Assistant Sports Psychologist

The University of Virginia is a highly competitive Division I program committed to academic and athletic excellence. The Department of Athletics at the University of Virginia is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Sport Psychologist/Athletics Counselor. The University, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a selective public institution known for its teaching, research, and public service. The University of Virginia sponsors a 27-sport intercollegiate athletics program, which includes approximately 750 student-athletes.

Under the direction of the Sport Psychologist and Associate Sport Psychologist, the Assistant Sport Psychologist/Athletics Counselor is responsible for providing psychological counsel and support for student-athletes to enhance their participation and performance in various assigned sport programs by: (a) teaching psychological principles and strategies that are necessary to achieve optimal mental health; (b) enhancing mental skills and strategies to consistently improve sports performance; and (c) increasing the understanding of how participating in sports affects the psychological development, health, and overall well-being of student-athletes.

Additional duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide clinical and performance services within the Athletic Department that will enhance the personal, interpersonal, academic, and athletic success of student-athletes;
• Conduct individual assessment of mental health symptoms and diagnostics, while concurrently providing individual psychological counseling, therapy, and ongoing treatment that is consistent with the level of care associated with being a successful full-time student-athlete at a Division I institution;
• Record and maintain psychological records for diagnosis and treatment in a secure manner and in accordance with departmental, university, state, and federal guidelines;
• Provide alcohol and substance use assessment, treatment, follow-up, and/or referral to university or community resources in the spirit of and in compliance with the Athletic Department Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy;
• Assist and/or provide appropriate psychological service and support to crisis situations involving student-athletes;
• Assist in expanding departmental knowledge and understanding of human development and behavior as it relates to sports participation and its effect on mental health;
• Collaborate on or develop educational programs when requested by student-athletes and/or staff;
• Counsel and teach student-athletes skills and strategies resulting in consistently high levels of athletic, academic, personal, and interpersonal performance at a Division I institution;
• Assist the Sports Psychologist and Associate Sport Psychologist in serving as a liaison between the sport psychology unit and Athletics academic affairs staff, medical staff, and the Neurocognitive Assessment Lab regarding learning disability, ADHD, concussion resolution, and appropriate psychological response plans associated with each issue;
• Co-supervise one postdoctoral fellow who is providing direct services to student-athletes while gaining additional hours towards independent licensure;
• Collaborate with coaches, sports medicine (MDs and ATCs), strength & conditioning coaches, academic staff, nutrition staff, compliance staff, and various internal/external constituencies;

The University of Virginia is a highly competitive Division I program committed to academic and athletic excellence. The Department of Athletics at the University of Virginia is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Sport Psychologist/Athletics Counselor. The University, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a selective public institution known for its teaching, research, and public service. The University of Virginia sponsors a 27-sport intercollegiate athletics program, which includes approximately 750 student-athletes.

Under the direction of the Sport Psychologist and Associate Sport Psychologist, the Assistant Sport Psychologist/Athletics Counselor is responsible for providing psychological counsel and support for student-athletes to enhance their participation and performance in various assigned sport programs by: (a) teaching psychological principles and strategies that are necessary to achieve optimal mental health; (b) enhancing mental skills and strategies to consistently improve sports performance; and (c) increasing the understanding of how participating in sports affects the psychological development, health, and overall well-being of student-athletes.

Additional duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide clinical and performance services within the Athletic Department that will enhance the personal, interpersonal, academic, and athletic success of student-athletes;
• Conduct individual assessment of mental health symptoms and diagnostics, while concurrently providing individual psychological counseling, therapy, and ongoing treatment that is consistent with the level of care associated with being a successful full-time student-athlete at a Division I institution;
• Record and maintain psychological records for diagnosis and treatment in a secure manner and in accordance with departmental, university, state, and federal guidelines;
• Provide alcohol and substance use assessment, treatment, follow-up, and/or referral to university or community resources in the spirit of and in compliance with the Athletic Department Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy;
• Assist and/or provide appropriate psychological service and support to crisis situations involving student-athletes;
• Assist in expanding departmental knowledge and understanding of human development and behavior as it relates to sports participation and its effect on mental health;
• Collaborate on or develop educational programs when requested by student-athletes and/or staff;
• Counsel and teach student-athletes skills and strategies resulting in consistently high levels of athletic, academic, personal, and interpersonal performance at a Division I institution;
• Assist the Sports Psychologist and Associate Sport Psychologist in serving as a liaison between the sport psychology unit and Athletics academic affairs staff, medical staff, and the Neurocognitive Assessment Lab regarding learning disability, ADHD, concussion resolution, and appropriate psychological response plans associated with each issue;
• Co-supervise one postdoctoral fellow who is providing direct services to student-athletes while gaining additional hours towards independent licensure;
• Collaborate with coaches, sports medicine (MDs and ATCs), strength & conditioning coaches, academic staff, nutrition staff, compliance staff, and various internal/external constituencies;
• And additional duties as deemed necessary by the Sport Psychologist.

Required qualifications include:

• Master's Degree Required; Doctorate of Clinical or Counseling Psychology is preferred.
• Licensed or license-eligible in the state of Virginia. If not currently licensed in Virginia, must obtain a Virginia psychologist license within one year of employment.
• Two years of post graduate experience practicing in the field of Psychology/Mental Health.
• Minimum one year of experience with Division I student-athletes or athletes with comparable or higher competitive levels.
• Experience providing mental health services to various populations.
• Experience includes, but is not limited to: clinical, counseling, career planning, crisis intervention, transitional, substance abuse, gender issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, injury recovery, and sport performance.
• Must maintain a current mental health license in Virginia by completing the annual requirements of continuing education units (CEU's).

Preferred qualifications include:

• Doctorate of Clinical or Counseling Psychology.
• Clinical experience with substance abuse in a student-athlete population.
• Consultation experience within a university athletics department.
• If from a doctoral program, that it be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and completion of a pre-doctoral internship accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

The selected candidate must pass a background check. This is a full-time position with UVa benefits. The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Employees benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off

• Parental and Community Service Leave

• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately

• Retirement benefits

• Tuition and professional development benefits after the first six months of employment

• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.

Please do not forward any applicant materials directly to staff of the Department of Athletics, as only applications received through this system will be considered.

This position is open until filled, and the priority deadline for applications is July 28, 2025.

Please apply through through the UVA job board, search for R0074324 and complete an application online. Requested application materials include a letter of interest or cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration. For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

Apply Now