Job Title
Performance Psychology and Wellness Services Clinician
Job ID
279303
Location
Ann Arbor Campus
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Mode of Work
Onsite
Job Title
COUNSELOR
Appointing Department
Athletics
Posting Begin Date
06/25/2026
Posting End Date
07/02/2026
Salary From
60000.00
Salary To
100000.00
Date Closed
 
FLSA Status
Exempt

How to Apply

 

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

 

The PAWS Clinician will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive general psychological services and lifetime wellness services for University of Michigan student-athletes. The PAWS Clinician will have a wide range of clinical and administrative daily responsibilities to include the provision of treatment that spans the spectrum of care, ranging from debilitating emotional distress to optimization of performance, as well as coordinating and providing consultation and relevant training to teams, coaches, Student-Athlete Health & Welfare personnel, and other Athletics team members. 

The Performance Psychology and Wellness Services offers clinical education opportunities, paid professional development opportunities, and dedicated sport assignments. PAWS Clinicians are encouraged to use this time to pursue clinical or performance certifications. 

Responsibilities*

 

Clinical Assessment, Counseling, and Crisis Response

  • Triage student-athlete appointment requests and facilitate timely referral to the appropriate PAWS provider.
  • Provide confidential individual, group, and team counseling services to student-athletes.
  • Conduct mental health, substance use (AOD), and wellness assessments, including evaluation for ADHD/ADD screening and testing needs.
  • Deliver evidence-based interventions addressing mental health concerns, substance use issues, adjustment challenges, eating disorders, and performance-related concerns.
  • Utilize performance enhancement techniques to support student-athlete well-being and optimal performance.
  • Assess and respond to crisis situations and participate in the management of student-athletes experiencing significant mental health concerns.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and ethical clinical documentation and records. 

Care Coordination and Consultation

  • Coordinate student-athlete appointment requests and ensure timely scheduling with appropriate PAWS clinicians to facilitate access to mental health and performance services.
  • Coordinate referrals to external providers and higher levels of care for mental health, substance use, psychological testing, and specialized treatment services.
  • Serve as a member of multidisciplinary care teams supporting student-athletes with complex clinical needs.
  • Provide consultation to coaches, athletic department personnel, and other stakeholders regarding student-athlete well-being, team dynamics, and performance concerns.
  • Collaborate with campus partners and community resources to support student-athlete health, wellness, and development. 

Administrative, Departmental, and Compliance Responsibilities

  • Assist with special projects, departmental initiatives, and committee assignments related to student-athlete support and wellness.
  • Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of departmental policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Support efforts to create and maintain an environment that is healthy, safe, equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable NCAA, Big Ten Conference, University of Michigan, Department of Athletics, state licensure, credentialing, and professional ethical standards. 

Interdepartmental Collaboration and Stakeholder Relations

  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with student-athletes, coaches, faculty, campus partners, alumni, parents, donors, and other key stakeholders.
  • Provide exceptional customer service and professional communication with all constituents.
  • Utilize technology, digital platforms, and social media to enhance communication, engagement, and service delivery.
  • Represent the Department of Athletics and the University of Michigan in meetings, presentations, conferences, and professional activities. 

Professional Development and Leadership

  • Participate in ongoing professional development, continuing education, supervision, and training activities.
  • Maintain required licensure, certifications, and professional credentials.
  • Stay current on emerging best practices in mental health, sport psychology, substance use treatment, and student-athlete development. 
  • Represent the University and Athletics Department at local, regional, national, and international professional meetings and conferences as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Supervise and educate interns as needed and assigned.
  • Supervise the PAWS Fellow as needed and as assigned.
  • Mentor and support other performance team members as assigned. 

Travel

  • Occasional travel with assigned team(s) as needed and/or as directed. 

Work Location and Mode of Work

  • This position is primarily in person due to the nature of clinical services, team consultation, crisis response, and student-athlete support. Occasional opportunities for virtual appointments and remote work may be available.
  • Clinical services provided at three primary locations on the University of Michigan Athletic Campus.
  • Will need ability to travel between athletic facilities, attend practices or competitions as needed or assigned.  

Other Duties

  • Please note that this job description is not intended to cover or provide a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Required Qualifications*

 
  • Master's or doctoral degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a related mental health field from an accredited institution.
  • Licensure in Michigan (e.g., LMSW, LPC, LMFT, or Licensed Psychologist) or eligibility for licensure within 90 days of employment.
  • Minimum of three years of clinical experience providing mental health services to adolescents, young adults, or emerging adults.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the unique mental health, performance, identity, and transition challenges experienced by collegiate student-athletes.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage a clinical caseload and provide timely, high-quality care in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to balance clinical care, performance optimization, crisis response, consultation, and team-based mental health programming within a high profile Division I athletics environment.
  • Experience with or the ability to provide supervision to interns, fellows, and other trainees
  • Ability to follow policies and procedures set forth by the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
  • Must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, coaches, student-athletes, physicians, and other allied health personnel.
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clinical documentation and consultation.
  • Experience developing and delivering psychoeducational, mental health, and performance-related programming.
  • Demonstrated ability to consider and address the needs and concerns of persons from culturally diverse backgrounds, including students of color, international students, LGBTQIA2S, and non-traditional students, and to foster sensitivity to a diverse and inclusive campus culture
  • Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, exercise sound judgment, and perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
  • Ability to work occasional long hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays, non-traditional work hours, travel, extended periods without days off, and regular on-call responsibilities.

Desired Qualifications*

 
  • Advanced training in sport psychology or athlete mental health (e.g Certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology)
  • Prior experience working with high-performance athletes, preferably within NCAA Division I athletics, professional sports, Olympic sport programs, or elite training environments.
  • Knowledge and understanding of assessment and treatment for eating disorders/disordered eating and body dysmorphia
  • Knowledge of, and ability to conduct, alcohol and other drug assessments, and ability to work with the student-athlete population on these issues.
  • Experience collaborating with coaches, sports medicine staff, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning personnel, and athletics administration.
  • Understanding of Big Ten Conference and NCAA rules. 

Modes of Work

 

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

 

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

  • Generous time off 
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting 
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance 
  • Life insurance 
  • Long-term disability coverage 
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Union Affiliation

 

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

 

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

 

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

 

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.