Staff Counselor

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

Swarthmore College’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) supports the mental health and well-being of Swarthmore students. We aim to create a safe and confidential environment through a range of psychological support and consultation services. We provide individual and group counseling, assessment, consultation, and referral services to the Swarthmore College community.

The opportunity:

The Staff Counselor position provides direct clinical services to students (including but not limited to: triage, individual and group counseling, and crisis intervention), outreach programming and professional training to the Swarthmore College community on a variety of mental health topics, clinical training to practicum students and interns as needed, and consultations to faculty and staff regarding college student mental health.

Essential Responsibilities

Provide individual counseling and assessment to students with developmental and/or personal mental health concerns

Participate in the provision of clinical crisis intervention and triage services including walk-in coverage and supporting students stepping up to a higher level of care.

Facilitate psycho-educational and process-oriented groups

Maintain accurate and timely documentation for all clinical interactions and consultations

Provide outreach programming and consultations to campus community

Provide supervision of assigned trainees including goal setting, evaluations, and disciplinary action in accordance with training policy and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May supervise 1-2 practicum or intern level trainees in same discipline

Who you are:

You are knowledgeable about using psychological theories in the provision of individual direct services.

You are interested in co-facilitation and/or development of group therapy

You have the ability to provide crisis intervention and emergency services, including crisis walk-in coverage and supporting students stepping up to a higher level of care

You are interested in community building through mental health outreach.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

Doctorate in Clinical/Counseling Psychology or Master’s degree in Social Work

Licensed as a Psychologist or LCSW in the State of PA

Comprehensive knowledge of clinical theories, diagnoses, interventions, treatment planning and therapeutic outcomes.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a college counseling center

Full licensure as a Psychologist or LCSW with ability to supervise unlicensed trainees

A minimum of three years’ experience working in a college counseling service is preferred.

Demonstrated understanding of social, developmental, and psychological issues and challenges faced by diverse populations of students within a higher education setting.

Strong organizational and administrative skills

Experience with developing and delivering psychoeducational outreach presentations and activities

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with an uploaded resume, including a cover letter by June 15, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled. A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. If you have experience that meets any of the preferred qualifications, please include a detailed explanation of any such experience in your cover letter and how it meets the preferred qualification(s).

The market range for this position is $58K-$64K per year for MSW; $65K-75K per year for PhD, which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. The salary offered is determined based on factors including, but not limited to, experience and education of the final selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

PA Criminal Clearance Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

Education Verification Required by Position

An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.