Job Details

University of Colorado Denver
  • Position Number: 5811884
  • Location: Denver, CO
  • Position Type: Counseling


Crisis Counselor

University of Colorado Denver


Crisis Counselor - 35500 University Staff Description

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Official Title: Healthcare, Counseling, Principal Professional

Working Title: Crisis Counselor [2 vacancies]

FTE: Full-time

Salary Range: $71,013 - $78,488

Position #00721957 & #00747466 - Requisition #35500

Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver


The University of Colorado Denver is the state's premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across seven schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through break through innovations and impactful research, and creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. For more information, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description

The CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center (SCCC) provides mental health counseling services to CU Denver Students as well as community members and Denver Public Schools (DPS) students and their families. Fee-paying students receive counseling sessions at no cost. Community members are charged a nominal fee for services.

In addition, our center serves as a training center for counseling graduate students in the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD). We are staffed by psychologists, professional psychotherapists, and advanced graduate-level practicum students. Counseling faculty members, as well as professional staff supervise our students.

Supervisors and psychotherapists are well-trained in working with diverse psychological issues with individuals, couples, and families. Services at our center emphasize enriching the quality of life for those seeking treatment. Each individual, couple, or family is assured respect and confidentiality. We honor the personal needs, philosophies, and beliefs of our clients.

The mission of the SCCC is to provide systemic, strength-based, culturally responsive mental health services focused on relationships, support, growth, and solutions.

To fulfill this mission, we will deliver:

  • Quality counseling, consultation, testing, outreach, and preventative mental health services

  • A competency-based, intensively supervised training program to School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) practicum and internship students

  • Affordable counseling services to Denver Public Schools students and their families, as well as underserved groups and individuals in the community

  • Services with sensitivity to diversity and inclusion of all clients regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, and ability

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

The Crisis Counselor is a therapist in the CU-Denver Student and Community Counseling Center. This position falls under the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Health, Wellbeing and Advocacy in the area of Student Affairs. This position will serve the needs of students in crisis to ensure continuity of care. This role will help coordinate services with appropriate internal CU Denver units such as Disability Resources and Services, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Office of Case Management, involved faculty, Office of International Students, Ombuds Office, Auraria Health Center, etc.



The Crisis Counselor will facilitate triage and referral of cases whose level of risk exceeds the counseling center's scope of practice. This role will maintain accurate clinical and case management records, while providing immediate consultation and assistance to faculty, staff, parents, and other students regarding students in distress. This role will coordinate a crisis intervention plan to execute a timely response to students in need. The Crisis Counselor will communicate with staff, parents, families, or designated emergency contacts regarding significant mental health emergencies including hospitalizations, suicide attempts, etc. to help facilitate a successful return to campus when issues are appropriately resolved. In conjunction with the Crisis Coordinator, the Crisis Counselor may also help coordinate student transitions from CU Denver services to external, community providers (e.g. psychiatric/psychological treatment services alcohol and drug treatment services etc.). This role may also be asked to help track at-risk cases accepted at the center as designated by our risk assessment level protocol.

The Crisis Counselor provides direct individual counseling, case management, outreach and prevention for CU Denver students. This position also provides culturally responsive mental health services and outreach to CU Denver students. This position facilitates group counseling, conducts client intake evaluations, assesses and triages walk-in clients at the Center, and keeps accurate, timely records that comply with all state laws and ethical guidelines. The Crisis Counselor provides prevention programming and mental health wellness services, and provides consultation and training for other campus groups, faculty and staff about the mental health needs of CU Denver students. The Crisis Counselor participates in all staff meetings, and marketing, outreach, and campus awareness activities as requested.

Based on a total of 100% of time, this position will be responsible for approximately:

  • 60% Direct services (Counseling, crisis intervention, case management, group, as assigned)

  • 20% Administrative (e.g., staff meeting, team meeting, trainee review, high-risk)

  • 15% supervision and practicum student training

  • 5% outreach and prevention services

Crisis Counselor

What you will do:

  • Provide drop-in crisis coverage, delivering immediate emotional support to individuals in distress or crisis.

  • Complete risk assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up.

  • Complete a range of moderately complex clinical services including include diagnostic assessment, psychoeducation, tangible skill building, support, resources to all contacts and crisis navigation.

  • Manage and coordinate care for students in crisis, collaborating with CU Denver units and facilitating external referrals.

  • Hospitalize clients who meet M-1 criteria, or assist other staff in hospitalizing clients.

  • Provide consultation to staff and campus partners regarding acute and high risk individuals

  • Track at-risk cases, handle triage and referrals, and maintain accurate records.

  • Communicate with staff and families about major mental health emergencies and assist with students' return to campus.

  • Provide brief individual, and group counseling, case management, and mental health outreach services that are culturally sensitive.

  • Train campus groups on mental health issues and participate in staff meetings and outreach activities.

  • Must work effectively as a part of an interdisciplinary team, including law enforcement personnel, to de-escalate and efficiently meet the needs of clients.

  • Administer standardized screening tools to identify clients with behavioral health and/or substance abuse problems

  • Meet with Crisis Coordinator and Leadership regularly to discuss program operations, concerns, and potential improvements.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

  • Master's degree in counseling-related field from an accredited institution.

  • Licensure as mental health professional in Colorado (LPC, LMFT, LCSW).

  • Two (2) years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Two (2) years of crisis counseling experience as a licensed mental health professional

  • Experience working clinically with undergraduate and graduate college students.

  • Experience working with diverse/marginalized identity undergraduate and graduate college students, knowledge about their communities, and effective intervention strategies.

  • Ability to provide therapy in more than one language

  • Maintain thorough, accurate and timely clinical documentation in EHR according to established protocols.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

  • Ability to maintain/contribute to a positive team environment in supporting students.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

  • Outstanding customer/mental health consumer service skills.

  • Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

  • Mental health knowledge, experience and skill in working with college student populations.

  • Ability to provide short-term psychotherapy, and work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.

  • Ability to provide culturally sensitive crisis services and counseling for clients of diverse backgrounds, including race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, first generation college status, and socio-economic status.

  • Ability to address students in crisis with acute symptoms.

  • Ability to work independently with confidence, as well as work as an integral part of a team of professionals.

  • Must be mature, empathetic; flexible and adaptable to varying situations and coverage needs.

  • Can establish good rapport in a rapid manner

Conditions of Employment

  • Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.

  • This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.

Employment Sponsorship
  • Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.



As of 7/1/2023, The University of Colorado recommends employees be fully vaccinated from the COVID-19, but is not required. COVID recommendations and information can be found at: https://www.ucdenver.edu/coronavirus

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $71,013 - 78,488.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline
  • Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by December 3rd, 2024. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:

To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

  1. A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications

  2. A current CV/resume

  3. List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

  4. Mental Health Professional License

Background Check Policy

The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.

Diversity and Equity

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

The University of Colorado Denver is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty and staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equity in education and employment.

Questions should be directed to Matthew Heermann, https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=5811884&targetURL=The University of Colorado Denver is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty and staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equity in education and employment.

Questions should be directed to Matthew Heermann, Matthew.Heerman@ucdenver.edu
Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV Job Category
: Health Care Primary Location
: Denver Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 30203 - VCSSLS-HWAS Stdnt&CommCounslng Schedule
: Full-time Posting Date
: Nov 18, 2024 Unposting Date
: Ongoing Posting Contact Name: Matthew Heermann Posting Contact Email: Matthew.Heerman@ucdenver.edu Position Number: 00747466

To apply, please visit: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=35500&lang=en







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