Summary
Shape the Future of Mental Health Services at Iowa State University
Are you ready to take on a leadership role in a dynamic university setting, where you can impact both the professional development of future mental health professionals and the well-being of students? Iowa State University’s Student Counseling Services (SCS) is seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Training to oversee and develop our mental health training programs. This is a unique opportunity to lead a crucial aspect of our counseling services, working closely with both staff and trainees while contributing to the overall administration and fiscal management of SCS.
Why Iowa State University and SCS?
A Leadership Role in a Collaborative Environment
As the Assistant Director of Training, you will work closely with the SCS Director and other leadership staff to ensure that the training programs for doctoral practicum students and graduate assistants as well as masters interns are comprehensive, effective, and aligned with best practices in professional training and development. You’ll be part of a supportive leadership team that values innovation, teamwork, and student success.
A Role That Combines Leadership and Clinical Excellence
In addition to overseeing the training programs, you will provide clinical supervision to unlicensed staff and trainees, ensuring high-quality mental health services for ISU students. Your day-to-day responsibilities will range from crisis intervention and direct client care to staff development and administrative oversight, ensuring no two days are the same.
Excellent Work-Life Balance and Benefits
We understand the importance of maintaining balance in life. Iowa State University is committed to creating a workplace where your professional responsibilities are balanced with your personal needs. The university offers a flexible, supportive environment, including access to a fantastic benefits package which includes wellness programs and generous vacation time, allowing you to recharge and maintain your well-being while helping others.
Key Responsibilities:
Fiscal and Administrative Oversight:
Assist in budget preparation and staffing decisions.
Act as the in-house director in the absence of senior leadership.
Leadership and Collaboration:
Work as part of the Leadership Team to ensure resources and policies align with department goals.
Communicate key decisions and policies to staff members.
Training Program Management:
Oversee the training programs for doctoral practicum students and graduate assistants as well as masters interns.
Continue developing and enhancing our master’s-level training program.
Manage the selection, orientation, and evaluation processes for trainees.
Clinical and Administrative Supervision:
Supervise unlicensed clinical staff and trainees.
Provide direct clinical services, including assessments, interventions, and psychotherapy.
Crisis and Team Leadership:
Serve as Team Leader for initial appointments and crisis services.
Manage crisis intervention and consult on student mental health concerns.
Staff Supervision and Development:
Hire, train, and evaluate clinical staff.
Collaborate with HR on personnel matters.
Why You’ll Love Living in Ames
Ames, Iowa, offers an outstanding quality of life. Known for its welcoming community, Ames is home to a vibrant blend of cultural, athletic, and social events, thanks in part to Iowa State University. Whether you're attending concerts, art exhibitions, or theater performances, there's always something happening.
The city also hosts a wide variety of athletic events, from Cyclone football and basketball games to other university sports that bring the community together. Plus, Ames frequently offers festivals, farmers’ markets, and university-sponsored lectures and events, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
In addition to the exciting local atmosphere, Ames provides an affordable cost of living and excellent schools, making it a great place to live and thrive. Plus, with Des Moines just 30 minutes away, you’ll have easy access to everything a larger city has to offer without sacrificing the charm and convenience of a smaller town.
For more information about our services, visit: Iowa State University Student Counseling Services.
Level Guidelines
• Provides input into annual departmental objectives and action plans
• Accountable for achievement of key annual objectives for a department
• May provide input into institution policy within area of functional expertise
• Responsible for functional output of a department or work team
• Manages subordinate staff
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel
• May provide input to the budgeting process
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope
• May provide input into financial decisions that impact department or work area
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
The selected candidate must reside in the state of Iowa at the time of hire.
This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, please apply before December 5th, 2025.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program