Impact Student Well-Being in a Collaborative and Supportive Environment
Are you looking to make a real difference in the lives of university students while working in a dynamic and team-oriented environment? Iowa State University’s Student Counseling Services (SCS) is seeking a skilled Senior Psychologist to provide essential mental health services to students. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the personal and academic success of students through a variety of counseling, crisis intervention, and educational programs.
Why Iowa State University and SCS?
Team-Oriented, Collaborative Environment
At ISU’s Student Counseling Services, we value teamwork and collaboration. Our staff works closely together to provide high-quality care for students. You will be part of a dedicated team of professionals, collaborating to offer counseling, crisis support, and outreach programming aimed at improving student well-being.
Engaging and Varied Work
Each day brings new opportunities to support students as they navigate their college experience. From individual and group therapy to managing crises, you’ll engage in meaningful work that helps students overcome challenges and meet their personal and academic goals. As part of a center with a robust training program, you’ll also have the opportunity to provide supervision and mentorship to trainees, contributing to the development of future professionals in the field.
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.
What We Offer:
Work/Life Balance: No weekends, No holidays!
Generous Vacation and Sick Leave – 24 vacation days, 18 sick days, and 11 paid holidays.
Excellent Health Insurance Options – including dental and vision coverage.
Paid Professional Development opportunities
Retirement Plans with Employer Contributions – choose from multiple plans to secure your future.
Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Support – grow with us!
Wellness Programs and Work-Life Resources – including mental health and counseling support.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide individual and group therapy within a brief treatment model.
Conduct intake assessments and make recommendations for appropriate services.
Deliver crisis intervention and manage urgent student needs.
Provide presentations and outreach programming on mental health topics for students, staff, and faculty.
Provide supervision to trainees.
Maintain thorough documentation of client interactions and services.
Take part in crisis coverage as part of a rotating staff schedule.
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.
Special Requirements:
Applicants must be licensed as a psychologist before their start date.
Applicants must also obtain an Iowa psychologist license within six months of the start date.
For more information about our services, visit: Iowa State University Student Counseling Services.
This position serves at the pleasure of university administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available.
This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before April 8th, 2026.
Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students
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