Counselor

About the role

South Dakota State University’s Counseling Services team provides confidential, personalized assistance to students at no cost. We are seeking a compassionate, people‑focused individual to join our 12‑month, full‑time, benefits‑eligible position in Brookings, South Dakota. SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million in annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs, and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The SDSU Counseling Center is dedicated to fostering student holistic well‑being and academic success, empowering students to navigate personal and academic challenges, develop resilience, and achieve their fullest potential through compassionate, confidential, and culturally sensitive support. By offering counseling services, workshops, and resources, we strive to create an inclusive environment that promotes mental health awareness, personal growth, and a balanced life. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.; sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health treatment to students
• Support students in overcoming and managing emotional challenges
• Enhance student retention
• Respond to mental health emergencies at SDSU

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and flexible benefits
• Retirement plans with 6% matching
• Compensation packages
• Paid holidays (eleven per year)
• Vacation leave (10 hours accrued each month)
• Sick leave (9.34 hours accrued each month)
• Access to internal and state‑sponsored training
• Reduced tuition for state‑supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions
• Relocation benefits per university guidelines

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

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

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working in a university setting
• Experience 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