborative leader to shape and guide this important support for the health and wellness of Ferris State students.  A full position profile can be viewed at https://jobs.ferris.edu/en-us/job/494668/director-of-health-counseling-center.

The Birkam Health Center and the Personal Counseling Center provide campus resources for students who seek medical care, health services, and personal counseling.  Health services offered through the Birkam Health Center include clinics for such services as immunotherapy, allergies, contraception, laboratory services, HIV-AIDS testing and counseling, and women’s health. The Center has been an important resource for COVID vaccines and policy information, and the website includes guidelines for self-care when ill.  Enrolled Ferris State students who live in Michigan also have opportunities for short-term therapy services with licensed counselors. As the Personal Counseling Center website explains, students seek counseling for a variety of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship/family struggles, identity concerns, traumatic events, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, drugs and alcohol, adjustment to college life, or any other issues that cause students to struggle or doubt.

The Director of Birkam Health Center and Personal Counseling Center is comprised of leadership/management as well as clinical expertise and capacity to a strong team of college physical and mental health clinicians, wellness educators, and administrative staff. The Director serves as a genuine expert, consultant, and resource to the campus community on college health and student well-being.  The Director is responsible for the oversight of all operational, administrative, personnel, budgetary, planning, and assessment activities for the Birkam Health Center and Personal Counseling Center. The Director is responsible for developing and maintaining an annual operating budget of just over $2.1 million and managing a highly skilled team of 12 professionals. With a focus on awareness, education, prevention, treatment, and care, the mission of the department is to make a positive impact on the well-being, academic success, personal development, persistence, and retention of all students through the provision of outstanding, equity-minded, student-centered services.

The successful candidate for Director of the Birkam Health Center and Personal Counseling Center will hold a master’s degree in public health, health care administration, health education, nursing, counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or other related program of study. At least three years of full-time clinical practice experience as a nurse practitioner or mental health provider OR three years of full-time experience in health or counseling center administration is necessary.  Needed is a record of reducing barriers to care that exist for traditionally underrepresented/underserved populations such as international students, students in or previously in foster care, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, veterans, nontraditional students, victims of interpersonal violence, and other marginalized groups. Experience with crisis management, strong interpersonal communication skills, an ability to analyze complex situations and direct appropriate action, and strong team-building approach that fosters a positive working relationship among the entire staff are also required qualifications.

Applications should be submitted electronically to the Ferris State Jobs site. A background check (including identity and degree verification and criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered this position.

The position remains open until filled, but only those applications received by March 25, 2022, can be assured full consideration by the search committee. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting either of the Academic Search senior consultants, Ms. Kate Nolde or Dr. Ginny Horvath.  Please send nominations and general questions to BirkamDirector@academicsearch.org.

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individual with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups.