Counselor

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental benefits

Retirement plan (6% match)

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Tuition assistance

Relocation benefits

Job summary

South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, is seeking a Counselor to provide confidential mental health services to students for a 12-month, full-time position. The role supports student success, retention, and crisis response, with occasional evenings as needed.

The successful candidate will hold a Master’s degree in counseling and demonstrate strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively within Counseling Services.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling or closely related area by start date.
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health treatment to students and respond to emergencies.
• Support student retention through counseling and crisis intervention.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master’s degree in counseling

Job description

Posting Details

Institution: South Dakota State University

Working Title: Counselor

Posting Number: NFE03201P

Department: SDSU-Wellness Center-Health

Physical Location of Position (City): Brookings

Duration of the Term: 12 months

Appointment Percent: 100

Appointment Type: Regular

Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required; however such work is limited and infrequent.

Advertised Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $56,169.

Posting Text

Are you passionate about making a lasting impact on students’ lives and supporting their success both in college and beyond? At South Dakota State University, our team of experienced and qualified counselors provides confidential, personalized assistance through Counseling Services, all at no cost to students. We are looking for a compassionate, people-focused individual to join our team. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position located in Brookings, South Dakota.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is responsible for providing mental health treatment to students, supporting them in overcoming and managing emotional challenges, enhancing student retention, and responding to mental health emergencies at SDSU.

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.
• A generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching.
• 10 hours of annual leave each month.
• 9.34 hours of sick leave each month.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.
• Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in the area of counseling or closely related area by start date.
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in a University setting
• Experience working in crisis intervention, specializing in de-escalation, suicide prevention or trauma-informed care.
• Experience providing educational training on mental health issues and facilitating group counseling.
• Advanced education in theory, practice and applications of sports counseling techniques.
• LPC, LPCMH, LMFT, MSW, or CCDC III level licensure in the state of South Dakota

Posting Date

09/15/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact Tamara Lunday at [e-mail].

Working Conditions

Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Analyzing

Protective Clothing/Equipment: None specified.

Physical Requirements: Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Fine Finger Manipulation(keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Standing for sustained periods of time

Fine Finger Manipulation – basic keyboarding and computer skills

Sensory Requirements: Distant Vision, Hearing, Near Vision, Speaking

Working Conditions & Exposures: Vaccination recommended due to potential occupational exposure

Working Environment: Office Environment

If other, please indicate: Rotating on call evenings, weekends and holidays