Staff Therapist

$63k to $70k

UNG-Dahlonega, GAFull-timePosted Oct 13, 2026

Job description

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

The University of North Georgia seeks a licensed mental health professional to serve as a Staff Therapist within Student Counseling Services. This position provides comprehensive clinical services to a diverse student population, including intake assessments, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and outreach programming. The successful candidate will demonstrate clinical excellence, strong interpersonal and presentation skills, and a commitment to fostering student well-being, retention, and success. The Staff therapist will collaborate with campus partners to promote mental health awareness while supporting the university's mission through high-quality, student-centered care.

Clinical Counseling and Crisis Intervention Services: Provide comprehensive mental health services utilizing evidence-based therapeutic practices to support the emotional and psychological well-being of university students. Conduct intake assessments, short-term individual counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, and risk assessments as appropriate. Maintain an assigned caseload while ensuring continuity of care, timely documentation, and accurate recordkeeping within the electronic medical records system. Participate in the department's on-call rotation and respond to mental health crises, including in-person evaluations during and outside normal university business hours when necessary. Adhere to applicable professional ethics, licensure standards, departmental procedures, and university policies. Maintain active professional licensure without interruption and remain current with best practices and emerging trends in the counseling profession Outreach, Consultation, and Prevention Programming: Develop, coordinate, market, and deliver educational outreach programs focused on mental health awareness, prevention, and student well-being. Provide consultation services to students, faculty, staff, and campus partners regarding student mental health concerns and available resources.Serve as a liaison between Student Counseling Services and university departments, fostering collaborative relationships that support student success and promote a culture of wellness across the institution Special Projects: Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives by providing clinical supervision, guidance, and mentorship to practicum students, interns, and associate-licensed clinicians, as appropriate and within the scope of qualifications. Additional responsibilities may include supporting educational outreach activities, after-hours and weekend programming, and University-sponsored events. Educational Workshops and Leadership Training: Develop and facilitate workshops, trainings, and presentations for students, faculty, staff, and campus leadership groups on issues affecting college student mental health. Equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, respond to, and appropriately refer students experiencing psychological distress. Strategic Planning and Departmental Initiatives: Actively contribute to departmental, divisional, and institutional planning efforts that advance student well-being, mental health services, and organizational effectiveness. Participate in special projects, committees, and other responsibilities as assigned Behavioral Intervention Team Participation: Serve as an active contributor to the University's Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), providing clinical expertise, consultation, risk assessment recommendations, and coordinated response strategies to support student safety and success. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Thorough knowledge of counseling theories, assessment techniques, diagnosis, treatment planning, and brief therapy models. Experience or proficiency in telemental health service delivery. Knowledge of crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, threat assessment, and referral processes. Understanding of applicable professional ethical standards, state regulations, and confidentiality requirements. Experience utilizing electronic health record (EHR) systems and maintaining timely clinical documentation. Strong interpersonal, consultation, communication, and public speaking skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and community providers. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive clinical practice. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Demonstrated ability to provide effective counseling services to a diverse college student population.

Master's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education required; in Psychology, Counseling, Marriage and Family, or Social Work preferred. Current full-licensure in Georgia as a professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family required. Three (3) years of therapy/counseling including personal, and/or group therapy experience required.

Experience in a college or university setting preferred.

The proposed salary range is: $63,303-$69,633.

Resume Cover Letter Unoffical Transcripts Contact Information for Three Professional References

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct . Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

This is not a supervisory position. This position does not have any financial responsibilities. This position will not be required to drive. This role is considered a position of trust. This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card). This position will not travel This position does not require security clearance. Please note: the University of North Georgia career board updates daily, positions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires.

Position of Trust + Education

Description copied from Georgia Southwestern State University's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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