Director of Counseling Services

Department:

Unlocking potential. Transforming lives.

The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to foster a supportive, inclusive, and engaged campus community where every undergraduate and graduate student can achieve their full potential. We envision an environment where the lived experiences of our students are valued and where every student is challenged, supported, and engaged in transformative experiences that prepare them to make an impact at UMBC and beyond. 

Student Affairs currently encompasses departments focused on student development, engagement, and success, including Campus Life, Student Engagement & Belonging, the Career Center, The Center for Democracy and Civic Life, Communications and Marketing, Dean of Students Office, the Office of Health Promotion, Residential Life, Commuter and Adult Learner Engagement, Veteran Student Life, Retriever Integrated Health, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Events & Conference Services, Student Affairs Business Services Center and UMBC Transit

For more information on how the Division of Student Affairs contributes to UMBC’s mission and vision, visit studentaffairs.umbc.edu.

Position Overview:

The Director of Counseling Services at UMBC will lead and manage the mental health services provided to students, balancing clinical responsibilities with administrative oversight. This role is essential in fostering a student-centered, therapeutic environment while integrating clinical care, support wellness initiatives, and digital resources to create a holistic support system for students’ mental health needs. The Director will also collaborate and integrate with Medical Services, Health Promotion, and Front Desk Coordinator to ensure coordinated care and implement digital tools to enhance accessibility.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $135,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

Telework:

A hybrid telework schedule may be available

Responsibilities:

• Lead Counseling Services: Provide clinical and administrative leadership for student mental health services, creating a welcoming, student-centered environment that supports student well-being and success.
• Support and develop the team: Supervise and mentor counseling staff, promote professional growth, and build a collaborative work environment that values staff expertise and well-being.
• Provide direct clinical care: Maintain an active caseload, offering individual counseling, group therapy, and crisis intervention in response to students’ mental health needs.
• Guide daily operations: Oversee scheduling, case management, and crisis response, ensuring clear procedures, effective coordination, and timely access to services.
• Strengthen coordinated care: Work closely with Medical Services, Health Promotion, and the Front Desk Coordinator to connect services and improve the student experience within Retriever Integrated Health.
• Collaborate across campus: Consult with faculty, staff, student organizations, and campus partners on student concerns and mental health initiatives. Participate in the Behavioral Intervention Team to support coordinated responses to students in distress.
• Expand access and engagement: Integrate telehealth and other digital mental health resources into care, and lead outreach efforts that reduce stigma, build awareness, and encourage students to seek support.
• Guide service improvements and resource planning: Use service data, student feedback, and outcomes to identify needs and improve care. Partner with business staff to manage the budget and align resources with service priorities.
• Uphold standards of care: Ensure services follow professional, ethical, legal, and university requirements, with a strong commitment to confidentiality and care that responds to the needs of a diverse student community.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice as a psychologist, licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in counseling, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience maintaining a clinical caseload while overseeing a mental health team or department.
• Experience integrating digital health resources (telehealth, online mental health tools, wellness apps) into service delivery.
• Experience creating and participating in an on-call rotation.
• Strong understanding of the mental health needs of college students, including issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use, and academic stress.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across campus and engage diverse student populations.
• Experience with Point and Click

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in higher education counseling services or student affairs.
• Background in program evaluation, data analysis, and outcomes measurement.
• Familiarity with emerging digital mental health tools and online service delivery models.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis situations and provide direct intervention and support.
• Proven track record of leadership that motivates and supports a diverse team of mental health professionals, fostering a collaborative,inclusive, and high-performing work environment that also promotes staff development and well-being.
• Student-centered approach to mental health care, with a commitment to creating a supportive, flexible, and accessible environment.
• Strong ethical commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professional standards, and a welcoming therapeutic environment.
• Collaborative, with the ability to work across departments and engage students, faculty, and staff in mental health initiatives.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to the dynamic needs of the student population.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with the ability to guide and support a team of mental health professionals.

Background Screening Statement:

A background check will be required. 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Upload a cover letter and a resume.  

Closing Date: Open Until Filled Benefits:

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Salary:

Salary: $135,000 - $155,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Hours: Full-time Type: Regular FLSA Status: Exempt  Equal Opportunity Statement: UMBC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Title IX: As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.   

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work Authorization  As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

Advertised: Oct 22 2026 09:00 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open Until Filled

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend