Intake/Triage Counselor, University Counseling Center - Student Life

Primary Responsibility:
The Intake/Triage Counselor manages the intake process for students seeking clinical mental health services through the University Counseling Center. This position receives all consultation requests from students, schedules consultation meetings, and provides recommendations for services. In consultation with the UCC Director and Clinical Supervisor, the Intake/Triage Counselor assigns clients to graduate student interns and staff. This position is the primary mental health crisis intervention for students in need (e.g., walk-ins, emergency referrals) during scheduled office hours. The Intake/Triage Counselor also provides additional clinical mental health counseling for students.

Required Education:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Social
  Work required. Licensed (or licensed eligible) in the state of Tennessee, e.g., LPC-MHSP, LMFT, or MSW/LCSW.

Required Experience:

• 3-5 years

Job-related skills required:

• Strong diagnostic abilities, crisis management, risk assessment, and knowledge of evidence-based interventions.


• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to quickly build therapeutic rapport with diverse populations.


• Clear verbal and written communication skills


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail


• Ability to effectively manage time and handle high intake periods (e.g., start of semester)


• EHR proficiency


• Thrives in a highly collaborative environment and works seamlessly across departments to achieve objectives


• Strict adherence to professional code of ethics, confidentiality standards, and legal boundaries

Job-related skills preferred:

• Experience working in higher education with college students

Roles/Responsibilities:

• Conducts initial consultations and diagnostic assessments of students


• Assigns and schedules clients with interns and staff


• Serves as crisis triage for students in need (e.g., walk-ins, emergency referrals) during scheduled office hours


• Tracks and manages student waitlist, scheduling, and appointment flow


• Collects, stores, and uses client records in accordance with state and  federal law and standards of professional ethics so that the highest level of client confidentiality may be maintained


• Coordinates care with psychiatrists, primary care providers, school staff, or family members as appropriate.


• Provides additional individual and group counseling for students as needed


• Consults with and advises faculty and administrative staff regarding mental health issues affecting the education process


• May direct or coordinate specific areas of Counseling Center function as assigned by the Director (e.g., intern training, outreach programming)


• Responsible for upholding state, federal, and local laws as they relate to the practice of mental health


• Maintains Tennessee professional license with appropriate continuing education training


• Behaves in a manner consistent with their professional code of ethics


• Follows University Counseling Center policies and procedures