Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: S8005 / Dir,Employee Assistance Prog
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 16
HR Review/Approval:COMP

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Directs the University's faculty and staff employee assistance programs. Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates a wide range of clinical, psychosocial, and associated services to improve employee morale and productivity. Directs, oversees, and provides intensive clinical psychological counseling, case management, and psychotherapy to individual employees, families, and groups. Directs a variety of educational programs in mental health, substance abuse, and workplace communications and relationships for the University.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.
  2. Anticipates and identifies critical, high-risk employee mental health and substance abuse issues; advises and interacts with university leadership to develop risk management strategies and solutions.
  3. Plans, defines, implements, and evaluates departmental service priorities, work scope, organization, and staffing patterns to meet established goals and objectives; ensures consistent and effective delivery of services and standardization of operating policies, methods, and procedures.
  4. Develops and directs implementation of employee mental health and substance abuse education and awareness programs; monitors issues such as campus violence and advises university leadership on management and prevention strategies.
  5. Provides periodic intensive clinical supervision of high-level clinical staff and frequent intensive clinical supervision of masters and doctoral interns in psychotherapy, triage, mediation, and team-building.
  6. Coordinates and interacts with university officials, employees, external mental health, substance abuse, and/or law enforcement agencies as needed in specific cases; provides depositions or testimony as appropriate.
  7. Provides informed professional guidance on a wide range of employee assistance issues; consults with and advises administration and employees on programmatic topics and on changing governmental and legal requirements associated with employee assistance.
  8. Provides direct, intensive individual and group psychotherapy, psychologically-oriented mediation, and team building; provides trauma briefing and consultation for campus groups at all levels.
  9. Develops and maintains relationships and collaboration with external providers in mental health care and related services in the establishment of assistance programs; directs coordination of departmental services with other campus entities.
  10. Develops and manages annual budgets for the unit and performs cost and productivity analyses; plans, develops, and implements strategies for generating resources for the department.
  11. Recommends and participates in the development of university policies and procedures; may serve on university planning and policy-making committees.
  12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Master's degree in a behavioral health field; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: New Mexico independent licensure in a recognized behavioral health field or evidence of eligibility based on out-of-state licensure.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Knowledge of a full range of mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, and employee assistance theory and practice.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Knowledge of organizational and career change theory and practice, and their impact on employees at all levels.
  • Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.
  • Ability to develop mental health risk management strategies and solutions.
  • Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
  • Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
  • Ability to provide informed, professional advice and guidance to senior management on employee mental health and substance abuse issues.
  • Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
  • Ability to supervise, advise, and train clinical professionals and/or students in area of expertise.
  • Skill in budget preparation and management.
  • Knowledge of management principles and practices.
  • Ability to conceive, plan, develop, and implement employee mental health and assistance programs.
  • Knowledge of psychological mediation and team-building principles.
  • Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
  • Ability to provide legal depositions and testimony.
  • Knowledge of employment, labor, malpractice, mental health, and substance abuse laws, and appropriate ethical codes.
  • Knowledge of alternative operational and program funding mechanisms.
  • Ability to apply psychotherapy methods in individual, couples, family and group settings.
  • Knowledge of a full range of psychotherapeutic assessment and treatment and crisis intervention methods and techniques.

Conditions of Employment

  • Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
  • Subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 10/13/2021