"Mental Health Intervention Specialist (Crisis Counselor)"

Job Summary

The University Counseling Center (UCC) at the University of Utah welcomes applications for the full-time benefited position of Mental Health Intervention Specialist, to work as part of a crisis stabilization team in a multidisciplinary campus counseling agency. This position is open to applicants with backgrounds in Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Psychology. The Mental Health Intervention Specialist will be the first contact with students experiencing significant mental health distress. Responsibilities include providing direct crisis intervention services, face-to-face case management, group psychotherapy, mindfulness-based short-term interventions, and outreach and prevention activities including suicide prevention and campus crisis response. Expertise in crisis intervention, strong clinical skills, and the ability to manage a full caseload is expected. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to working effectively from a multicultural orientation and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team. It is anticipated that approximately 60% of the time will be focused on crisis services with the remaining 40% providing general clinical services.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Priority review date: December 1, 2025.

About Student Affairs

The University Counseling Center is part of Student Affairs. Student Affairs is comprised of over 20 departments and is focused on supporting student well-being and success with the ultimate goal of assisting students in discovering their passion, people, and purpose. Student Affairs encourages U of U students to participate in the creation of their own campus culture, collaboratively working alongside professional staff, student leaders, and academic partners to ensure all members of our community not only feel welcomed but are fully incorporated into university life.

Benefits

A generous benefits package is included (see here for a full description of the benefits package):

• 14.2% employer retirement contribution
• Paid parental leave (in addition to FMLA)
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation accruals each month
• Excellent health insurance options that are both affordable and allow access to care through the University of Utah health system
• Tuition reduction for employees and family members
• Options for short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and HSA/FSA savings plans are available
• Free public transportation pass (see here for more information)

Responsibilities

1. Provide crisis intervention services and initial consultations. (approx 60%).
2. Face-to-face case management and client follow-up as needed.
3. Provide individual and group psychotherapy services.
4. Provide outreach and prevention activities including suicide prevention and campus crisis response.
5. Attend staff meetings, consult groups, and team meetings.
6. Provide consultation to other UCC staff members and general U of U staff and faculty regarding potential students in crisis.
7. Other duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically requiredNearly Continuously: Office environment.Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be requiredNearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

Current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) certificate for clinical practice and two years directly related experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team; ability to communicate verbally as well as in writing; and experience with conflict resolution when counseling individuals, couples and groups required. Experience working with community resources, instructing and supervising Social Workers, Interns and other caseworkers preferred. Five years of experience may be required in some areas.An L.C.S.W. is earned after completing 4000 hours of Social Work experience and a passing score on the L.C.S.W. exam.

Immunizations

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers, and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Department Specific Qualifications

At a minimum, candidates should be able to demonstrate eligibility for licensure for independent practice in Utah as follows:

• For Social Work, have completed a Masters of Social Work with licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (CSW).
• For Professional Counseling, have completed a Masters's of Mental Health Counseling with licensure as an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC).
• For Marriage & Family Therapy, have completed a clinical master's or doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education with licensure as an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT).
• For Psychology, have completed an APA-accredited doctoral internship in counseling or clinical psychology and obtained licensure as a Certified Psychology Resident

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Full licensure for independent practice in Utah in social work, professional counseling, marriage and family counseling, or psychology is preferred.
• Preference will also be given to those with demonstrated experience in crisis intervention or hospital diversion.
• Ability to conduct therapy in a language other than English also preferred.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN43481B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Department: 00316 - University Counseling Center
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $72,000 or more depending on experience
Close Date: 1/31/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/191397