Director of Mental Health and Performance

Days - Full Time

Wagnon-Parrott Athletic Center

Position Summary / Career Interest:

Ph.D or PSY.D in Counseling or Clinical Psychology supporting Kansas Team Health Working collaboratively within the comprehensive mental health and performance services for KU Athletics within Kansas Team Health.to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care. This position will be able to help create a mental health and Performance program for student athletes. Will range from education and expectant management, to short term psychotherapy/counseling, and may include cognitive behavioral therapy.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• 1. Performance Psychology (70%)
• Provide players with individual consultation (virtually or in person) with tools to enhance their psychological performance on and off the court
• Work collaboratively with Coaches, staff and Kansas Team Health
• to identify opportunities for collaboration to enhance player performance in practice and pre-game routine
• Develop psychologically-minded onboarding processes and relationships for incoming players to support their acclimation to the team and organizational culture
• Provide mental health/mental skills support to players experiencing the stress-response to injury and pursuit of return to competition. Long-term injury management support to help players cope with any psychological challenges/behaviors that arise during their rehabilitation
• Facilitate coaching education opportunities utilizing theories of sport psychology and performance excellence in support of player development and skill acquisition
• Development and curation of resources for on-demand access covering topics associated with mental health and mental skills content accessible to players, coaches, and staff
• Manage mental health crisis involving players and staff that warrants the activation of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• 2. Clinical Care and Case Management (15%)
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies for student athletes covered by Kansas Team Health
• Provide health-related psychological assessment of behavioral and mental health needs for patients with post-concussive symptoms.
• Provide therapy, consultation and care commensurate with the presenting mental health concern. Will engage in consultation and referral when appropriate and necessary
• Provide education, consultation, and treatment for substance use issues/concerns.
• Facilitating appropriate referrals with providers in the community for patients who need ongoing psychological services.
• Provide CBT and/or other evidence-based interventions. Target service areas include but are not limited to:
• Adjustment to disability/diagnosis
• Education regarding common emotional symptoms associated with concussion and expected recovery course
• Depression & anxiety
• Stress management and coping (e.g. mindfulness-based stress reduction)
• Chronic pain management
• Insomnia
• Therapeutic engagement and treatment compliance
• Post-traumatic stress
• Provide education promoting and maintaining positive health and wellness behaviors
• Running group therapies as indicated.
• Works collaboratively within Kansas Team Health
• Works effectively with other clinical services and outside collaborating facilities to facilitate effective continuum of patient care and follow up.
• 3. Administration, Compliance, and Leadership (15%)
• Develop, implement, and evaluate mental health policies, emergency response procedures, and best-practice protocols.
• Ensure alignment with NCAA standards, as well as institutional commitments to student-athlete welfare and competitive excellence
• Supervise and guide clinical staff delivering mental health services within athletics
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Doctorate or PsyD in clinical, counseling, or health psychology from an APA-accredited doctoral program
• 1-year postdoctoral training in health psychology
• APA-approved internship training with at least some focus on health psychology
• 5 or more years post graduate experience in working with professional and high level collegiate athletes in team sports, with a deep understanding of the demands and challenges they face.
• Proven track record of working with athletes in team sports, preferably in a professional or collegiate setting.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in the diagnostic assessment and the general treatment of patients Experience working with patients who have suffered concussion/TBI, injury, chronic pain, disordered eating, ADHD, Alcohol, Drug, Sports performance along with Team and Group Therapy.
• Experience as a student or professional athlete in a team sport environment.
• Working collaboratively with other medical processionals and social service agencies

Required Licensure and Certification

• Licensed Psychologist (LP) - State Board of Behavioral Sciences OR
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) - State Board of Behavioral Sciences
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license, Kansas Class C or equivalent. MVR results must be in compliance with Health System Safe Driving Program Policy. Candidate must have access to reliable, personal transportation. Vehicle must carry insurance with at least the minimum automobile liability insurance levels required by the state(s) of operation.

Knowledge Requirements

Time Type:

Full time

Job Requisition ID:

R-53075

Important information for you to know as you apply:

• The health system is an equal employment opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected status.  See also Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

• The health system provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.  If you need to request reasonable accommodations for your disability as you navigate the recruitment process, please let our recruiters know by requesting an Accommodation Request form using this link asktalentacquisition@kumc.edu.

• Employment with the health system is contingent upon, among other things, agreeing to the health-system-dispute-resolution-program.pdf and signing the agreement to the DRP.

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