Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Mental Health Counseling

The Mental Health Counselor is responsible for the assessment and provision of clinical mental health services for the University; delivers high-quality, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care through individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and outreach initiatives; provides screening and triage services, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and supports the overall mental health and wellness of the University community.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and provide appropriate clinical services, including individual and group psychotherapy
• Provide screening, triage, urgent evaluations, crisis intervention, and safety planning as needed
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans and deliver counseling services accordingly
• Provide case management services, including coordination of care and referrals for clients requiring additional support
• Utilize a range of evidence-based treatment approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, motivational and interviewing to meet diverse client needs
• Deliver culturally responsive, inclusive, and trauma-informed care to a diverse student population
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team across the university, participating in team meetings, case consultations, and coordinated care efforts with clinical and medical staff
• Provide consultation to faculty, staff, and University partners regarding student mental health concerns and support strategies
• Develop, plan, and deliver outreach programs, trainings, workshops, and wellness initiatives
• Design and facilitate specialized groups or psychoeducational programs, such as stress management, anxiety reduction, and identity-based support
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation using electronic health record (EHR) systems in accordance with professional, legal, and ethical standards
• Determine appropriate client disposition, including on- and off-campus referrals; collaborate with psychiatric and healthcare providers as indicated
• Participate in program evaluation, data collection, and outcomes assessment to support continuous improvement of services
• Adhere to ethical guidelines, legal regulations, and university policies, including confidentiality and mandated reporting requirements
• Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain licensure, enhance clinical skills, and strengthen multicultural competence
• Participate in campus and community outreach efforts to promote mental health awareness
• May provide clinical supervision and mentorship to non-licensed trainees, interns, or practicum students
• May participate in on-call rotation or provide after-hours crisis support, as applicable
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 9
• Minimum – $56,200.00
• MidPoint – $68,800.00
• Maximum – $81,500.00

• Case management
• Community engagement
• Compliance
• Counseling
• Crisis intervention
• Cultural competency
• Documentation
• Emotional Intelligence
• Ethical judgement
• Needs Assessment
• Patient advocacy
• Patient education
• Presentation Skills
• Program evaluation
• Writing