Staff Counselor

Northern State University; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 51,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern State University in Aberdeen seeks a Staff Counselor to provide personal counseling to students through individual and group therapy. The role includes outreach, presentations, and collaboration within the Counseling Services team, contributing to high-quality student care.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a licensed professional counselor in SD or eligible.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• Collaborate with community partners to assist students in managing acute crises, disruptions and conflicts.
• Assist the Director in supervision and training for graduate interns in the Counseling program.

Skills

Counseling skills

Empathy

Record keeping

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Licensed professional counselor in SD or license eligible

Job description

Staff Counselor

Northern State University

Posting Number: NFE03199P

DepartmentL: NSU-Counseling Center

Physical Location of Position (City): Aberdeen

Posting Date: 09/15/2026

Open Until Filled: Open Until Filled

First Consideration Date: 10/01/2026

Advertised Salary: $51,000-53,000

Posting Text: THE OPPORTUNITY: Reporting to the Director ofCounseling and Health Services, the Staff Counselor is responsiblefor providing personal counseling to students through individualand group therapy. The successful candidate will create and participate in presentations and workshops in classrooms, residencehalls, and the community along with other Counseling Services teammembers. An essential member of the Student Affairs team chargedwith providing high-quality care for students at Northern StateUniversity.

Essential Responsibilities

• A. Provideeffective individual and group counseling for students in-personand via tele-mental health.
• B. Maintain accurate and timely counseling records on studentsreceiving services.
• C. Knowledge of technology and ethical concerns associated withtelehealth services.
• D. Provide education, training, and support to the campus communityregarding the needs of students through outreach, programming, andconsultation.
• E. Maintain knowledge of referral resources on campus and in thelocal community to meet the needs of students.
• F. Collaborate with community partners to assist students inmanaging acute crises, disruptions and conflicts.
• G. Assist the Director in the supervision and training for graduateinterns in the Counseling program.
• H. Attends meetings as needed.
• I. Perform other duties related to the above responsibilities asassigned by the Director.
• J. Aids and consult with faculty and staff on matters of behaviorhealth while maintaining confidentiality.
• K. Establish and maintain liaisons with other agencies anduniversity departments.
• L. Present or assist in presenting on a variety of behavior healthtopics.
• M. Perform other duties related to the above responsibilities asassigned.

Educational / Experience Requirements

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

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills specifically in record keepingand time management.
• Ability to relate empathetically and effectively with a varietyof people.
• Excellent interpersonal/group communication skills, both writtenand verbal.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and building a sense ofbelonging for all students.

Environmental Conditions

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

Management Responsibilities

• Assists with the coordination and development of marketingmaterials such as printed materials, website content, and othermedia.
• Facilitates select key results from Student Affairs StrategicPlan (2025-2030).
• Responsible for gathering and preparing data for the StudentAffairs Assessment Report.
• Serves on university-wide committeesand task forces as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement je-8d08129158bc47b6b4bbf77f53561707