The NBCC Foundation is pleased to announce the search for NBCC Minority Fellowship Program (NBCC MFP) Advisory Council members to fill positions on mental health counseling and addictions counseling advisory councils for the 2023–2024 term. The NBCC MFP, made possible by a grant awarded to the NBCC Foundation by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), helps ensure that the behavioral health needs of all Americans are met, regardless of language or culture, thereby reducing health disparities and improving overall community health and well-being. Populations served include but are not limited to those who are underserved and underrepresented because of their race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation and those underserved who live in rural locations or are affiliated with a military population (active servicemembers and their families or veterans).

Each MFP Advisory Council (MFPAC) will consist of members willing to promote and support the mission of the NBCC MFP. Advisory Council members are elected to serve a 1-year term (Oct. 2023–Sept. 2024) and may be elected for a second 1-year term. Some domestic travel will be necessary.

Mental Health Counseling (MHC) Advisory Council
Eligibility Requirements: 

• Candidates must be either (1) a doctoral-level professional counselor or counselor educator or (2) a master’s-level clinical professional counselor.
• Candidates must be a National Certified Counselor (NCC) in good standing.
• Candidates must demonstrate senior and expert experience providing mental health services to underserved and underrepresented populations.
• Candidates must be alumni of the NBCC MFP.
• Candidates must have completed the fellowship program two years prior to applying to serve as an Advisory Council Member.

Addictions Counseling (AC) Advisory Council. This program is administered by the NBCC Foundation in collaboration with NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals.
Eligibility Requirements: 

• Candidates must be either (1) a doctoral-level professional counselor or counselor educator or (2) a master’s-level clinical professional counselor.
• Candidates must be nationally certified counselors (NCC or NCC AP) in good standing.
• Candidates must demonstrate senior and expert experience providing mental health and substance abuse services to underserved and underrepresented populations.
• Alumni of the NBCC MFP are encouraged to apply.
• NBCC MFP alumni must have completed the fellowship program two years prior to applying to serve as an Advisory Council Member.

NBCC MFP Advisory Council Key Responsibilities: 

• Makes recommendations to NBCC Foundation staff regarding the selection criteria for the fellowships.
• Selects MFP fellows from a list of finalists.
• Makes recommendations to staff on policies and procedures for administering the program.
• Supports the fellows through regular group check-ins.
• Provides support and guidance to fellows and mentors during the mentorship process.
• Provides education and leadership to the counseling profession.
• Participates in monitoring fellowship recipients to support adherence to their individual fellowship plans and to the program.
• Assists the NBCC Foundation staff with developing and providing training for the fellows either virtually through webinars, or through in-person training events and panel discussions.

Individuals who are of Native American, African American, Hispanic/Latina/Latino, Asian, and Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent, individuals who represent LGBTQIA2S+ populations, and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Former MFPAC members may apply to begin a new term of service on the 2023–2024 Advisory Council.

Interested NCCs who are MFP alumni must submit a résumé/CV and letter of interest. Letters of interest should describe experience working with and providing mental health services to underserved populations (including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, children, veterans, the elderly, military populations, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals). Cultural competency and strong skills in networking, public relations, presentation, communication, goal setting, and task management are also required and should be evident on the résumé/CV and in the letter of interest. Letters should also describe an understanding of the NBCC MFP program and how the applicant will contribute to the leadership of the program.

Time Commitments: The MFPAC meets at least four times annually to conduct business. At least one meeting takes place in-person and other meetings typically take place through virtual means. All expenses involved in NBCC MFP Advisory Council travel are reimbursed according to grant allowances. Each term is for one year with the option to serve an additional year. MFPAC members will engage in an online training program prior to beginning their term.

Candidates must have the ability to navigate virtual teleconferencing software and be able to make the time commitment to attend to MFPAC responsibilities.

Applications will be accepted until Sept. 30, 2023, at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time.