POSITION DESCRIPTION

• |
• Full Time

The University of Colorado Boulder Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS) department is searching for a Crisis & Triage Therapist! This is a fast-paced, dynamic clinical position that requires flexibility, multi-tasking, and strong crisis management skills. CAPS crisis/triage clinicians work in a highly harmonious team environment, meeting frequently to coordinate active/emergent situations, and to establish and revise clinic procedures with crisis care in mind. Ensure services provided including assessment, treatment, referral, and training, are welcoming for students of all backgrounds and identities.

CU Boulder CAPS is a training clinic, and as such, this position may provide formal or informal supervision to staff in training including Post-Master's Social Work Fellows, Psychology Interns, Psychology Practicum Students and/or Psychology Post-Doc Fellows. 

This position will collaborate with other campus departments as needed for the treatment of CAPS students and ensures individual experiences, identities, and systemic factors are considered in all assessment, treatment referral, and training services provided.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

CAPS furthers the well-being of students and helps them succeed by providing a full range of clinical mental health services, consultation, and outreach to the campus community. We also offer outstanding training to the next generation of mental health providers. CAPS is a multicultural, multidisciplinary, and multi-theoretical staff. We are committed to affirming diversity and seek to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone we serve.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Face-to-face/direct crisis services:

• Provide front-line staffing of CAPS’ clinical triage system. Triage includes short-term, in-person, telehealth, and/or phone interventions, as well as assessment of current mental health status to stabilize students in crisis & determine appropriate disposition. Consider/recommend appropriate level of care and inpatient hospitalization when indicated.
• Initiate involuntary psychiatric holds when indicated based on Colorado mental health statutes.
• Organize workflow according to presumed severity of presenting situations. Work closely with CAPS front desk staff to ensure all incoming requests are attended to and resolved.
• Provide crisis stabilization to current clinic clients when their primary clinicians are unavailable or need crisis backup.
• Carry small caseload of clients for mental health management purposes, employing recurring sessions when indicated to maintain client stability.
• Develop strengths-based crisis and treatment plans that are responsive to client goals, needs, and resources, and promote resiliency and engagement with formal mental health services and other supportive resources within the CU Boulder community.
• Support student populations who are traditionally underserved by current systems to increase motivation for and reduce barriers to engaging in recommended mental health and other supportive services.

Crisis care coordination:

• Provide crisis consultation to CAPS clinic staff in emergent situations and regarding ongoing care of high acuity clients.
• Collaborate with multiple 3rd party/collateral agencies, university departments, and members of student’s community (family, friends, faculty, etc.) to assess crisis reports. Act in a consultative capacity to recommend appropriate crisis responses.
• Track students who are contacted by first responders and/or transported to hospital/crisis units to provide collateral information for continuity of care and coordinate discharge aftercare.
• Develop cooperative working relationships with police, first responders, and local hospitals/crisis centers. Coordinate welfare checks and psychiatric holds when necessary.
• Coordinate referrals for resources internal and external to CU Boulder. Engage in collaboration & relationship building with community mental health resources and other CU Boulder departments to ensure exemplary care for students when referred.

Administrative:

• Attend all assigned staff and team meetings.
• Provide crisis care training to new CAPS staff and trainees.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Maintain Electronic Medical Record according to CAPS standards.
• Participate in committees as assigned.

What You Should Know

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. This role is not expected to work University recognized holidays, weekends, or evenings and will not be on call at any time. The position has hybrid schedule options available, including the option for two remote days per week.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

As one of 34 U.S. public research institutions belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU)—and the only member in the Rocky Mountain region—our goal at CU Boulder is to directly affect Colorado communities through collaborative research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Our faculty, staff, and students work with the broader community to establish outstanding connections that have lasting outcomes—both across Colorado and around the world.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in clinical social work, psychology or professional counseling. 
• Licensed in the state of Colorado as LCSW, LPC, LMFT or Clinical Psychologist by the date of hire. 
• One year of experience in crisis care/stabilization and case management. 
• Eligible for clinical privileges as determined by the Credentialing and Privileging Department.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

What We Would Like You to Have

• Demonstrated multicultural competence in accordance with professional clinical ethical standards.
• Phenomenal written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent social skills.
• Basic functional computer skills (experience with Windows based systems).
• Ability to work independently in high-stress situations. 
  

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is dependent on years of independent licensure and education: 

Master’s degree: $68,250 – $84,477 annually.

Doctorate degree: $77,700 - $96,174 annually.

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. 

APPLICATION MATERIALS

To apply, please submit the following materials: 

1. A current resume. 
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position. 

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by October 1, 2025 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.