Search begins for next director of UNM’s employee assistance program

The University of New Mexico is launching a search for the next director of the employee assistance program known as Counseling, Assistance and Referral Services (CARS).

Aria Ponciroli, who was appointed director of CARS in 2022, is retiring at the end of the year. She has served in the fields of clinical social work, behavioral health and employee assistance program services for more than 30 years.

"We greatly appreciate Aria's service to UNM and her partnership with Academic Affairs in supporting faculty and staff across the University," said Barbara Rodriguez, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "CARS provides vital services to our campus community, and strong leadership is essential to that work. We look forward to our continuing close partnership with the CARS team and ensuring a smooth transition in leadership over the coming months."

The new director is anticipated to begin in January 2027.

CARS provides on-site services that assist both faculty and staff in and resolving personal and professional concerns. Services include counseling for individuals and couples (where one person is a UNM employee); supervisory consultations with organization leadership; crisis interventions such as bereavement assistance for departments; seminars and workshops; and departmental in-service training.

The director of CARS, which reports to the Office of the Provost, supervises CARS clinical and administrative staff and collaborates with various mental health and substance abuse resources in the UNM community.

In addition, the director represents CARS on various committees across the UNM campus and collaborates with campus partners to promote employee welfare at home and at work.

A full job description is available at UNM Jobs. Best consideration date is Oct. 5. Applications and materials must be submitted through UNM Jobs to be considered. Questions can be sent to search coordinator Jennifer Love at [email protected].