Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselor Position

The Pennsylvania State University, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), University Park, has a Mental Health Counselor position available beginning January 4, 2027. This position can be filled at the Advanced or Senior Level.

This position can be filled at the 75% or 83.3% full-time equivalency (FTE) with months off in summer.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsibilities include providing screening/triage services for students, short-term individual and group therapy, crisis evaluation and intervention, and outreach and consultation services.
• May also provide clinical supervision and training/mentorship to non-licensed staff/trainees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in crisis care, including rapid/walk-in triage, risk assessment, safety planning, stabilization, and follow-up to ensure continuity of care is preferred.
• It is preferred that candidates have strong competence in supporting students' navigation of multiple layers of identity.

Clinical Practice Expectations

All clinicians on our staff perform their duties while adhering to and promoting trauma-informed care and healing-centered approaches and principles, in alignment with the establishment of the Commonwealth of PA as a trauma-informed, healing-centered state.

Application Instructions

• Applicants can apply online and should include a cover letter and resume or CV.
• In the cover letter, applicants should specify the qualifications they bring to this position.

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. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

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.