Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.
Who We Are:
Swarthmore College’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) supports the mental health and well-being of Swarthmore students. We aim to create a safe and confidential environment through a range of psychological support and consultation services. We provide individual and group counseling, assessment, consultation, and referral services to the Swarthmore College community.
The opportunity:
The CAPS Social Work Fellow will gain experience with each of the primary functions in a college counseling center including direct individual and group clinical services, outreach programs, crisis support, and faculty/staff consultation. The Social Work Fellow will also participate in numerous training activities, including individual supervision, group supervision, case conference, and various seminars.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide individual direct services, including triage appointments and individual counseling. (60%)
- Facilitate psycho-educational and process-oriented groups (10%)
- Provide crisis intervention and emergency services, including crisis walk-in coverage and supporting students stepping up to a higher level of care. (10%)
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation for all clinical interactions and consultations (15%)
- Provide outreach programming and consultations to campus community (5%)
Who you are:
- You are committed to social justice and understanding the needs of clients across diverse backgrounds.
- You have the ability to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Empathetic listener with the demonstrated ability to de-escalate crises/risks.
- Enthusiastic about connecting with clients via outreach activities and community building
- Interested in supporting the mental health and developmental needs of a college population.
What you bring:
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work completed
- Minimum of one year's experience working/training in a college counseling setting or equivalent
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated understanding of social, developmental, and psychological issues and challenges faced by diverse populations of students within a higher education setting.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills
- Experience with developing and delivering psychoeducational outreach presentations and activities
What You Will Get:
You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.
We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with an uploaded resume, including a cover letter by January 23, 2026. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled. A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. If you have experience that meets any of the preferred qualifications, please include a detailed explanation of any such experience in your cover letter and how it meets the preferred qualification(s).
The market range for this position is $49,440-$51,400 per year, which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. The salary offered is determined based on factors including, but not limited to, experience and education of the final selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
PA Criminal Clearance Required
Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.
Education Verification Required by Position
An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.
Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.
2026 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook
Retirement Plans
Tuition Grant Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Paid Time Off (Staff)
Holiday Schedule
Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.