Looking for meaningful clinical work without the pressures of private practice?
Enjoy comprehensive benefits, reliable income, and no after-hours or on-call demands. University Counseling Service provides opportunities for meaningful focus on serving students first and foremost. UCS is an ideal setting for psychologists and therapists seeking both professional purpose and personal balance.
You’ll support students during a pivotal stage of their development and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact through counseling, consultation, outreach and preventative work. There are also opportunities to shape the next generation of clinicians through supervision and mentorship in our training programs, simultaneously enriching your own professional practice.
Iowa City is the largest city in Johnson County, Iowa, and the home of the University of Iowa, known for its vibrant downtown, historic landmarks like the Old Capitol Building, and lively cultural scene. It’s also the fifth-largest city in Iowa, with a population of about 76,000, and serves as a hub for education, arts, and community life. This dynamic community creates an inspiring environment where the U of I plays a central role in shaping student experiences and community life. Joining UCS in the U of I’s Division of Student Life offers a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant campus community that supports student success, training, wellness, and engagement.
About this Position
This requisition represents multiple Staff Therapist openings within the department. By applying to this requisition, you will have the opportunity to be considered for all available Staff Therapist openings within this department. You will have the opportunity to indicate your preferences of unit(s) during the application process.
UCS hires Staff Therapists in several areas, available opportunities will vary by unit: University Housing & Dining (UHD), Tippie College of Business, College of Dentistry, Mental Health Navigator, and University Counseling Service (UCS). The position in Housing & Dining is embedded within its campus unit, while the Mental Health Navigator, Tippie, College of Dentistry, and UCS positions are based in the main University Counseling Service Office. All positions are part of University Counseling Service and provide tailored, accessible mental health support to students. Responsibilities include individual assessment and counseling; group counseling; psychoeducational and outreach programming to students, staff, faculty, administrators, and parents/families; consultation to residence hall staff; and supervision and training to graduate students in the mental health professions. Therapists support both domestic and international students in achieving their educational, personal, and academic goals.
Specific Job Duties & Tasks
- Maintain a caseload delivering individual, couples, and group therapy using brief, evidence-based models.
- Evaluate mental health concerns and develop appropriate, goal-oriented treatment plans.
- Respond to urgent and emergent mental health situations within the residence halls.
- Complete timely and accurate electronic health records in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
- Facilitate referrals, follow-ups, and coordination with campus and community providers.
- Develop and facilitate workshops and psychoeducational programs for students, staff, faculty, and families.
- Offer guidance, training, and support to residence life staff on student mental health concerns.
- Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and evaluation for graduate trainees in mental health disciplines.
- Provide debriefing and emotional support to students and staff following critical incidents.
- Partner with campus units to enhance services, analyze program outcomes, and support continuous improvement.
For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
About the Division of Student Life
The Division of Student Life (DSL) is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provide them with life-changing experiences. DSL includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Requirements Staff Therapists (UHD, Tippie, College of Dentistry, & UCS)
- Doctoral degree in either counseling or clinical psychology from an APA-accredited program or Master’s degree in social work with clinical focus from CSWE- accredited program or Master’s degree in counseling from CACREP accredited program
- Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor: Possession of a valid State of Iowa license as an LISW or LMHC. Psychologist: Possession of valid State of Iowa license as psychologist or within 18 months of hire. License must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
- Relevant post-degree clinical work experience (typically 1-3 years).
- Comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based and theory driven mental health counseling practices- including assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, trauma-informed care, and case management – and exceptional ability to assess, oversee, and ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health, trauma, and crisis management services.
Requirements Mental Health Navigator/Staff Therapist
- Master’s degree in Social Work with clinical focus from a CSWE-Accredited program, or Master’s degree in Counseling from a CACREP-Accredited Program.
- Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor: Licensed as an LISW or LMHC in the State of Iowa by date of hire. License must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
- Knowledge of evidence and theory based mental health case management, supportive referrals, crisis assessment, and intervention, and diagnostic and psychosocial assessment.
- Proficiency in collaborating, interacting building relationships with individuals and groups while valuing the unique contribution of individuals.
- Familiarity with local mental health providers and systems, or the demonstrated ability to establish effective community partnerships
Application Details
To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.
The Division of Student Life will be hiring for the multiple positions listed. You must indicate in your cover letter and application which position(s) you would like to be considered for. Please see required qualifications above for additional information.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Additional Information
- Classification Title: Sr Behavioral Health Clinician
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
- Pay Level: 5A
- Starting Salary Minimum: 70,000.00
- Starting Salary Maximum: commensurate
Contact Information
- Organization: Student Life
- Contact Name: Michelle Sehmann
- Contact Email: michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.