Job Description

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. This 9-month position works during the academic year, mid-August through mid-May, and is paid over 12 months, so benefits continue during the summer months.

Essential Responsibilities:

Provide individual counseling and assessment to students with developmental and/or personal mental health concerns. (50%)

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. (10%)

Facilitate psycho-educational and process-oriented groups. (10%)

Maintain accurate and timely documentation for all clinical interactions and consultations. (15%)

Provide outreach programming and consultations to campus community. (5%)

Provide supervision of assigned trainees, including goal setting, evaluations, and disciplinary action in accordance with training policy and procedures. (10%)

Additional Responsibilities:

Follow agency policies and procedures consistent with state mental health statutes, ethical guidelines, and best practices

Maintain all relevant ethical, legal, and professional standards of practice for Psychologists or Social Workers (as relevant to credentials) in the state of PA.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May supervise 1-2 trainees in same discipline.

What you bring:

Qualifications

Required

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

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.

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 November 17, 2025. 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 $70,000-$85,000 per year, 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.

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