Mental Health Clinician

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 59,580 - 94,980; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement plans

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics is hiring a Mental Health Clinician to assess, triage, and provide comprehensive mental health services tailored to the high-pressure environment of student-athletes. The role involves direct counseling, crisis management, and collaboration with sports medicine, psychiatry, and campus staff.

Required qualifications include a Master’s degree in Counseling or related field and a Pennsylvania-licensure pathway (LPC/LCSW) with potential for licensure within 6

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling or related discipline required.
• Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ability to obtain licensure within 6 months.
• Experience providing mental health services in athletic/college settings preferred.
• Strong ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and crisis counseling to student-athletes.
• Conduct mental health screenings and crisis interventions.
• Coordinate care with sports medicine, psychiatry, and outside providers.
• Consult with coaches, trainers, and staff on student-athlete mental health.
• Develop and deliver mental health trainings and wellness programs.
• Maintain confidential clinical records per regulations.
• Participate in after-hours on-call rotations and mentor trainees.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Crisis management

Interpersonal communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Confidentiality & ethics

Independence

Diversity sensitivity

Education

Master’s degree in Counseling or related discipline

Licensure: LPC or LCSW or ability to obtain within 6 months

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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:

• Provide individual, group, and crisis counseling to student-athletes
• Conduct mental health screenings, manage crisis interventions, and design immediate safety or treatment plans.
• Serve as the designated Integrated Behavioral Health contact for specific athletic teams.
• Consult directly with coaches, athletic trainers, and staff regarding student-athlete mental health, using high-level discretion to balance communication with clinical confidentiality.
• Coordinate care with sports medicine, psychiatric providers, and off-campus specialists, managing referrals and follow-ups.
• Develop and deliver targeted mental health training, stress management workshops, and wellness initiatives for teams and staff.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records in compliance with university, state, and federal laws.
• 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 needsindependently.
• 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 Degree6+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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 Degree3+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• 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.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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 814-865-1473.

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.

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