Associate Director, Director of Embedded & Connected Counseling Programs
Looking for meaningful clinical work without the pressures of private practice?
University Counseling Service (UCS) staff enjoy comprehensive benefits, and reliable income not tied to monthly caseload fluctuations, as well as no after-hours or on-call demands.
With opportunities for meaningful cross-campus collaboration and a focus on serving students first and foremost, UCS is an ideal setting for psychologists and therapists seeking both professional purpose and personal balance. You’ll support students during a pivotal stage of their development and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact through counseling, consultation, outreach and preventative work. There are also opportunities to shape the next generation of clinicians through supervision and mentorship in our training programs, simultaneously enriching your own professional practice.
Iowa City is the largest city in Johnson County, Iowa, and the home of the University of Iowa, known for its vibrant downtown, historic landmarks like the Old Capitol Building, and lively cultural scene. It’s also the fifth-largest city in Iowa, with a population of about 76,000, and serves as a hub for education, arts, and community life. This dynamic community creates an inspiring environment where the U of I plays a central role in shaping student experiences and community life. Joining UCS in the U of I’s Division of Student Life offers a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant campus community that supports student success, training, wellness, and engagement.
About this position
The Embedded Counseling Program Director provides direct administrative and/or clinical supervision, support, and oversight to Connected Counselors and Embedded Staff Therapists located in a variety of host departments, including Residence Education, the College of Business, the College of Law, the Health Science Colleges (Pharmacy, Public Health, Dentistry, etc.) and University College. Assist these counselors with day-to-day support regarding operations, policy matters, and inter-departmental management between UCS and functional supervisors within the Embedded and Connected Counselor locations. Provides guidance to help facilitate continued growth of the current Embedded Therapists and Connected Counselors while also demonstrating the value of the Embedded and Connected Counseling model to the University community at large. Responds to inquiries from and facilitates conversations with prospective host units on campus about the Embedded and Connected Counselor model, in collaboration with the Director of UCS.
Specific Job Duties & Tasks
Provide leadership, guidance, and operational oversight for Embedded Therapists across multiple sites.
Maintain a clinical caseload, offering individual, couples, and group counseling using a brief therapy model.
Conduct diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of emotional and functional concerns; prepare timely clinical documentation.
Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures aligned with best practices and ethical standards.
Design, deliver, and evaluate adult learning and competency‑based training programs for staff and trainees.
Supervise, train, and evaluate Embedded Therapists and graduate‑level trainees.
Prepare data‑driven reports, analyze trends, and provide annual evaluations of the embedded counseling program.
Monitor organizational adherence to clinical standards, policies, and evolving industry practices.
Lead communication strategies for implementing new policies, practices, and program initiatives.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among staff, clients, and university partners.
Coordinate and evaluate training delivery, ensuring alignment with schedules, needs, and organizational goals.
Consult with departments regarding embedded counseling structure, cost, benefits, and operational logistics.
Participate in university committees and represent counseling services to stakeholders.
Manage budgets, financial records, and resource allocation for embedded counseling sites.
Support research, data collection, and analysis related to mental health services and program outcomes.
For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
About the Division of Student Life:
The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Requirements
Doctoral degree in either Counseling or Clinical Psychology from an APA-Accredited program, master’s degree in social work with clinical focus from CSWE-Accredited program, or master’s degree in counseling from a CACREP-Accredited Program.
Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor: Licensed as LISW or LMHC in the State of Iowa by date of hire. Psychologist: Possession of a valid State of Iowa license as a psychologist. License must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
Minimum of two years of relevant post degree experience providing mental health counseling
Extensive written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Extensive proficiency providing counseling to adolescents and young adults with the ability to respond to emergency situations effectively, professionally, appropriately and in a timely manner.
Extensive understanding of and commitment to creating and providing a welcoming and respectful environment in the delivery and management of counseling center services.
Extensive experience (typically 1-3 years) in program development, administrative supervision, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple behavioral health sites.
Extensive experience (typically 1-3 years) in coordinating and implementing strategic plans and working collaboratively with stakeholders.
Extensive experience (typically 1-3 years) in managing conflicts and working toward optimal resolutions.
Working knowledge of providing clinical supervision to trainees.
Working proficiency with office support tools and electronic medical records software (e.g., word processing, email, presentation software and spreadsheets, electronic health records); preferably Microsoft Office and Titanium EHR.
Desired Skills
Previous university or college counseling center experience, preferably in an environment with an embedded counseling program or model
Experience building/growing a successful embedded mental health program in a collegiate environment or similar.
Experience and interest in research and data collection and analysis.
Application Details
To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
