University of Iowa·Iowa City, Iowa
The staff therapist provides clinical counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health assessments to university students. They also contribute to outreach programming, clinical supervision of trainees, and campus-wide consultation services.
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 full-time, 12-month position is a professional staff role (Staff Psychology or Staff Therapist) within the University Counseling Service (UCS).
This position provides psychological services to students, supporting their mental well-being and academic success.
The position includes delivering a range of clinical and consultative services, including but not limited to individual assessment, individual and group counseling, relationship therapy, and educational and outreach programming through UCS.
The role also serves as a resource for faculty and staff by offering guidance on student mental health concerns, as well as on related programming and available resources.
In addition, the position contributes to the training and development of graduate students in social work, mental health counseling, and psychology by providing supervision and mentorship, as appropriate.
Specific Duties & Tasks Provide Clinical Counseling — Deliver individual and group therapy using brief‑model interventions, including crisis counseling for urgent student mental health needs.
Conduct Assessment & Diagnosis — Perform clinical assessments, formulate diagnoses, and develop treatment plans using DSM‑5 criteria.
Maintain Clinical Documentation — Write and manage timely, accurate electronic mental health records in accordance with agency and ethical standards.
Provide Case Management — Coordinate referrals, follow‑up care, and collaboration with campus and community partners to support student wellbeing.
Deliver Outreach & Education — Design and facilitate workshops, trainings, and mental health education programs for students, faculty, staff, and families.
Supervise Clinical Trainees — Provide supervision, evaluation, and skill development guidance for trainees; assist with competency plans and facilitate seminars as needed.
Administer Clinical Services — Manage scheduling, service coordination, and general administrative tasks that support efficient clinical operations.
Develop Procedures & Programs — Contribute to creating, refining, and implementing counseling center procedures, outreach programs, and service delivery models.
Engage in Professional Standards & Development — Apply APA/NASW ethical standards, stay current with best practices, and monitor emerging trends in university mental health.
Participate in Campus Collaboration — Serve on committees, build partnerships with campus units, and communicate UCS policies and initiatives to university stakeholders.
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 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
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.
Possession of a valid State of Iowa license as a psychologist within 18 months of hire. License must be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Knowledge of evidence and theory based mental health counseling in assessment, crisis, individual, and group with a university/college student population. Ability to assess, manage, and ensure high quality mental health counseling and crisis management Proficiency in planning and delivering outreach programs and consultation services on a university campus Application Details 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 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.
Market context
In Iowa, staff therapist and psychologist openings are typically driven by ongoing demand in schools, clinics, and community mental health settings. These roles are competitive because employers often look for candidates who already hold, or can quickly obtain, Iowa licensure such as LISW, LMHC, or psychologist credentials, along with a master’s degree from an accredited program. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your licensure path and prepare examples of direct client-support experience before applying.