Another Source’s client, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), is recruiting a Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to join their Student Health & Counseling Services (SHCS) leadership team in San Marcos, California. 

Why Join Us? 
This is a pivotal opportunity to lead a dedicated counseling and advocacy team at a dynamic, growing institution. The Director of CAPS plays a central role in supporting student well-being, shaping a cohesive team of clinicians and advocates, and representing student mental health needs at the leadership level of Student Affairs. 

Learn more: https://www.csusm.edu/  

Why San Marcos?  

Located in North San Diego County, San Marcos combines a welcoming community atmosphere with access to beaches, mountains, and cultural hubs. With the university adding 1,500 new residential beds in the next two years, you’ll help shape the future of a campus that is becoming increasingly residential and vibrant. 

Purpose of the Position 
Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President of Student Health and Wellness (AVP), the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides comprehensive leadership of counseling services, mental health education, and sexual violence advocacy and education at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM).  The CAPS Director administratively supervises all counseling staff including psychologists (tenured and tenure track faculty, trainees, full-time, and part-time temporary faculty, advocates, and administrative/operations analyst) and maintains administrative oversight for the mental health training programs, including the American Psychological Association (APA) Accredited psychology internship.  Through a collaborative leadership approach engaging counseling faculty, campus psychiatrist, and other key university constituents, the Director plans, implements and assesses effectiveness of programs and services under the Director’s supervision and participates in strategic planning, program assessment and accreditation for the SHCS department.        

The CAPS Director serves on the Student Affairs Leadership Team, the CARE Team (campus’ student behavior intervention/care/threat assessment team) and consults with faculty and staff regarding student concerns.  The Director represents SHCS, the Student Health & Wellness Area, and the Division of Student Affairs on university committees and task forces and leads campus wide initiatives including relevant grant development and implementation and the Health Assistant Fund (HAF). In addition, the incumbent serves within the Student Health & Wellness and Student Affairs Division leadership teams; maintains membership in appropriate professional associations to ensure that they remain current with best practices and remain familiar with emerging research trends and applications; and may provide individual, group and crisis counseling and psychotherapy on an as needed basis. 

Key Responsibilities: 

As the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight within Student Health & Counseling Services (SHCS). Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Student Health & Wellness, you will: 

• Provide leadership and management (35%) – Lead and mentor a cohesive team of psychologists, counselors, advocates, trainees, and administrative staff. Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture, supporting staff development and ensuring high-quality, student-centered services. 

• Drive strategic planning (25%) – Develop and implement short- and long-term goals that align CAPS with CSUSM’s mission and evolving student needs, particularly as the campus expands its residential community. 

• Build university and community partnerships (15%) – Serve as a visible campus leader and trusted partner, representing CAPS on the CARE Team and Student Affairs leadership groups. Collaborate with University Police, the Cougar Care Network, Title IX, and systemwide CSU colleagues to advance integrated student support strategies. 

• Oversee functional operations (25%) – Manage compliance, accreditation, assessment, and fiscal resources. Provide oversight for the APA-accredited psychology internship, ensuring compliance and program quality. Guide crisis response and critical incident management efforts, ensuring culturally responsive and effective care. Partner with the Director of Clinical Services in a shared leadership model to strengthen integration of medical and counseling services. 

What You’ll Bring (Minimum Qualifications) 

• Doctorate in psychology (or master’s in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, social work, or related field). 

• Licensed in California as a Psychologist, LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC (or license-eligible within one year of hire). 

• Minimum three (3) years of progressive management and/or lead experience in a counseling center or mental health clinic. 

What May Strengthen Your Application (Preferred Qualifications) 

• Five (5) or more years of progressive management experience in a university counseling/mental health clinic. 

• Direct care experience in a university or outpatient counseling setting. 

• Familiarity with CSU and collective bargaining environments. 

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. 

What’s In It For You 

• Salary: $140,000–$154,000 

• California State University, San Marcos offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime staff. Learn more about the benefits here: https://www.csusm.edu/hr/benefits/index.html 

Some real “wows” include: 

• 5 weeks of vacation annually, plus 13 paid holidays and generous sick leave. 

• CalPERS retirement program. 

• CSU Employee Fee Waiver Program (staff and dependents can take courses at reduced rates). 

• Relocation assistance available. 

• A collaborative and enthusiastic culture — a team that truly cares about students and one another. 

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.  

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.   

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