Position Title:Mental Health Advocate
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree
Special Required QualificationsDrivers License
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or other related field
Experience working in collaboration with law enforcement or within a public safety environment
Advanced training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
Experience conducting outreach or providing mental health support in a higher education or campus setting
Background in program development, training facilitation, or public speaking on mental health topics
Job Description:
Make an Impact. Lead. Collaborate. Educate. Engage.Join a dedicated team committed to enhancing campus safety and mental well-being. As a Mental Health Advocate, you will play a vital role in addressing mental health crises, supporting campus safety efforts, and partnering across the university to improve response and awareness. This dynamic role blends crisis intervention, community engagement, and leadership in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities
Threat Assessment & Crisis Response
Evaluate calls for service involving potential mental health concerns such as welfare checks, domestic disturbances, harassment, stalking, and assaults.
Respond alongside police officers to crisis situations, assisting in de-escalation, assessment, and support.
Provide in-person guidance and support during mental health emergencies to ensure appropriate interventions.
Case Management & Outreach
Coordinate with campus stakeholders to relay and receive information regarding individuals in crisis, focusing on holistic support and follow-up.
Conduct assertive outreach to individuals impacted by mental health incidents, offering resources and connection to ongoing care.
Document and track mental health-related incidents and response outcomes.
Training & Education
Develop and deliver mental health and crisis response training for law enforcement, faculty, staff, and student groups.
Serve as a subject matter expert in mental health crisis response for campus-wide educational initiatives.
Leadership & Collaboration
Supervise and mentor 1-2 staff members supporting the mental health advocate program.
Serve on high-level university committees related to crisis management, behavioral intervention, and campus safety.
Collaborate closely with police, student affairs, academic units, and community partners to ensure coordinated care and response.
Community Engagement
Act as a liaison between the university and external agencies such as hospitals, mental health providers, and law enforcement partners.
Promote mental health awareness and help foster a campus culture of compassion, safety, and proactive care.
Why Join Us?
The Department of Public Safety is committed to maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community. As a part of our team, you'll work at the intersection of law enforcement and mental health-an area where you can make a profound difference every day. Our collaborative environment supports continuous learning, professional growth, and the development of innovative approaches to safety and well-being. You'll join a mission-driven department that values integrity, compassion, and community partnership.
Example of Duties- Manages a program to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with the objectives of the university.- Plans, monitors, and manages an internal or external project from initiation through completion.- Leads or coordinates project planning, resourcing, and staffing for assigned program.- Monitors and manages budget and ensures that the program meets the overall objectives of the university.- Develops public relations initiatives, workshops, seminars, surveys, or other activities to promote the program and carry out its objectives.- Acts as a representative of the program.- Participates in project management.- May secure external funding as needed.Level Guidelines- Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision- Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode- Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope- Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained- Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate- May lead projects of limited scope and complexity- May provide guidance to students
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS806
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: July 28, 2025
Posting Close Date:August 11, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R17483
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
