Mental Health Therapist & Indigenous Student Cultural Liaison

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The UW Counseling Center is seeking a Mental Health Therapist and Indigenous Student Cultural Liaison. This role reports to the Assistant Director and is responsible for providing short-term mental health counseling and psycho-educational outreach to UW students, with a specific focus on Native students. The position aims to support and empower individuals from underrepresented and marginalized communities to promote student retention and graduation. It also involves providing professional consultation to faculty, staff, and students regarding student behavior, mental health, and academic challenges to improve the campus climate for student success. The role requires daily intense contact with students in psychological or academic distress, including consultation, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and referrals. A key aspect is the ability to work in a cross-cultural environment, understanding the social and cultural context of Native students, and the role of trauma in wellness and recovery. Cultural proficiency and expertise working with BIPOC students, along with excellent crisis intervention skills, are essential. The position is based on the UW Seattle campus and involves M-F work with occasional evening and weekend programming. Telework is available two days per week.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling/Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or related field OR Doctorate degree in Counseling/Clinical Psychology or related field
Two years of experience (can include internship) providing mental health counseling
Licensure in the state of Washington for the independent practice of mental health counseling OR ability to be independently licensed in the state of Washington
Experience providing therapy with college-aged clients or working in a university counseling center.
Evidence of outstanding skills in clinical assessment, psychotherapy and counseling, crisis management, and psycho-education.
Demonstrated cultural proficiency and experience working with Native populations and diverse populations.
Experience working with trauma

Nice To Haves

Experience and interest in conducting prevention and outreach services, preferably in collaboration with campus partners
Demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice
Experience providing gender affirming care
Experience providing treatment via telehealth technology
Demonstrated skill in working well under pressure to prioritize and manage multiple clinical responsibilities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

Provide clinical counseling for individual, group, and couples therapy to currently enrolled UW students, including initial intake assessments and referral.
Provide crisis services when students present with problems of a complex or threatening nature.
Provide psychoeducation and trust-building with Native students to improve mental health and retention.
Provide professional consultation to UW faculty, staff, and students regarding student behavior, mental health, and academic challenges to enhance an inclusive campus climate for student success.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of treatment and services provided.
Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and departmental committees to promote overall student mental health.
Engage in professional development to keep current in the field, including maintaining clinical license to practice in Washington.