POSITION DESCRIPTION

• |
• Full Time

The Embedded Counseling Program Director provides direct administrative and/or clinical supervision, support, and oversight to Connected Counselors and Embedded Staff Therapists located in a variety of host departments, including Residence Education, the College of Business, the College of Law, the Health Science Colleges (Pharmacy, Public Health, Dentistry, etc.) and University College. Assist these counselors with day-to-day support regarding operations, policy matters, and inter-departmental management between UCS and functional supervisors within the Embedded and Connected Counselor locations. Provides guidance to help facilitate continued growth of the current Embedded Therapists and Connected Counselors while also demonstrating the value of the Embedded and Connected Counseling model to the University community at large. Responds to inquiries from and facilitates conversations with prospective host units on campus about the Embedded and Connected Counselor model, in collaboration with the Director of UCS.

Specific Job Duties & Tasks

• Provide leadership, guidance, and operational oversight for Embedded Therapists across multiple sites.
• Maintain a clinical caseload, offering individual, couples, and group counseling using a brief therapy model.
• Conduct diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of emotional and functional concerns; prepare timely clinical documentation.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures aligned with best practices and ethical standards.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate adult learning and competency?based training programs for staff and trainees.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate Embedded Therapists and graduate?level trainees.
• Prepare data?driven reports, analyze trends, and provide annual evaluations of the embedded counseling program.
• Monitor organizational adherence to clinical standards, policies, and evolving industry practices.
• Lead communication strategies for implementing new policies, practices, and program initiatives.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among staff, clients, and university partners.
• Coordinate and evaluate training delivery, ensuring alignment with schedules, needs, and organizational goals.
• Consult with departments regarding embedded counseling structure, cost, benefits, and operational logistics.
• Participate in university committees and represent counseling services to stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, financial records, and resource allocation for embedded counseling sites.
• Support research, data collection, and analysis related to mental health services and program outcomes

About the Division of Student Life:

The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life 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.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

About University of Iowa:

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.

About University Counseling Service:

As part of the Division of Student Life, University Counseling Service provides support and mental health services to the University of Iowa campus community. UCS has an inter-disciplinary staff of psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, graduate interns, practicum students, and administrative professionals. Our training and interest span a broad range of counseling approaches. Our mission is to provide compassionate psychological services, training, and outreach that fosters the mental health of students, nurtures student success, and contributes to a safe, welcoming, and respectful campus community.

Equal opportunity employer 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree in either Counseling or Clinical Psychology from an APA-Accredited program, 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. Psychologist: Possession of a valid State of Iowa license as a psychologist. License must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
• Minimum of two years of relevant post degree experience providing mental health counseling
• Extensive written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Extensive proficiency providing counseling to adolescents and young adults with the
• ability to respond to emergency situations effectively, professionally, appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Extensive understanding of and commitment to creating and providing a welcoming and respectful environment in the delivery and management of counseling center services.
• Extensive experience (typically 1-3 years) in program development, administrative supervision, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple behavioral health sites.
• Extensive experience (typically 1-3 years) in coordinating and implementing strategic plans and working collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Extensive experience (typically 1-3 years) in managing conflicts and working toward optimal resolutions.
• Working knowledge of providing clinical supervision to trainees.
• Working proficiency with office support tools and electronic medical records software (e.g., word processing, email, presentation software and spreadsheets, electronic health records); preferably Microsoft Office and Titanium EHR.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous university or college counseling center experience, preferably in an environment with an embedded counseling program or model
• Experience building/growing a successful embedded mental health program in a collegiate environment or similar.
• Experience and interest in research and data collection and analysis.

COMPENSATION

$85,000 - commensurate

APPLICATION MATERIALS

To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.

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 eligible for sponsorship, however, if your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu