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:

– Principal Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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:

– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, specialized knowledge, and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00

• 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