What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Psychologist position at Jobs@UIOWA?
Looking for meaningful clinical work without the pressures of private practice?
University Counseling Service (UCS) staff enjoy comprehensive benefits, and reliable income not tied to monthly caseload fluctuations, as well as no after-hours or on-call demands. With opportunities for meaningful cross-campus collaboration and a focus on serving students first and foremost, UCS is an ideal setting for psychologists and therapists seeking both professional purpose and personal balance. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, the University is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. 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
Provides comprehensive psychological services that support a varied student population in achieving their academic, personal, interpersonal, leadership, and educational goals. Services include individual assessment and counseling, crisis intervention and clinical response, case management, group counseling, psychoeducational outreach, and consultation with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and families. The position also provides supervision and training for graduate students in mental health professions and demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment that promotes student well-being, growth, and success.
Specific Duties & Tasks
Provide clinical counseling — Delivers individual, couples, and group therapy using brief‑model interventions and consults with other professionals as needed.
Conduct assessment & diagnosis — Performs DSM‑5‑based diagnostic evaluations and develops evidence‑informed treatment plans.
Deliver crisis intervention — Responds to urgent mental health situations with stabilization, safety planning, and coordinated follow‑up.
Manage case coordination — Provides referrals, continuity of care, and collaboration with campus and community providers.
Maintain clinical documentation — Writes and manages electronic mental health records in compliance with agency and ethical standards.
Ensure therapeutic quality — Follows center policies, evaluates counseling effectiveness, and supports continuous improvement in clinical practice.
Advise on behavioral interventions — Provides consultation and oversight for behavior therapy strategies and relapse‑prevention approaches.
Monitor standards of practice — Stays current with regulations, best practices, and emerging trends in university mental health.
Provide clinical supervision — Supervises trainees at all levels, ensuring adherence to APA Ethical Standards and agency policies.
Develop trainee competencies — Coaches trainees, provides feedback, and supports individualized competency plans.
Teach clinical & outreach skills — Instructs trainees in therapy techniques, outreach methods, and program design.
Deliver outreach & education — Designs and presents workshops for students, faculty, staff, and families; builds cooperative relationships with campus units.
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
Requirements
Doctoral degree in either Counseling or Clinical Psychology from an APA-Accredited program
Possession of a valid State of Iowa license as a psychologist within 18 months of hire date. 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.