Description

Job Description Summary:
The Performance Behavioral Health Therapist provides comprehensive behavioral health and psychological performance services to student-athletes within the MSSU athletic department. This full-time position supports mental wellness and performance optimization through evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including individual, family, and group therapy, neurofeedback, biofeedback, consultation, and crisis response. The coach also delivers outreach, education, and prevention programming on behavioral health and sport-related psychological issues.

This role requires a licensed therapist, social worker, or psychologist with experience in trauma-informed, person-centered care and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by collegiate athletes. The coach will integrate behavioral health support into the athletic environment, collaborating closely with sports staff to enhance athlete development, resilience, and recovery. Services may be delivered in-person or via secure virtual platforms, and documentation will be maintained using electronic medical records.

Evening, weekend hours, and travel are occasionally required to meet the dynamic needs of the athletic program. The position reports to the Performance Behavioral Health Coach and functions as a key member of the sports performance team.

Requirements

Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Professional Counseling. Doctoral degree preferred.

Work Experiences: 

• 1 year experience providing behavioral health services preferred. Performance individuals preferred.
• 2 years of experience providing therapy, preferably with a focus on athletes or high-
• Experience working in a collegiate or athletic environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in implementing mental health initiatives and performance enhancement programs.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide direct clinical services including individual, group, marital, and family therapy to student-athletes, in accordance with licensure scope and contractual agreements.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments to determine medical necessity and develop appropriate treatment recommendations or referrals.
• Develop and maintain individualized treatment plans using evidence-based practices, ensuring timely updates and alignment with clinical standards.
• Deliver crisis intervention services during regular hours and as needed during athletic events or travel, in coordination with university and Ozark Center protocols.
• Provide psychoeducation, consultation, and preventative programming to athletes, coaching staff, and athletic department personnel on behavioral health and performance-related topics to support team dynamics, athlete well-being, and performance enhancement strategies..
• Maintain professional conduct and collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues, university staff, and administrative personnel.
• Participate in community outreach and education initiatives in partnership with Ozark Center and MSSU to promote mental wellness and reduce stigma.
• Stay current with best practices in sports psychology, trauma-informed care, and behavioral health interventions through continuing education and professional development.
• Engage in athletic program activities including training camps, team meetings, and gameday events, providing on-site behavioral health support as needed.
• Ensure documentation and service delivery meet standards set by accrediting bodies (e.g., CARF, Joint Commission), Ozark Center policies, and applicable Missouri and federal regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ADA, FMLA).
• Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel, to meet the needs of the athletic department and student-athletes. 

Physical Requirements: Ability to participate in team activities and events, occasionally outside of normal business hours. Typical demands include prolonged sitting, frequent standing, bending, stooping, and occasional lifting. Requires normal range of hearing and manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment as needed. Requires ability to remain calm during stressful events. Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, to accommodate the schedule of student/athletes. Must have capability to provide on-site crisis intervention services as needed.