Project Director SMHC (School of Mental Health Collaborative) (Finance)

The School Mental Health Collaborative (SMHC at USF) is a multidisciplinary Research, Training and Technical Assistance Center housed in the USF College of Education. The Center has rapidly expanded since its' establishment as a Research, Training, and Technical Assistance Center by the Florida Board of Governors in 2022. The Center is co-directed by Drs. von der Embse, Suldo, and Dart, with a full-time staff of 13 professionals and 30 graduate assistants, and currently has over $30 million in total funding. The purpose of the Center is to conduct research that informs policy and practice related to the social, emotional and behavioral success of all students and to support the implementation of evidence-based mental health practices in educational settings. Currently, the SMHC Center is engaged in a number of federal- and state-funded initiatives that address the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children and youth, and providing technical assistance to school districts and professional development to mental health practitioners and educators.Advanced degree from an accredited institution with a specialization in school psychology or related discipline (PhD a plus) (School psychology or related discipline (school counseling; clinical mental health)
Florida licensed in mental health related field.
Experience providing and supervising the provision of mental health services to school-age children.
Experience providing professional development, particularly as it relates to mental health awareness.Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.70% Coordinates the development of six, one-hour, web-based modules for instructional personnel covering a dual-factor model of youth mental health; a general overview of mental illnesses and suicide in children and youth; and information on common youth mental health and substance abuse diagnoses.
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5% Coordinates the development of application activities for for instructional personnel to develop skills engaging students with mental health challenges in supportive dialogue that connects students to available supports and professional help as appropriate.
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5% Develops materials, resources, and training for a state Train-the-Trainer network that focuses on application of information contained in the web-based modules including how to engage students who may be at risk for mental health challenges, encourage the use of support strategies, and connect students with professional help.
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10% Collaborate with SMHC Center staff to advance broadly its mission and vision. This work may involve providing support for research, publishing, professional activities, and generating external funding to fund additional center activities.
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5% Facilitates project communication and activities between the SMHC Center and the Florida Department of Education.
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5% Performs other duties as assigned.