Crisis Counseling Manager

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Official Title: Health Care Manager
Working Title: Crisis Counseling Manager
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $84,206 - $93,070
Position #00691789 - Requisition #41047

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
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The Crisis Counseling Manager is a licensed mental health professional within the CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center and reports to the Assistant Director at the Counseling Center. This position provides leadership for the Counseling Center's crisis services program and is responsible for ensuring timely, coordinated, and effective responses to students experiencing acute mental health concerns and elevated levels of risk.
The Crisis Counseling Manager oversees the assessment, triage, case coordination, and follow-up of high-risk students while maintaining continuity of care across university and community systems. This role collaborates closely with campus partners including Disability Resources and Services, Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Office of Case Management, faculty, International Student Services, the Ombuds Office, Auraria Health Center, and other stakeholders to support student wellbeing and safety.
The Crisis Counseling Manager develops and maintains crisis response protocols, risk management procedures, referral pathways, and systems for tracking and coordinating care for students identified as high risk. The position facilitates transitions to higher levels of care when student needs exceed the Counseling Center's scope of practice and supports successful reintegration to campus following hospitalization, medical leave, or other significant mental health events. The Crisis Counseling Manager provides consultation to students, families, faculty, staff, administrators, and community providers regarding complex mental health concerns and crisis response.
In addition to program leadership responsibilities, the Crisis Counseling Manager provides culturally responsive clinical services, including crisis intervention, brief individual counseling, group counseling, case management, intake assessment, consultation, outreach, and prevention programming. The position also develops and delivers training and educational programs for campus stakeholders regarding student mental health, crisis response, and wellbeing promotion.
The Crisis Counseling Manager supervises crisis counseling staff, contributes to the training and development of clinical trainees, and participates in departmental meetings, university committees, and collaborative initiatives that support student success and wellbeing.

Based on a total of 100% of time, this position will be responsible for approximately:
40% Coordination of Crisis Services
30% Counseling Services (includes on-call)
10% Administrative (e.g., staff meeting, team meeting, trainee review, high-risk)
15% supervision and practicum student training
5% outreach and prevention services

Crisis Counseling Manager
What you will do:
* Lead and coordinate the Counseling Center's crisis services program, including policy and procedure development, service design, workflow management, staffing plans, clinician coverage, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
* Provide clinical and administrative supervision, performance management, consultation, and professional development for crisis counseling staff.
* Oversee training activities related to crisis counseling for clinical staff, trainees, and practicum students.
* Provide drop-in crisis assessment and intervention services; coordinate care for students experiencing acute distress through consultation, case management, collaboration with campus partners, and referral to community resources when appropriate.
* Develop and maintain systems for triage, referral management, case tracking, documentation, and follow-up of students identified as high risk.
* Consult with students, families, faculty, staff, administrators, and community providers regarding complex mental health concerns, crisis response, hospitalization follow-up, and return-to-campus planning.
* Provide culturally responsive brief counseling, crisis intervention, group counseling, case management, and outreach services to a diverse student population.
* Monitor and evaluate crisis services utilization, outcomes, and operational effectiveness; use data to inform program improvements and resource planning.
* Represent the Counseling Center on multidisciplinary teams addressing students of concern, behavioral risk, and university crisis response efforts.
* Participate in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of crisis services staff.
* Develop and deliver trainings, workshops, and consultations for campus stakeholders on mental health, crisis response, and student wellbeing; participate in departmental meetings, committees, and outreach initiatives.

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).
* At least three (3) years of related professional level experience

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
* Experience with crisis management, including assessment, intervention, stabilization, and disposition planning.
* Experience coordinating care for individuals requiring involuntary mental health evaluation, hospitalization, or higher levels of care, including related assessment, consultation, coordination, and documentation.
* History of work in acute settings, such as crisis phone lines, hospital settings, behavioral health/primary care, inpatient treatment facilities, drop-in crisis centers, crisis stabilization units, etc.
* Experience providing clinical supervision, consultation, or support to mental health professionals and trainees.
* Experience coordinating, developing, or managing clinical programs or services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the institution.
* Demonstrated commitment to equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive clinical practice.
* Ability to provide culturally responsive crisis intervention and brief therapy to a diverse student population.
* Ability to assess, manage, and respond effectively to students experiencing acute mental health crises.
* Ability to conduct suicide, homicide, and behavioral threat risk assessments.
* Ability to provide rapid assessment, triage, stabilization, and referral services in a fast-paced clinical environment.
* Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
* Ability to consult with campus and community partners regarding students of concern.
* Ability to coordinate care across campus and community systems.
* Ability to provide clinical and operational leadership for a crisis services program, including team coordination, workflow management, staff support, program development, and continuous quality improvement.

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.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements
* This position may be performed in a hybrid or remote environment, requiring the ability to work effectively in a remote setting. This includes maintaining a dedicated workspace free of excessive noise or distractions, reliable internet connectivity, and the ability to participate in virtual meetings for extended periods. Employees must be able to independently manage time, remain stationary for prolonged computer-based work, and transport necessary equipment (such as a laptop and peripherals) between their remote work location and the office as needed.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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 .

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

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $84,206 - $93,070.
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 priority deadline of September 27th, 2026. 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:
* A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
* A current CV/resume
* List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Questions should be directed to Dr. Matthew Heermann, matthew.heermann@ucdenver.edu

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.