Psychologist, Training Programs

Position Summary: 

The Training Programs Psychologist at the Vanderbilt University Counseling Center (UCC) will join the Training Leadership Team and provide administrative support to the clinical practicum training program. Duties include, but are not limited to, providing administrative and clinical supervision of practicum trainees, directing the practicum recruitment, selection, and onboarding process, maintaining and updating the Practicum Training Manual, participating in and managing the development of the practicum seminar schedule, and facilitating the Supervision of Supervision seminar for doctoral intern supervisors to ensure that the practicum supervision and training experiences align with professional ethical standards. The role will also administratively support other training and recruitment processes across various levels of the training program including the development, evaluation, and management of clinical rotations for trainees to gain experience in the different functions of a clinic, including, but not limited to, high acuity, developmental and transitional support, groups, outreach, case management, medication management, assessment and sport psychology and mental performance based on availability, trainee experience, and competency level.

This is a full-time, exempt, onsite position that is fully benefits eligible.

This position requires strong clinical and administrative supervision experience, program development experience, and a high-level understanding of the APA Code of Ethics as well as the intersection of identity-related mental health equity factors within clinical and training settings. The goals of the position are to promote a collaborative and supportive training environment, to advocate for trainee needs, to serve as a liaison to UCC staff and campus partners, and to use continuous improvement strategies to measure, demonstrate, and foster programmatic excellence.

The position will report directly to the Clinical Manager for Training Programs and serve as a primary clinical and administrative supervisor to practicum trainees and other trainees, as needed. This position will function as a staff psychologist, providing a limited amount of clinical assessment, individual and group counseling, and crisis intervention services to Vanderbilt University undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, the development of treatment plans, and the conceptualization of clinical presentations that take into account unique aspects of identity. This position will also perform community outreach, consultation, and liaison activities, and may serve as a clinical supervisor for unlicensed and newly licensed staff. Multicultural awareness and responsiveness are important components of all training, clinical, and community outreach-oriented work.

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Practicum Training Program Leadership

• Under the direction of the Associate Director for Training, Outreach, and Psychological Assessment and the Clinical Manager for Training Programs, create, track, and direct all recruitment, onboarding, evaluation, and offboarding efforts as well as establishing processes and procedures for the clinical practicum training program.
• Assist the Clinical Manager for Training Programs with developing and managing clinical rotations for trainees to gain experience in the different functions of a clinic, including, but not limited to, high acuity, developmental and transitional support, groups, outreach, case management, medication management, and sport psychology and mental performance by working directly with other qualified staff within UCC to develop schedules, expectations, and feedback on performance.
• In conjunction with the Clinical Manager for Training Programs, work with stakeholders within and outside of the UCC to identify opportunities to combine practicum training needs with UCC clinical resource needs. 
• Under the direction of the Associate Director for Training, Outreach, and Psychological Assessment and the Clinical Manager for Training Programs, assist with the execution of the clinical practicum training program.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director for Training, Outreach, and Psychological Assessment, the Clinical Manager for Training Programs, and the UCC Administrative team, develop, implement, revise, and communicate changes related to training policies and procedures of the clinical practicum training program.
• Represent the training programs and UCC to professional organizations as well as to local and regional organizations and institutions, including fostering relationships with external academic graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology and clinical social work to maintain collaborative partnerships and develop inclusive recruitment processes that attract diverse pools of trainees.
• Coordinates the recruitment and selection processes and supervisor selection processes for the clinical practicum training program and other training programs, as assigned. 
• Ensure that all trainees receive appropriate orientation and training specific to UCC policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and track practicum trainee evaluation processes. 

Clinical & Administrative Supervision 

• Provide clinical and administrative supervision to practicum student trainees in counseling, psychology, and/or social work to enhance knowledge and skill and support graduate program requirements.
• Collaborate with the practicum trainee’s graduate programs to support trainee development.
• Provide clinical, individual and group supervision to doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows, as assigned. 
• Facilitate the supervision of supervision seminar within the APA-accredited internship training program. 
• Participate in training activities including, but not limited to, case conferences, small group supervision, and didactic seminars/workshops to support trainee development and progress within the UCC’s training programs.
• Co-facilitate therapy and skill-based groups/works with trainees to provide effective treatment and coping skill development for students as well as learning and role modeling for trainee co- facilitators.

