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.

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 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.

• →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.

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

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.

• 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.

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

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

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.

2026 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

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.

Advertised: May 21 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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