Job Information
Vanderbilt University Psychologist in Nashville, Tennessee
Position Summary:
This clinical psychologist position will perform comprehensive mental health and consultation services for Vanderbilt University’s diverse student population. Characteristic duties include, but are not limited to, providing individual and group counseling, crisis intervention services, clinical assessment and psychological testing, as well as the development of treatment plans and the conceptualization of clinical presentations that take into account unique aspects of identity for Vanderbilt University undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. This position will also perform community outreach, consultation, and liaison activities, and will (upon obtaining Tennessee licensure) also serve as clinical supervisor for unlicensed and newly licensed staff as well as graduate trainees. Multicultural awareness and responsiveness are important components of all clinical and community outreach-oriented work, and with specific experience, knowledge, and skills working with AAPI/APIDA, LGBTQIA+, Neurodiverse and/or Disabled students, Black/African American, Latinx, Indigenous, Spiritual/Non-Religious students is preferred. Expertise and/or interest in alcohol and other drug issues (AOD) and/or eating disorder/body image work is also a plus. This position may provide limited campus satellite services requiring evening and/or non-traditional hours.
About the Work Unit:
Located in the heart of Nashville and consistently ranked by students as one of the best student support and counseling services in the nation, the University Counseling Center (UCC) supports the mental health needs of Vanderbilt students, encouraging their work toward their academic and personal goals. Our highly skilled and multidisciplinary staff develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique background and needs by working together with students, campus partners, and community providers within a flexible stepped care framework. The UCC also emphasizes prevention and education through collaboration and consultation focused on the development of the skills and self-awareness needed to excel in a challenging educational environment. We offer culturally responsive services in a safe and affirming space and are committed to engaging in an ongoing dialogue that provides our team with opportunities to grow in the context of their own cultural identity development. The UCC is committed to understanding the role of diverse experiences and backgrounds in order to best promote mental health and wellbeing in the lives of individuals and in our community. Congruent with this philosophy, we offer a hybrid work environment in which telehealth and in-person schedules are viable options to enhance work-life balance.
About Student Affairs:
Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment. To holistically support this growth and development, Student Affairs offers regular trainings and annual professional development funds for all staff.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Provide professional, short-term mental health services to students:
Provide an integrated assessment of students presenting for counseling to include the influence of bio-psycho-social variables on treatment and to effectively guide subsequent treatment planning.
Develop appropriate treatment plans to target the needs of the student within a short-term, multidisciplinary, and multimodal system of care and collaborate effectively with other treatment resources for the benefit of students.
Participate in development of effective and innovative intervention and skill development programs for students based on knowledge and awareness of emergent campus mental health trends and needs.
Perform formal psychological screenings and psychodiagnostic assessment and testing with students to evaluate the appropriateness of accommodations and specialized learning support and assist in treatment planning.
Develop effective working relationships with the Vanderbilt community, including Student Care Network entities, academic deans, faculty, residential staff, Dean of Students departments, Vanderbilt University Police Department, and other relevant campus partners, to ensure a collaborative support network on campus to respond to student needs and optimize support and safety for Vanderbilt students.
Provide outreach and educational programming to a diverse campus community to support campus and individual mental health, wellness, and skill development. Specific knowledge, experience, and skills in providing outreach and liaison services to a diverse student populations including AAPI, international, African-American, Latinx, and/or LGBTQI students is preferred.
Maintain appropriate and timely documentation for recordkeeping and communication with other service providers based on ethical and legal standards and requirements to enhance care for students.
Provide specialized crisis intervention and follow-up services:
Provide clinical assessments of students in a mental health crisis demonstrating effective diagnostic skills and effective treatment planning for a variety of mental health concerns and conditions.
Respond to mental health emergencies in a culturally responsive manner to support students in a framework and manner that acknowledges their unique and intersecting personal and cultural identities.
Identify appropriate interventions for students in crisis, working effectively with the staff of the UCC to access appropriate resources, and engaging campus partners effectively to develop an effective plan for supporting students.
Communicate with campus partners supporting students in crisis and develop intervention strategies to ensure student safety and support.
Collaborate with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Department, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, the Partial Hospital Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and other community providers, as appropriate, to ensure positive student outcomes, a smooth transition to outside care, and/or a seamless discharge/transition back to campus for students.
Provide clinical supervision for staff and trainees:
Provide clinical supervision for unlicensed and newly licensed staff as well as graduate trainees in psychology or other disciplines to support requirements for licensure and enhance knowledge and skill.
Participate in training activities including case conference, small group supervision, and seminars/workshops to support trainee development and progress within the UCC’s accredited training program.
Co-facilitate therapy and skill-based groups/works with trainees to provide effective treatment and coping skill development for students as well as learning and role modeling for trainee co-facilitators.
Perform other administrative functions:
Serve on divisional committees and working groups to enrich the experience and resources available to staff across the division.
Participate in division-wide events (Move-In Day, etc.), as needed, to support colleagues and ensure these events run smoothly.
Learn and comply with financial policies and procedures related to travel, procurement, and expense reporting in order to be a good steward of university funds.
Engage in professional development, including presentations at pertinent conferences and workshops, to expand upon and bring back skills and knowledge to the greater UCC team.
Perform other duties necessary to enhance the student experience and/or facilitate the success of the University, division, or department.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position has clinical (but not administrative) supervisory responsibility for unlicensed and newly licensed mental health clinicians in position as well as trainees; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Director of
Education and Certifications:
A Doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education in psychology, counseling, or other closely related mental health-related field is necessary.
Completion of an APA accredited internship is necessary.
Licensure as a psychologist in Tennessee with HSP designation, or current licensure in another state, with the ability to obtain licensure in Tennessee within 1 year of start date is required.
Experience and Skills:
Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with patients/clients from diverse backgrounds, with specific experience, knowledge, and skills working with AAPI/APIDA, LGBTQIA+, Neurodiverse and/or Disabled students, Black/African American, Latinx, Indigenous, Spiritual/Non-Religious students is preferred.
Effective interpersonal skills to form and maintain meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and all stakeholders preferred.
Experience working in a higher education setting is preferred.
Demonstrated skill in written and oral communication, including public speaking and group meeting facilitation is preferred.
Ability to function in an acute care model for assessment and management of clinical emergencies is preferred.
Expertise and/or interest in alcohol and other drug issues (AOD) and/or eating disorder/body image work is preferred.
Education and Certifications:
A Doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education in psychology, counseling, or other closely related mental health-related field is necessary.
Completion of an APA accredited internship is necessary.
Licensure as a psychologist in Tennessee with HSP designation, or current licensure or eligibility for licensure in another state, with the ability to obtain licensure in Tennessee within 1 year of start date is required.
Experience and Skills:
Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with patients/clients from diverse backgrounds, with specific experience, knowledge, and skills working with AAPI/APIDA, LGBTQIA+, Neurodiverse and/or Disabled students, Black/African American, Latinx, Indigenous, Spiritual/Non-Religious students is preferred.
Effective interpersonal skills to form and maintain meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and all stakeholders preferred.
Experience working in a higher education setting is preferred.
Demonstrated skill in written and oral communication, including public speaking and group meeting facilitation is preferred.
Ability to function in an acute care model for assessment and management of clinical emergencies is preferred.
A minimum of 3 years of post-licensure experience is preferred.
About Us:
At Vanderbilt, we believe in investing in our employees' well-being and professional development. In addition to competitive salaries and challenging work, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Benefits Include:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Take care of yourself and your loved ones with comprehensive healthcare coverage.
403b Matching: Save for your future with our generous retirement savings plan.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Protect yourself in case of unexpected illness or injury.
Pet Insurance: Because our furry friends deserve the best care too.
Paid Parental Leave: Support for new parents as they welcome the newest member of their family.
Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge and relax with ample vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your continued education and professional growth with financial assistance for further studies.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.