As a Student-Athlete Mental Health Counselor within UCF Athletics, the position will serve in a leadership capacity in the mental health / wellness of student-athletes representing 16 NCAA Division I sports within UCF, Conference and NCAA rules and regulations. In this capacity, the recommended candidate will use their knowledge / skills / abilities to offer guidance to individuals, coaches and groups dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well-being.
Responsibilities:
In collaboration / consultation with university medical professionals and student-health partners, position observes, identifies / assesses, diagnoses, advocates, and develops / implements treatment strategies (including referrals where appropriate) for student-athletes counseling working with individuals and groups to improve mental health. Encourage clients to discuss emotions and experiences. Examine Issues including substance abuse, anger management careers, depression, relations, self-image, stress, and suicide. The counselor will also help clients define goals, plan action and gain insight. Serves as an active responder to individuals in crisis situations and provides intervention where appropriate.
Student-athlete education
In collaboration with coaches and student-athlete care team, position researches best practices / protocols and develops / implements educational programming towards the advancement of mental health and wellness initiatives impacting student-athletes
Performance enhancement
In collaboration with sports coaches and sports performance coaches, meets with student-athletes / teams in the development and implementation of mental training activities / strategies towards performance enhancement.
Minimum qualifications:
Master’s Degree in preferably in Mental Health Counseling from a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and eligibility for licensure in the state of Florida. Prefer minimum two (2) years counseling experience working with student-athletes or related populations. Strong attention to detail and communication (written / verbal) skills also preferred.
Due to the nature / scope of athletics and athletics events, position often requires work on evenings, weekends, and holidays, in addition to occasional travel.
As a UCF Athletics staff member, the selected candidate will be a person of integrity and character who shares a commitment for knowing and complying with NCAA, Conference, and institutional rules as they apply to the UCF Athletics program.