Mental Health Staff Counselor

Location : 1 S Grove St, Westerville, OH
Job Type: Support Staff
Job Number: 00500
Division: Student Affairs
Department: Student Wellness
Opening Date: 06/11/2026


DESCRIPTION
Otterbein University Counseling Center is seeking a clinically and culturally competent Mental Health Staff Counselor to provide generalist mental health services to a diverse college student population. The ideal candidate will bring strong clinical skills, experience working with young adults, and the ability to navigate the unique developmental and social dynamics of a college campus.

This role supports students with a range of concerns, including mood disorders, substance use, neurodevelopmental conditions, and crisis situations such as suicide risk assessment. The position emphasizes inclusive, student-centered care, collaboration, and proactive outreach and education. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting underserved student populations and fostering meaningful growth in students' insight, emotions, behaviors, and connections within the campus community.

Counseling staff partner closely with Student Affairs and Wellness to provide advocacy, consultation, and outreach. This role requires balancing clinical autonomy with teamwork and collaboration across campus.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position working 30 hours per week, 9 months per year.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Services & Student Care

• Conduct clinical mental health and substance use screenings.
• Provide short-term individual, group, and couples counseling by developing and implementing appropriate treatment goals and strategies.
• Maintain timely clinical documentation in a secure electronic records system.
• Assess student needs and coordinate referrals for long-term or specialized treatment.

Programming & Outreach

• Develop and deliver creative, innovative, and inclusive programming, including groups, workshops, and events designed for college students.
• Consult with faculty, staff, parents, and students on mental health concerns.
• Build collaborative relationships across campus and with community healthcare professionals.

Collaboration & Administrative Support

• Attend staff meetings and assist the Director of Counseling with administrative responsibilities.
• Serve on the University's Wellness Committee.
• Assist in the design and implementation of new services.
• Participate in periodic service evaluations.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain Ohio licensure in good standing.
• Participate in outreach and advocacy efforts across Student Affairs and the campus community.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Depending on licensure and experience, may supervise graduate-level clinical mental health interns.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education & Experience

• Completion of a Master's degree in a mental health field.
• Licensed and in good standing with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board at the time of application (provisional licenses not accepted).
• Two or more years of clinical experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in, or strong commitment to, understanding and supporting the clinical needs of a diverse college student population.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than three years of clinical experience.
• Independent licensure.
• Specialized training in areas such as brief therapy, trauma, crisis intervention, substance use, and working with diverse populations including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students.
• Experience working in a college counseling center.
• Experience with Titanium or other EHR/EMR/ECR systems.
• Experience creating and managing social media content.

Certifications & Licenses

• Possession of one of the following licenses: LPC, LSW, LPCC, LISW, LMFT, PsyD, or PhD in Psychology.
• Valid State of Ohio driver's license.

Skills & Competencies

• Professional oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies.
• Competency in general math.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office and internet tools.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and reasoning abilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is primarily office-based and does not involve unusual physical demands. Duties are largely performed in a seated position and require routine use of a computer and standard office equipment. The role includes navigating stairs within the Counseling Center and sharing office resources.

The position requires the ability to maintain focus, complete tasks independently, communicate effectively, and make timely decisions in a fast-paced or high-stress environment. Occasional responsibilities include assisting with outreach events, which may involve lifting and carrying items up to 25 pounds and walking between campus locations.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At Otterbein, our comprehensive benefits package helps you thrive both professionally and personally, offering:

• Generous tuition benefits for you, your spouse or domestic partner, and your dependents
• Four weeks of paid vacation to relax, recharge, and explore
• 10 days of paid sick time to prioritize your health
• 12 paid holidays plus bonus days throughout the year
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Life insurance for added peace of mind
• A defined contribution retirement plan to help you plan for the future
• Wellness initiatives
• And even more ways Otterbein supports your success.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty.

Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications fromall qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.
To help attract a talented team, Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time faculty and staff.


Benefits at Otterbein include:

• Tuition benefit for employee and their dependents
• Accrue 4 weeks paid vacation and 10 days paid sick time per year
• 12 paid holidays plus bonus days
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance for employee, dependents, or domestic partner
• Disability
• Defined contribution retirement plan
• and much more

ABOUT OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY:


ABOUT OTTERBEIN CAREERS and BENEFITS: