Description

A. POSITION PURPOSE
 
The Associate Athletics Director, Counseling and Sport Psychology is a functional support position within the Health, Wellness, and Performance Department. This person is responsible for assisting in the developing, coordinating, and administering of all aspects of a Division I sport and clinical psychology program that serves approximately 425 intercollegiate student athletes. This position is responsible for the comprehensive behavioral health services for all student-athletes. The person in this position is responsible for abiding by all SCU, WCC, and NCAA regulations and assisting to ensure departmental compliance.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services & Patient Care

Provide individual and group psychological services to student-athletes, including initial evaluations, interventions, and overall treatment planning on psychological issues most salient to student-athletes. 

Demonstrate competence with delivery of services related to clinical issues experienced by student-athletes including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, mood concerns, eating disorders, grief, suicidal ideation, sexual identity, family crisis, issues related to transition into and out of college, academics, injury, burnout, conflict, interpersonal relationships, social challenges, personal conduct, distress tolerance, stress management.

Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary athletic department team (athletic administration, coaches, team physicians, sports medicine, sports performance, academics, compliance, registered dietitians, and other university personnel).

In conjunction with the sports medicine staff, manage referrals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for student-athletes needing outside services (team physician, in-patient care, etc.). Adhere to all medical directives from the team physician.

Offer performance enhancement counseling and education with individuals and teams related to skills needed for optimal performance.

Provide professional consultation and outreach to Santa Clara University coaches, staff, and student-athletes regarding issues impacting student-athletes, including but not limited to: body image & disordered eating, other mental health concerns, psychological response to injury, student behavior, and behavioral decision-making in order to enhance the departmental climate for student success.

Contribute to the development and delivery of educational programming on mental health issues and wellness topics, including but not limited to: transitioning in and out of the university, athlete identity, interpersonal relationships, cultivating resilience and perseverance, healthy striving and stress management.

Actively participate in scheduled team and/or department wellness meetings.

Work in conjunction with university Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) when appropriate for case management of student-athletes.

Participate in new student orientation, welcome back meetings, and any other athletic department/university programming by introducing psychology services, topics, and staff introductions. 

Maintain confidentiality of all patient, SCU Sports Medicine, CAPS and Cowell Center information at all times.
 

Administrative Services

Oversight of staff in the Athletics Counseling & Sport Psychology unit

Develop programs, policies, and procedures. 

Develop a working relationship with behavioral health personnel on campus and in the Bay Area.

Maintain current and accurate documentation as it relates to medical cases using the department’s Titanium software.

Develop appropriate screening protocols for student-athletes. 

Work within an established budget to create, monitor, and maintain appropriate inventory. Order, receive, and distribute resources as needed. 

Oversee the development of programs for student workers, interns, volunteers, practicum students, graduate assistants, residents, etc.

Assist with recruiting visits of prospective student-athletes within NCAA guidelines.

Serve as a representative for athletics and/or sports medicine on campus committees as requested. 

Lead and/or participate in sports medicine and/or athletic department educational in-services. 
 

Other Duties as Assigned

Actively and collaboratively support the mission, goals, and initiatives of the Sports Medicine Department.

Attend continuing education symposiums as required to maintain licensure and certification. 

Maintain membership in Professional Organizations as deemed appropriate.
 

C.   PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION 

Provides supervision and work direction to the Assistant Athletic Director, Counseling & Sport Psychology
 

D.   GENERAL GUIDELINES 

Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.

Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices. 

Maintains contact with student-athletes and solicits feedback for improved services.

Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.

Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.  

Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals. 

Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions. 

Prepares and submits reports as requested and required.

Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.
 
E.   QUALIFICATIONS
 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred. 

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Certifications/Knowledge

• Doctoral Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology required.
• California licensed psychologist or licensed eligible required.
• Specialized training or experience in sport psychology.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who are certified or in the process of becoming certified by AASP as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. 
• Knowledge of FERPA and HIPPA bylaws.

Skills 
Basic computer skills required

Abilities
Ability to provide accurate, timely and courteous service.
Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to and training in working with culturally diverse individuals. 
Ability to evaluate, recognize, and manage behavioral health conditions. 
Ability to create and implement policies & procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively within students and an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to motivate and provide a positive influence for students.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, staff, and the general public.
Ability to think critically and problem solve. 
 

Education
Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology 
 

Years of Experience
5-7 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics and/or working with elite athletes strongly preferred. 
 

F.   PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.  
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area and/or in- or out-of-state locations.
May be required to occasionally travel to outside customers, vendors, suppliers or institutions.
Considerable time may be spent outdoors attending practices or athletic events.
Considerable time spent at athletic events with associated noise and crowds.
 
G.   WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

Typical office environment.
Mostly indoor office environment.
Offices with equipment noise.
Offices with frequent interruptions.
Athletic fields and events.
Outdoor athletic events.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred. 

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Certifications/Knowledge

• Doctoral Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology required
• California licensed psychologist or licensed eligible required
• Specialized training or experience in sport psychology.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who are certified or in the process of becoming certified by AASP as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant.
• Knowledge of FERPA and HIPPA bylaws.

Skills 
Basic computer skills required

Abilities
Ability to provide accurate, timely and courteous service.
Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to and training in working with culturally diverse individuals. 
Ability to evaluate, recognize, and manage behavioral health conditions. 
Ability to create and implement policies & procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively within students and an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to motivate and provide a positive influence for students.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, staff, and the general public.
Ability to think critically and problem solve. 
 

Education
Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology 
 

Years of Experience
5-7 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics and/or working with elite athletes strongly preferred.