Associate Director/Director of Mental Health & Performance

The Associate Director/Director of Mental Health & Performance provides strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and administrative management for UCF Athletics' Mental Health & Performance program. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive mental health, mental performance, crisis intervention, outreach, prevention, and wellness services that support the holistic well-being and peak performance of UCF student-athletes representing 16 NCAA Division I sports.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership & Administration

• Provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Mental Health & Performance department.

• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates Mental Health & Performance staff, interns, trainees, and consultants.

• Develops departmental policies, procedures, strategic initiatives, and annual goals.

• Manages departmental budget, resources, and operational planning.

• Leads program assessment, outcome evaluation, and quality improvement efforts.

• Serves as the primary advisor to Athletics leadership regarding student-athlete mental health and performance initiatives.

• Maintains partnerships with campus and community stakeholders to enhance support services for student-athletes.

Clinical & Mental Performance Services

• Provides direct counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and mental performance services to designated student-athletes and teams.

• Conducts assessments and develops treatment plans within scope of professional licensure.

• Coordinates referrals for specialized care and maintains continuity of services.

• Collaborates with sports medicine physicians, psychiatrists, athletic trainers, dietitians, academic support staff, and strength and conditioning personnel to provide comprehensive care.

• Maintains timely, accurate, and confidential clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards and applicable laws.

Crisis Management

• Leads crisis intervention and emergency response efforts involving student-athlete mental health concerns.

• Consults with athletics leadership and healthcare providers regarding risk assessment and management.

• Develops and maintains crisis response protocols and emergency procedures

Education & Programming

• Designs and implements educational programming focused on mental health, mental performance, resilience, leadership development, life skills, and overall well-being.

• Develops initiatives that address anxiety, depression, adjustment concerns, eating disorders, burnout, trauma, substance misuse, and other challenges commonly experienced by collegiate student-athletes.

• Facilitates workshops and presentations for student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff, and campus partners.

Compliance & Collaboration

• Ensures departmental compliance with NCAA legislation, NCAA Mental Health Best Practices, Big 12 Conference policies, University regulations, state law, and professional ethical standards.

• Collaborates with coaches, athletics administrators, campus counseling services, student affairs professionals, and healthcare providers to support student-athlete success.

• Participates in university, conference, and national committees focused on student-athlete health and wellness.

• Remains informed regarding emerging NCAA, Big 12, and intercollegiate athletics mental health initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and two (2) years of appropriate experience or a bachelor's degree and four (4) years of appropriate experience.

• Current Florida licensure or eligibility for Florida licensure, as a mental health professional.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Sport Psychology, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely related field.

• 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience in mental health services, sport psychology, collegiate athletics, healthcare or a related field.

• Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or equivalent credential. Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) credential or eligibility.

• Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and managing clinical programs.

• Experience providing counseling and mental performance services to collegiate, elite, or high-performance populations.

• Experience in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and behavioral health program development.

Due to the nature/scope of Athletics and Athletics events, position may require work during evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as the ability to stand / walk for extended periods of time and occasional travel.

As a staff member of UCF Athletics, the selected candidate will be a person of integrity and character who shares a commitment for customer service and knowing / complying with NCAA, Conference, and institutional rules as they apply to the UCF Athletics program.