Mental Health Professional

Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm

Advertised Salary: $60,613.00

Posting Date: 08/25/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 10/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Mental Health Counselor I

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in counseling psychology or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

UHC Minimum:

• Master’s degree in social work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
• Must have at least an associate license in the State of Georgia (LMSW, LAPC, LAMFT)
• Must apply for full licensure within 90 days of meeting State clinical and supervisory hour requirements.
• Two or more years experience in the evaluation and treatment of individuals whose age and psychological development are similar to traditional and non-traditional college students.

UHC Preferred:

• Independent licensure in GA by start date (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, PsyD, PhD)
• CPR/AED certification required within first year of employment.
• Training and two years or more of experience working with individuals from various backgrounds
• Skill and/or interest in preventive psychological education and outreach programs.
• One year or more of experience working in a college counseling center.

Position Summary: The Mental Health Professional is an integral member of the CAPS Professional Staff and reports to the Assistant Director of Mental Health Services. This position provides a comprehensive range of behavioral health services to eligible members of the UGA community within the CAPS scope of service, including individual, couples, and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, outreach, mental health evaluations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and coordination of internal and external referrals, as appropriate. Services are delivered in accordance with UHC/CAPS policies and procedures and professional standards for clinical care and documentation. The Mental Health Professional II collaborates as an active member of the CAPS team and contributes to a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports the mental health and well-being of the UGA community.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Knowledge of and experience providing services through telehealth platforms.
• Knowledge of the assessment and treatment of mental health concerns commonly encountered in a university counseling center.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards and best practices applicable to college counseling services (e.g., Joint Commission, APA, IACS).
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of or experience developing and delivering mental health outreach and prevention programming.
• Ability to contribute to a training environment through collaboration, supervision, and mentorship of trainees and early-career professionals.
• Background in providing supervision of counseling and psychotherapy.
• Proficiency in documenting and managing clinical services within an electronic health record system.

Physical Demands: Sitting for extended periods, talking, hearing corrected to normal, corrected visual acuity adequate to utilize the electronic health record.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: No

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card? : No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Client/Patient Direct and Support Services:

• Conduct clinical evaluations, formulate case conceptualizations, establish diagnoses, and develop treatment plans for eligible members of the UGA community.
• Provide individual, couples, and group counseling/psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and consultation within the CAPS scope of service.
• Coordinate internal and external referrals, as appropriate, to support continuity of care and meet student treatment needs.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation in accordance with CAPS/UHC policies and procedures and professional standards.
• Collaborate with CAPS colleagues to support treatment planning and coordinated clinical care.

Percentage of time: 65

Training:

• Provide clinical supervision, mentoring, and developmental feedback to assigned trainees.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of departmental training and educational programming.
• Support the development of future mental health professionals through observation, consultation, and clinical instruction.

Percentage of time: 10

Outreach and Community Engagement:

• Develop and facilitate psychoeducational workshops, presentations, and outreach initiatives that promote student mental health and well-being.
• Serve as a liaison and consultant to students, student organizations, faculty, staff, and campus partners regarding student mental health concerns and available resources.
• Participate in campus-wide initiatives that promote psychological well-being and reduce barriers to care.

Percentage of time: 10

Administrative Tasks and Meetings:

• Participate in departmental committees, quality improvement initiatives, and performance improvement activities.
• Contribute to program evaluation, workflow improvements, and development of best practices for clinical services.
• Attend required staff meetings, clinical case conferences, and committee meetings.
• Support departmental initiatives and perform other duties assigned to meet operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time: 10

Professional Development & Peer Consultation:

• Participate in ongoing professional development to maintain clinical competence and licensure requirements.
• Engage in peer consultation and case review to support ethical decision-making and evidence-based practice.
• Remain current with emerging best practices, legal requirements, and trends in college mental health.

Percentage of time: 5

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Celine McNelis-Kline

Recruitment Contact Email: Celine.McNelisKline@uga.edu

Organization

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Website: https://www.uga.edu/

Telephone: 706-542-3000

Location: 215 S. Jackson St.
Athens
Georgia
30602
United States