Hillel Wellness Counselor at Jewish Family Service of San Diego / Hillel of San Diego

The Hillel Wellness Counselor at Jewish Family Service of San Diego is responsible for providing case management and mental health support for Jewish college students. You'll directly engage with students experiencing mental health issues, conduct assessments to identify needs, offer short-term counseling sessions, and facilitate wellness workshops. Your role will also involve coordinating care and resources, ensuring that students receive the support they need within the Hillel community and beyond.

To qualify for the Hillel Wellness Counselor position at Hillel of San Diego, candidates must hold a Master's degree in counseling or social work with a clinical focus. Additionally, they should either be licensed (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, LPC) or be actively working toward licensure. Previous experience in mental health assessment and resource coordination, as well as knowledge of trauma-informed care, are also important.

A typical workday for a Hillel Wellness Counselor at Jewish Family Service of San Diego involves providing direct counseling and support to students, conducting mental health assessments, and facilitating wellness workshops. You’ll spend time coordinating case management services and working closely with both Hillel staff and community mental health providers to ensure comprehensive care. Additionally, you'll attend meetings and contribute to program development aimed at improving mental health resources for college students.

The Hillel Wellness Counselor provides a wide range of support to clients, including one-on-one short-term counseling sessions, guidance in navigating mental health crises, and assistance in finding long-term resources. The counselor also conducts mental health assessments to tailor care, participates in wellness workshops, and maintains case documentation. A significant part of the role is ensuring clients receive effective and culturally appropriate care in a supportive environment.

The Hillel Wellness Counselor connects with the broader Jewish community in San Diego by establishing relationships with local mental health providers and engaging with both Jewish and secular partners. This collaboration allows for effective referrals and resource sharing, ensuring students get the best possible care. Additionally, participation in community-sponsored events and programming strengthens ties between Hillel, Jewish Family Service, and the local Jewish community.

When answering this question, focus on your understanding of the unique challenges college students face. Highlight your approach to building rapport, utilizing culturally sensitive practices, and tailoring your methods to meet their specific needs. Mention your experience with short-term counseling and crisis intervention as relevant.

In your response, emphasize the importance of recognizing trauma's impact on mental health. Discuss specific training or experiences that equipped you with the skills to approach clients from a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment are central to your counseling practices.

Provide a specific example of a challenging case, detailing your approach, the strategies you employed to manage the situation, and the eventual outcomes. Emphasize your critical thinking skills and the importance of collaboration with other professionals.

When discussing essential skills, highlight effective communication, active listening, empathy, case management, and crisis intervention. Also, emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and your competency in cultural sensitivity, particularly within the Jewish community.

Express your commitment to continuous learning through attending workshops, pursuing additional certifications, and engaging in peer supervision. Mention any relevant publications or online resources you follow to keep up with the latest trends and best practices in mental health care.

In your answer, discuss the critical importance of maintaining client confidentiality and the ethical considerations involved. Provide examples of how you safeguard confidential information while still ensuring open communication with clients and appropriate professionals when necessary.

Talk about the essential balance between showing empathy for clients while also maintaining professional boundaries. Highlight your approach to creating a safe space for sharing while remaining focused on their growth and progress.

Here, describe your experience running workshops by discussing the topics you’ve covered and the methodologies you’ve used to engage participants. Highlight any positive outcomes or feedback you’ve received from attendees to illustrate your effectiveness.

Discuss the techniques you use when helping clients manage crises. Consider highlighting techniques such as grounding exercises, de-escalation strategies, and cognitive behavioral approaches to help clients regain a sense of control.

In your response, articulate your passion for serving the Jewish community and how you believe Hillel provides a unique environment that fosters personal growth and community connection. Share specific goals you have for making a positive impact within this community.