Staff Clinician

About the Role Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) University Counseling Services (UCS) invites applications for an Athletic Counselor position, embedded within the VCU Athletic department. The role primarily serves VCU student‑athletes, delivering comprehensive mental health counseling and mental performance services. The counselor integrates clinical expertise with sport psychology principles to support well‑being, enhance performance, and promote resilience, working collaboratively with athletics staff, coaches, medical providers, and campus partners to optimize athletes’ personal and athletic experience. Key Responsibilities Clinical Provide individual counseling for student‑athletes with a wide range of clinical concerns, including depression, anxiety, injury recovery, eating disorders, substance misuse, and other mental health conditions. Conduct thorough assessments and develop treatment plans. Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, and appropriate referrals when needed. Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with ethical and legal standards. Attend Counseling Center staff meetings and serve on committees. Collaborate in Counseling Center efforts to provide services in new and creative ways. Adhere to legal statutes and NCAA standards regarding case management, documentation, and parameters of service, including occasional availability for emergency response or outreach during non‑traditional hours of operation. Mental Skills Training & Performance Enhancement Deliver individual and team‑based mental skills training to enhance performance, including focus, confidence, motivation, emotional regulation, and consistency. Develop and implement programs that build resilience, stress management, and mental fortitude. Support athletes in managing performance pressure, transitions, setbacks, and injury‑related challenges. Attend sporting events and practices of the various teams. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: The successful candidate must hold a Master’s or doctoral degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Sport Psychology, Social Work, or a related field and be licensed (or license‑eligible) as a mental health professional in the Commonwealth of Virginia or within one year of hire. Demonstrated experience providing clinical services to college‑age populations and treating a range of clinical concerns, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance misuse, and trauma‑related issues, is required. Training and experience in sport psychology and/or mental skills training are essential. The candidate should be collaborative, practice good self‑care, and manage a challenging workload while promoting a positive atmosphere and healthy relationships. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with collegiate or elite athletes. Knowledge of NCAA or collegiate athletics environments. Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Experience delivering team‑based interventions and workshops. Benefits and Compensation Salary Range: $73,000 - $83,000. All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package, which includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement. FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt Hours per Week: 40 Restricted Position: No ORP Eligible: Yes Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite University Job Title: 21212Y - Counselor HS 2 State Role Code: 49012 Application review will begin May 25, 2026 and the position is open until filled. To apply, submit a letter of interest and current CV electronically. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Contact: Dr. Bridget Smith View email address on click.appcast.io Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of VA Careers