Graduate Assistant Counseling Center

Primary Purpose

The Graduate Assistant (GA) will serve as the first point of contact for students, faculty, and staff seeking services at the Counseling Center. This role combines administrative support with critical responsibilities in telephone-based emergency response. The GA will gain hands-on experience in mental health service delivery, crisis triage, and professional communication within a clinical setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Front Desk Operations

• Greet clients and visitors with professionalism and empathy
• Answer and route phone calls, take accurate messages, and manage appointment scheduling
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and FERPA guidelines
• Assist with daily administrative tasks, including data entry and document management

Emergency Response by Telephone

• Respond to calls involving mental health concerns or crises using established triage protocols
• Assess urgency and escalate to clinical staff or emergency services as needed
• Document emergency contacts and actions taken with accuracy and discretion

Mental Health Resource Navigation

• Provide general information about counseling services and campus wellness resources
• Recognize signs of distress and connect individuals to appropriate support
• Maintain updated knowledge of referral procedures and community resources

Administrative Support

• Assist with intake paperwork, appointment reminders, and client follow-up
• Support data collection for service utilization and quality improvement
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute to a collaborative office environment

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a graduate program in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health care

Learning Opportunities

• Develop crisis communication and triage skills in a mental health setting
• Gain experience in front-line administrative operations within a clinical environment
• Enhance knowledge of mental health services, ethical standards, and referral systems
• Strengthen professional communication, teamwork, and confidentiality practices

How to Apply

Please complete the Graduate Assistant Application, submit a resume, and any documentation corroborating related experience. Send to Cristina Costa.