Mental Health Counselor

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

20h

About The Position

The Pennsylvania State University’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Park is hiring a Mental Health Counselor, beginning January 4, 2027. The position may be filled at the Advanced Professional or Senior Professional level and at either 75% or 83.3% full-time equivalency, with months off in summer. The number and timing of months off depend on the FTE and unit needs. The position is eligible for benefits associated with a full-time position; the posted salary range reflects a 100% FTE position, and an offer may vary based on assigned FTE.

The counselor provides screening and triage, short-term individual and group therapy, crisis evaluation and intervention, and outreach and consultation. The counselor may also provide clinical supervision and training or mentorship to non-licensed staff and trainees. Clinicians are expected to adhere to and promote trauma-informed care and healing-centered approaches and principles.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume or CV, specifying the qualifications they bring to the position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of staff employment visas. The position requires applicable background checks and PA State Police, PA Child Abuse History, and federal FBI fingerprint clearances.

Requirements

• Master’s degree.
• For the Advanced Professional level: at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• For the Senior Professional level: at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Required clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in crisis care, including rapid or walk-in triage, risk assessment, safety planning, stabilization, and follow-up to ensure continuity of care.
• Strong competence in supporting students’ navigation of multiple layers of identity.

Responsibilities

• Provide screening and triage services for students.
• Provide short-term individual and group therapy.
• Conduct crisis evaluations and interventions.
• Provide outreach and consultation services.
• May provide clinical supervision and training or mentorship to non-licensed staff and trainees.
• Perform clinical duties in accordance with trauma-informed care and healing-centered approaches and principles.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.
• Benefits associated with a full-time position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level