Teachers College - Jobs - Job Details - Associate Director - Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services

Posting Summary:
The Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services (DHCEPS) is seeking and Associate Director to assist in the administrative and clinical managment if our in-house training setting for graduate students in the clinical, counseling, school psychology, reading specialist, and special education departments housed within Teachers College, Columbia University.
The Associate Director who will be responsible for fostering close working relationships with support staff, faculty, supervisors, students and community clients, collaborating closely with the Director to ensure the program functions optimally. The Associate Director
plays a key role in ensuring the Center's efficient operation and fostering strong relationships among stakeholders.

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services (DHCEPS) is the in-house training setting for graduate students in the clinical, counseling, school psychology, reading specialist, and special education departments housed within Teachers College, Columbia University.
We are seeking an Associate Director who will be responsible for fostering close working relationships with support staff, faculty, supervisors, students and community clients, collaborating closely with the Director to ensure the program functions optimally.

Reporting to the Director of the Dean Hope Center, the Associate Director plays a key role in ensuring the Center's efficient operation and fostering strong relationships among stakeholders. The Associate Director will oversee the management and daily operations of the Center while promoting collaboration with support staff, faculty, supervisors, students, and community clients.
A team-oriented approach is central to the Dean Hope Center’s values, emphasizing collaborative decision-making and open communication among all staff members. The Associate Director will work closely with the Director to maintain these principles and ensure the Center’s ongoing success.

Team & General Office Management

• In consultation with the Director, manage the Center's daily administrative functions, including managing workflow, scheduling staff, and arranging coverage for absences.
• Recruit, hire, train, retain, and supervise a diverse team, including two full-time secretaries, part-time and student staff.
• Provide guidance to staff on issues related to administrative office guidelines, HR policies, and Local 2110 Union policies.
• Support the Director in aligning team efforts with the Center and Colleges goals, objectives and priorities.
• Organize and lead weekly staff meetings to ensure alignment on priorities and communication of key updates
• Track and report team progress and performance metrics
• Prioritize tasks and adjust plans as needed to accommodate changing circumstances.
• Monitor and review staff services and resources to ensure high standards of efficiency in service delivery, particularly during peak times.
• Ensure that all offices are aware of and respect staff limitations and availability during these periods. Ensure that staff effectively utilizes technology for remote work, to maintain a prepared, strategic and coordinated approach to service delivery.
• Maximize efficiency, effectiveness and access to resources for students and staff, while also exploring and recommending new systems, software, and processes to improve virtual-only platforms
• Provide support and consultation to direct reports as needed during weekends and evenings.
• Assist in the preparation and facilitation of special projects.
• Organize and maintain the website with up-to-date information on available services, or changes to the DHCEPS schedule
• Oversee purchasing, delivery, and shipments of supplies
• Manage deadlines and oversee general administrative processes, including facility maintenance.
• Responsible for updating or writing standard operating procedure documents

Budget Administrator:

• Work closely with the Director to manage budget operations within a well-defined and limited scope of authority.
• Monitor, review, and track budgets, expenses, and revenue to ensure accuracy and compliance with policies and best practices.
• Prepare and provide detailed budget, expense, and revenue reports upon request.
• Ensure proper allocation of course fees for four different programs each semester and track expenditures related to testing materials for practicum.
• Support the collection of required information from clients utilizing sliding scale fees and facilitate fee collection as needed.
• Manage inventory of all supplies, including reviewing and approving supplier pricing, and related invoices
• Ensure the proper use and reconciliation of the P-card.

Student Support:

• Assist the Director with daily activities and administrative tasks related to managing graduate students' caseloads
• Oversee client case management, including maintaining the client database (Titanium).
• Consult with the Director to screen and assign suitable cases to students, and inform clients about decisions made regarding their cases.
• Collaborate with the Director and professors to coordinate case selection at the start of each semester.
• Conduct student orientation on Center policies, procedures, and guidelines in collaboration with the Director
• Manage practicum logistics, including room assignments, AV equipment, and supervisor support
• Establish partnerships with external agencies to recruit clients for student training
• Review students' clinical charts to ensure compliance with professional ethics and standards relevant to the work at the Center
• Maintain student records, generate statistics, and provide reports to support service development and efficiency.
• Assist in triaging clients requesting services; including conducting suicide risk assessments
• Consult with the Director and supervisors during a client crisis and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of both the client and students.
• Review and manage incident reports completed by students to ensure concerns are addressed in a timely, sensitive and appropriate manner
• Coordinate the maintenance of safety and recording systems (Care Management & Grid Squared) used by students.

Client Support:

• Follow up with clients to gather additional information about requested services, psychological history and current mental status to determine the most appropriate treatment options
• Collaborate with the Director to evaluate the information provided and determine the most appropriate treatment options or referrals, ensuring alignment with the client’s needs and the Center’s available resources
• Provide clients with resources, educational materials, and guidance on accessing additional support services, both within the Center and through external organizations, as needed
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions and assessments in compliance with applicable regulations and ethical standards

Process Improvement and Policy Implementation:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements to ensure quality control, streamline workflows, and enhance productivity.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and enforcing Center guidelines and procedures.
• Address and resolve concerns from students, faculty, staff, and other offices, making recommendations for sustainable, long-term solutions
• Oversee the secure disposal of confidential client documents in compliance with NYS regulations.
• Assist in the development, implementation and enforcement of the Dean Hope Center guidelines procedures; respond to concerns and issues raised by students, faculty, staff and other offices; and make recommendations for long-term solutions.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in counseling or a related field
• NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor(LMHC) or an equivalent license
• Three (3) to 5 years of managerial experience, including team leadership, strategic planning, communication and customer service
• Ability to develop and manage budgets, track expenses, and allocate resources efficiently.
• Proven ability to coordinate clinical and administrative tasks for staff members effectively
• Strong oral communication skills, with the ability to engage and inform a diverse audience
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and troubleshooting abilities to achieve goals efficiently
• Experience in designing and facilitating professional development programs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Zoom, and case management systems
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to create and update manuals, policies, and procedural documents.
• Demonstrated ability in conflict resolution, problem identification, and strategic decision-making
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels
  Must be committed to providing exceptional customer service and collaborating effectively on inter-office work teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of managerial experience, including team leadership, strategic planning, communication and customer service
• Familiarity with mental health software and tools, including but not limited to Titanium or similar case management systems
• Familiarity with the integration of technology in counseling and clinical services (e.g., telehealth platforms)
• Experience working in a higher education or clinical setting

Salary Range:

$85,000 to $90,400

Work Modality:

Hybrid