Course Developer - Group Counseling Theories and Techniques 1&2

Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty. 

As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.

Job Description/Summary: 

The School of Mental Health at Sonoran University of Health Sciences has launched a new Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC) program and is actively seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assist in the development of the 6-week, 2.5 credit, online course, Group Counseling Theories and Techniques 1, and the 6-week, 2 credit, online course, Group Counseling Theories and Techniques 2. 

These courses are offered sequentially in the fourth quarter of the MSCMHC program. Counseling Diverse Clients 1 This course covers the variety of different theories and techniques associated with group counseling. Additionally, students will explore the different types of groups used in counseling (e.g., process, psychoeducational, support, etc.). The course Counseling Diverse Clients 2 will be experiential. Students will be required to participate in a group process and share the responsibility of co-facilitating a session. Upon completion of the group experience, students will reflect on their experience and both the utility and limitations of groups in counseling.

Preference will be given to applicants who are interested and qualified to teach these courses following development. 

Subject Matter Experts within the School of Mental Health are critical to the success of Sonoran University’s online programs. They are responsible for leveraging their subject matter expertise to create current and relevant course content and engaging learning experiences. Subject Matter Experts receive supervision and guidance from the dean and/or Program Director along with instructional design support from Sonoran University’s Instructional Support Team. The course development process in the School of Mental Health is a team effort. Subject Matter Experts are responsible for developing course content, and the Instructional Support Team incorporates that content into Canvas, Sonoran University’s Learning Management System. 

Please note: Course description, objectives, and select course level assessment plans that align with CACREP standards, KPIs, Program Objectives, and/or Professional Dispositions have already been proposed for all program courses and therefore do not need to be developed by Subject Matter Experts. However, Subject Matter Experts are invited to recommend updates upon initiating course development. 

The ideal candidate will have expertise in, and passion for the course subject area, possess online classroom experience, prior clinical practice experience, demonstrate experience with course curriculum development and assessment, and, for those candidates wishing to teach the course after development, a passion for teaching.  

Responsibilities: 

1. Provide expert knowledge in mental health specific to the course subject area(s). 
2. Develop engaging and meaningful learning experiences and current and relevant course content. 
3. Develop learning modules that guide students through their educational experience. 
4. Author original module content including assessments in alignment with course objectives and in alignment with KPIs, Program Objectives, and CACREP standards. (Select courses may also include assessment of Professional Dispositions).
5. For each weekly course module:  
   1. Develop PowerPoint presentations with voiceover recordings, 
   2. Create engaging and relevant homework assignments, 
   3. Develop interactive discussion board topics that enable students to delve more deeply into the content while building community, 
   4. Develop instructional plan for live weekly sessions,
   5. Develop assessments (and corresponding instructions and rubrics) to measure course objectives, KPIs, and CACREP standards, and  
   6. Identify supportive resources and/or reading assignments. 
6. Supply instructional support materials, reference items, and supplemental resources. 
7. Add richness to the content by offering first-hand field knowledge (anecdotal stories, case studies, best practices, clinical pearls, tips and/or “tricks-of-the-trade”) that support and enhance student learning and engagement.  
8. Participate in drafting a schedule for deliverables and commit to meeting all agreed-upon deadlines. 
9. Agree to submit deliverables to the Instructional Support Team in adherence with the agreed upon course development schedule. Deliverables may include recorded lectures, assignments, assignment instructions, rubrics, and/or resources like book chapters, articles, websites, or videos.
10. Commit to periodic check-in meetings with supervisor, IST, and/or peer review team to refine course content, discuss revisions, and make improvements. 
11. Provide a final review of the course to ensure that it meets expected academic rigor and course objectives are met.

Experience and attributes:

1. Education and experience in the field of clinical mental health counseling.
2. Previous course development experience, preferably in an online setting at a college or university.
3. Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and deliver new course content including course assessments.
4. Demonstrated ability to use innovative teaching and learning strategies and methods. 
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proper use of APA guidelines.
6. Experience in mental health as a clinician, leader, researcher, and/or educator is preferred. 
7. Previous teaching experience preferably in an online setting at a college or university.  
8. Familiarity within online teaching and/or a desire to learn new technological approaches to education.  
9. Experience using the Canvas Learning Management system a plus.
10. A positive attitude, a sense of humor, honesty, and the ability to inspire.
11. Commitment to academic integrity, high academic standards, diversity and intercultural understanding, experiential learning, and continued professional development. 

Qualifications:

1. Minimum of a master’s with an emphasis or focus on clinical mental health counseling; doctorate is highly preferred. 
   1. A degree from a CACREP accredited program is preferred.
2. Counseling practice experience is highly preferred. 

NOTE: Subject Matter Experts looking to continue as the lead faculty (Adjunct or Full-Time) for the course they develop will need to meet qualifications for faculty including having a doctoral degree in counselor education; preferably with an emphasis or focus on clinical mental health counseling, and preferably from a CACREP-accredited program. 

Candidates for faculty positions will also be considered if they have a related doctoral degree and have been employed as a full-time faculty member in a counselor education program for a minimum of one full academic year before July 1, 2013, OR have been employed as a full-time doctoral-level faculty member in a CORE-accredited master’s program prior to July 1, 2017, OR have graduated from a rehabilitation doctoral program prior to January 1, 2018.

Technology requirement:

Course developers/SMEs are expected to have a personal computer with internet access and virus protection. Sonoran University provides a Sonoran University email account and password protected access to faculty sections of the LMS and website and additional faculty resources and tools.

Working environment:         

This position is remote/online.  Subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Frequent communication with internal and external individuals is required to perform essential functions.

Background/screening:        

All employees at Sonoran University undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position. All applicants must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

Sonoran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

Sonoran University is a Smoke-Free campus.

Documents needed to apply: 

1. Cover letter 
2. Resume/CV

* Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.

About Sonoran University:

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing.

The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.

The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.

The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.

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