Mental Health Clinician

Mental Health Clinician

Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics, a Division I and Big Ten Conference Institution, is seeking a Mental Health Clinician for the Department of Integrated Behavioral Health. This position is responsible for the assessment, triage, and provision of comprehensive clinical mental health services tailored specifically to the unique, high-pressure environment of student-athletes.

Responsibilities & Duties Include:

• Clinical Care: Provide individual, group, and crisis counseling to student-athletes
• Assessment & Triage: Conduct mental health screenings, manage crisis interventions, and design immediate safety or treatment plans.
• Team Point Person: Serve as the designated Integrated Behavioral Health contact for specific athletic teams.
• Staff Consultation: Consult directly with coaches, athletic trainers, and staff regarding student-athlete mental health, using high-level discretion to balance communication with clinical confidentiality.
• Case Management: Coordinate care with sports medicine, psychiatric providers, and off-campus specialists, managing referrals and follow-ups.
• Workshops & Outreach: Develop and deliver targeted mental health training, stress management workshops, and wellness initiatives for teams and staff.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records in compliance with university, state, and federal laws.
• Program Support: Participate in an after-hours on-call rotation and assist with the supervision or mentorship of interns and trainees as needed.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong clinical skills in assessment, mental health counseling, and crisis management.
• Understanding of college athletics culture and the unique needs of the athlete population.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple team needs independently.
• A solid understanding of boundaries and professional ethics.
• Ability to problem-solve, handle sensitive information and nuanced situations.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary interdepartmental team.
• Able to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, coaches, and staff and use high level discretion.
• Able to demonstrate the ability to work well with a diverse group of clients.

Educational/Certification Requirements:

• Master's degree (or higher) in Counseling or related discipline.
• Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or related discipline or has the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience (can include an internship) providing mental health counseling and performance enhancement services to athletes, preferably in a university or college counseling center setting.
• Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential or progress toward it.
• Experience with specialty areas such as substance misuse and disordered eating.
• Experience working in competitive athletic environments.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications:

If filled as Mental Health Counselor - Senior Professional, this position requires:

• Master's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors

If filled as Mental Health Counselor - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Master's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors

Background Checks/Clearances:

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW:

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.