Provide professional, short-term mental health services to students: 

• Provide an integrated assessment of students presenting for counseling to include the influence of bio-psycho-social variables on treatment and to effectively guide subsequent treatment planning.
• Develop appropriate treatment plans to target the needs of the student within a short-term, multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care and collaborate effectively with other treatment resources for the benefit of students.
• Maintain the expectations of Individual Service Plan, which includes a 40% caseload of direct service, groups, and outreach (no less than 1% and no more than 2% of total) throughout the academic year.
• Participate in development of effective and innovative intervention and skill development programs for students based on knowledge and awareness of emergent campus mental health trends and needs.
• Develop effective working relationships with the Vanderbilt community, including Student Care Network entities, academic deans, faculty, residential staff, Student Affairs departments, Vanderbilt University Police Department, and other relevant campus partners, to ensure a collaborative support network on campus to respond to student needs and optimize support and safety for Vanderbilt students.
• Provide outreach and educational programming to campus community to support campus and individual mental health, wellness, and skill development.
• Maintain appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers based on ethical and legal standards and requirements to enhance care for students.

Administration 

• Develop and update website, brochures, and other documents publicizing the UCC’s clinical practicum training program.
• Assist UCC Administrative team to coordinate scheduling efforts for the clinical practicum training program.
• Engage in program assessment and evaluation to report the clinical practicum training programs’ ability to achieve its objectives.
• Serve as an integral member of the Training, Outreach, and Psychological Assessment team, collaborating on campus-wide outreach, training programming, and assessment initiatives.
• Build relationships across the campus community and provide educational workshops, training, and consultation to faculty, staff, and students to promote mental health wellness and prevention.
• Engage in professional development, including presentations at pertinent conferences and workshops, to expand upon and bring back skills and knowledge to the greater UCC team.
• Perform other duties necessary to enhance the student experience and/or facilitate the success of the University, division, or department.

Institutional, Divisional, and Department Administration 

• Contribute to the broader mission and objectives of Student Affairs and the University by serving on divisional and institutional committees, task forces, and working groups.
• Actively participate in key divisional initiatives and events, including Move-In Day and all-division meetings and gatherings.
• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant university policies, procedures, and systems—such as those related to travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting—to ensure effective, compliant, and responsible operations.
• Demonstrate a collaborative spirit by supporting divisional colleagues and engaging in efforts that advance shared goals and strategic priorities.

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position has administrative and clinical supervisory responsibility for practicum trainees as well as clinical supervision of doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows as assigned. This position reports administratively, clinically, and functionally to the Clinical Manager for Training Programs.

Education and Certifications: 

• A Doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education in psychology, counseling, or other closely related mental health-related field is required.
• Licensure as a Psychologist with HSP designation in Tennessee, or current licensure in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Tennessee within one year of employment is required.

Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in the clinical supervision of trainees is necessary. 
• A minimum of two years of post-licensure experience as a psychologist is preferred.
• Work experience in an APA-accredited doctoral training program or practicum program is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and awareness of ethical codes in clinical and training contexts is necessary. 
• Impeccable organizational, communication, and program management skills are necessary.
• Ability to work through and navigate situations with varying levels of uncertainty is necessary.
• Ability to multitask in an extremely fast-paced work environment with competing priorities is necessary.
• Demonstrated experience fostering strong relationships with stakeholders across a variety of backgrounds, experiences, disciplines, approaches, and work styles is necessary.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work as part of a highly cohesive and interdisciplinary team is necessary.
• Experience with training program accreditation standards, best practices, and evaluation methodologies is preferred.
• Knowledge of and technological skills related to data analysis and program evaluation methodologies are preferred.
• Experience in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Experience in counseling center work including psychological assessment, individual psychotherapy and group therapy is preferred.
• Experience in the provision of crisis intervention and consultation is preferred.
• Knowledge of basic program management budget development is preferred.
• Experience recruiting, supervising, and developing a diverse, seasoned and multidisciplinary staff is preferred.

About the Work Unit:

The UCC supports the mental health needs of Vanderbilt students, encouraging their work toward their academic and personal goals. Our highly skilled and multidisciplinary staff develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to everyone’s unique background and needs by working together with students, campus partners, and community providers. The UCC also emphasizes prevention and education through collaboration and consultation focused on the development of the skills and self-awareness needed to 

excel in a challenging educational environment. We offer culturally responsive services in a safe and affirming space and are committed to engaging in an ongoing dialogue that provides our team with opportunities to grow in the context of their own cultural identity development. The UCC is committed to understanding the role of diverse experiences and backgrounds in order to best promote mental health and wellbeing in the lives of individuals and in our community. 

About the Student Care Network: 

The Student Care Network (SCN) is comprised of the Center for Student Wellbeing, Student Care Coordination, the University Counseling Center, and the Student Health Center. The SCN is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt University students who have paid the Student Health Fee. As such, staff within the offices comprising the SCN work collaboratively to create integrated processes, referrals, and treatment plans to better serve the entire student. 

About Student Affairs at Vanderbilt: 

Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.