Description

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) University Counseling Services (UCS) invites applications for an Athletic counselor position. This position will be embedded within the VCU Athletic department and primarily provides services to our VCU student-athletes. The Athletic Counselor provides comprehensive mental health counseling and mental performance services to college student-athletes. This role integrates clinical expertise with sport psychology principles
to support student-athletes’ psychological well-being, enhance performance, and promote resilience. The counselor works collaboratively with athletics staff, coaches, medical providers, and campus partners to optimize both the personal and athletic experience of student-athletes.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical:

Provide individual counseling to student-athletes presenting with a wide range of clinical concerns, including depression, anxiety, injury recovery, eating disorders, substance misuse, and other mental health conditions.
Conduct thorough assessments, and develop treatment plans
Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, and appropriate referrals when needed.
Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
Attend Counseling center staff meetings and serve on committees
Collaborates in Counseling Center efforts to provide services in new and creative ways.
Adheres legal statures and to NCAA standards regarding case management, documentation, and parameters of service, including occasional availability for emergency response or outreach during non-traditional hours of operation

Mental Skills Training & Performance Enhancement:

Deliver individual and team-based mental skills training to enhance performance, including focus, confidence, motivation, emotional regulation, and consistency.
Develop and implement programs that build resilience, stress management, and mental
fortitude.
Support athletes in managing performance pressure, transitions, setbacks, and injury-related challenges.
Attend sporting events and practices of the various teams.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate must have Master’s or doctoral degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Sport Psychology, Social Work, or a related field. The applicant must be licensed (or license-eligible) as a mental health professional in the Commonwealth of Virginia or within one year of hire date. The candidate must demonstrate experience providing clinical services to college age student populations, experience treating a range of clinical concerns including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance misuse, and trauma-related issues. Also, training and experience in sport psychology and/or mental skills training.
We seek someone who is collaborative in nature, practices good self-care, and possess the ability to manage a challenging workload while promoting a positive atmosphere and healthy relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with collegiate or elite athletes
Knowledge of NCAA or collegiate athletics environments
Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC)
Experience delivering team-based interventions and workshops

This position plays a critical role in supporting student-athletes’ mental health and maximizing their performance potential. By addressing both clinical needs and performance goals, the Athletic Counselor contributes to a holistic model of student-athlete development, enhancing well-being, resilience, and success both on and off the field.