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:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Support track, performs work at Senior Support level or higher; for Professional track, performs work at the Advanced Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials

• 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