Mustang Mental Health Response Clinician

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 85,524 - 153,252; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Educational benefits for eligible employees

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo seeks a dedicated Mental Health Counselor to support student wellbeing through evening crisis intervention services. The role involves teamwork to provide therapeutic care under the Mustang Mental Health Response program.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant field and must be licensed or eligible for licensure in California. This position values diverse and inclusive practices in addressing the mental health needs of college students.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to address the mental health needs of college students.
• Experience providing crisis intervention with young-adult populations.
• Licensure in California as an LPCC, LCSW, LMFT, or psychologist.

Responsibilities

• Support the mission of Campus Health & Wellbeing.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization support.
• Coordinate care within the Mustang Mental Health Response program.

Skills

Crisis assessment and intervention

Knowledge of FERPA and HIPAA

Competence with diversity and intersectionality

Ability to manage clinical crisis situations

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Doctoral degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology

Job description

Job Summary

This position reports to the Director of Counseling & Psychological Services and supports the mission of Campus Health & Wellbeing (CH&W) and Residential Student Experience (RSE) to provide safe, supportive, and therapeutic care for Cal Poly students. The role assists with coordination of care within the Mustang Mental Health Response program, a multidisciplinary initiative designed to provide students with a full range of crisis‑resolution options. The incumbent delivers primarily evening services, including crisis intervention, safety planning, stabilization support, and consultation embedded in on‑campus housing. Follow‑up services may include therapeutic work within this program, referrals to CAPS clinicians, higher levels of care, or community services. The position involves work with serious presenting concerns and requires the ability to conceptualize cases and provide responsive care within sociocultural contexts. It is a full‑time role working four ten‑hour days per week (4 pm–2 am Sunday‑Wednesday or Wednesday‑Saturday). The position is on the Academic Year calendar.

Department Summary

Counseling & Psychological Services is part of the Campus Health & Wellbeing division within Strategic Enrollment Management & Student Affairs. CAPS offers culturally responsive services that help students understand themselves, foster relationships, achieve academic success, and make effective life choices. The department promotes holistic student emotional health and provides confidential, accessible counseling, outreach, educational services, and campus consultations.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated competence with diversity and intersectionality, and experience addressing the mental health needs of college students, including those with historically marginalized identities.
• Knowledge of FERPA, HIPAA, and the California Medical Information Act as they relate to psychotherapy provision in a university counseling center.
• Experience providing crisis assessment and intervention with late‑adolescent and young‑adult populations, including safety planning, stabilization, and risk assessment.
• Ability to manage clinical crisis situations, including hospitalizations.

Education And Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant field and current licensure or eligibility for licensure in California as an LPCC, LCSW, or LMFT with a minimum of two years of clinical experience post‑degree.
• OR
• Doctoral degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology and current licensure or eligibility for licensure in California as a psychologist.

Licenses, Certificates, Degrees, Credentials

• All counselors must be licensed in California within two years of initial appointment.
• Preferred: Current California psychologist, LPCC, LCSW, or LMFT license free of active disciplinary action.

Salary And Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $85,524–$153,252. The salary is determined by experience, skills, education, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. Cal Poly offers a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment in accordance with California law and federal civil rights laws. The university complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. Cal Poly fosters an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment for all students and employees.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal record check) is required for employment. Cal Poly may make a conditional offer that can be rescinded if background check results reveal disqualifying information or if information was knowingly withheld or falsified. The position holder is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083.