Staff Counselor

Staff Counselor

Institution - Northern State University

Working Title - Staff Counselor

Posting Number - NFE03199P

Department - NSU-Counseling Center

Physical Location of Position (City) - Aberdeen

THE OPPORTUNITY: Reporting to the Director of Counseling and Health Services, the Staff Counselor is responsible for providing personal counseling to students through individual and group therapy. The successful candidate will create and participate in presentations and workshops in classrooms, residence halls, and the community along with other Counseling Services team members. An essential member of the Student Affairs team charged with providing high-quality care for students at Northern State University.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide effective individual and group counseling for students in-person and via tele-mental health.
• Maintain accurate and timely counseling records on students receiving services.
• Knowledge of technology and ethical concerns associated with telehealth services.
• Provide education, training, and support to the campus community regarding the needs of students through outreach, programming, and consultation.
• Maintain knowledge of referral resources on campus and in the local community to meet the needs of students.
• Collaborate with community partners to assist students in managing acute crises, disruptions and conflicts.
• Assist the Director in the supervision and training for graduate interns in the Counseling program.
• Attends meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties related to the above responsibilities as assigned by the Director.
• Aids and consult with faculty and staff on matters of behavior health while maintaining confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain liaisons with other agencies and university departments.
• Present or assist in presenting on a variety of behavior health topics.
• Perform other duties related to the above responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or related field.
• One year of experience counseling in a clinical setting, preferably in a college setting.
• Licensed professional counselor in the State of South Dakota or license eligible.
• Familiarity with college student population and/or previous experience working with college students.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Contributes to the Northern Experience by supporting admissions and retention efforts on campus.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent organizational skills specifically in record keeping and time management.
• Ability to relate empathetically and effectively with a variety of people.
• Excellent interpersonal/group communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and building a sense of belonging for all students.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Typical office environment.
• Limited weekend and evening work, no on-call responsibilities.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with the coordination and development of marketing materials such as printed materials, website content, and other media.
• Facilitates select key results from Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-2030).
• Responsible for gathering and preparing data for the Student Affairs Assessment Report.
• Serves on university-wide committees and task forces as needed.

Posting Date - 09/15/2026

Open Until Filled - Yes

First Consideration Date - 10/01/2026

Advertised Salary - $51,000-53,000

Duration of the Term - 10 months

Work Hours - Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during the academic school year

Typical Hours Worked Per Week - 40

Appointment Type - Regular

Faculty Status - No

Scope of Search - External (includes Internal)

Department Description and Cultural Expectations - NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY: offers a personalized educational experience, with rigorous, nationally accredited academic programs in arts and sciences, business, fine arts, and teacher education. With more than 45 majors, 55 minors, and 16 pre-professional programs, Northern provides hands-on learning and internship opportunities that will help unleash your potential and prepare you for a rewarding career. Located in Aberdeen, S.D., we're known for our affordability and for having the largest guaranteed scholarship in the region. At Northern, you'll learn from dedicated faculty and staff who truly care about you and want to help you succeed. You'll also find a place to belong, with numerous diverse campus organizations in a safe, welcoming community.

ABOUT STUDENT AFFAIRS: Student Affairs advances the student success agenda of Northern State University through engagement, holistic wellness, providing excellent student-centered services and the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30). We are Campus Safety, Counseling Services, Civic Engagement and Community Service, Dean of Students Office, Dining Services, Emergency Management, Intramurals and Campus Recreation, New Student Programs (HOWLand Wolf Pack Welcome), Northern State Welcome Desk, Residence Life, Student Accessibility Services, Student Activities and Involvement, Student Center, Student Government Association, Student Health Services, Student Organizations, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Summer Camps and Conferences, Title IX, and Wellness and Prevention Services. SENSE OF BELONGING AND INCLUSION: Student Affairs values inclusion, sense of belonging, and believes in fostering a diverse and international community that includes, validates, recognizes, and respects all ethnicities, genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, and cultures. Objective 7 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) calls for Student Affairs to create inclusive communities that value and welcome all people. We are focused on retaining and graduating all students and recognize this work as part of the mission and values of Student Affairs. Our work promotes "a learning environment that exposes students to and encourages exploration of a variety of ideological and political perspectives" (SD House Bill 1087) consistent with the SDBOR Opportunity for All Statement of August 2021.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement - Northern State University is committed to building a welcoming culture of belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture and world view. Northern seeks faculty and staff who will engage with individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to increase awareness, understanding, respect and opportunity for all. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Working Conditions:

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Supplemental Questions:

Documents Needed to Apply:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List