Crisis Counselor - Advocate, Student Counseling Services

About the Role

Tarleton State University’s Department of Student Counseling Services is seeking a Crisis Counselor – Advocate. Under the leadership of the Director of Student Counseling Services, the role provides confidential, comprehensive mental‑health crisis response and advocacy services to students. The position contributes to education initiatives related to violence prevention, mental health, and wellness, and may shift between crisis response and advocacy functions based on departmental needs.

Schedule

Standard work hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8 AM – 5 PM, and Tuesday and Wednesday 10 AM – 7 PM, providing after‑hours coverage from residence halls. The role is partially mobile, may include remote work when directed, and requires occasional travel to the Fort Worth campus, conferences, after‑hours outreach, and weekend university events.

Responsibilities

• Provide risk assessment, crisis management, and brief treatment services for students with emotional and behavioral concerns.
• Conduct crisis follow‑up appointments, transition planning for students entering or leaving inpatient care, and support access to post‑crisis or ongoing care.
• Offer advocacy services—including options, referrals, and information—to students experiencing crime, violence, or abuse when crisis needs are lower.
• Deliver emergency assistance after incidents of violence and provide follow‑up services and education to survivors about their rights and responsibilities.
• Consult with faculty, staff, and students; coordinate care with campus departments and local agencies; accompany students to appointments on or off campus.
• Serve on appropriate on‑ and off‑campus committees and liaise with the Dean of Students Office, CARE team, law enforcement, and other partners to support student victims and those in crisis.
• Maintain records, collect and share de‑identified aggregate data with Title IX, Clery, Sexual Assault Response Team, High‑Risk Domestic Violence Task Force, and other stakeholders.
• Provide timely clinical documentation in accordance with Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) licensure requirements and SCS policies.
• Participate in clinical consultation, staffing activities, and mentor undergraduate/graduate staff and interns.
• Assist with campus initiatives such as Duck Camps, Transition Week, and Commencement.
• Be available for additional evening and weekend support as required by advocacy and crisis response duties.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations, including graphic or sensitive circumstances.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with strict confidentiality, prioritization, organization, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated respect for individuals from varied backgrounds while upholding client dignity.
• Maintain appropriate Texas licensure in good standing and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, and professional conduct requirements established by BHEC, the State of Texas, and Tarleton State University.
• Successful completion of required background screenings and state‑mandated advocacy training.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Full Texas licensure preferred.
• Experience in survivor advocacy and educational outreach, with knowledge of Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Clery Act, and related federal guidance, as well as criminal and civil law enforcement and court processes.
• Experience working with college students in a higher‑education setting and familiarity with on‑ and off‑campus support resources and reporting options.
• Crisis response experience.

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• For Professional Counselor I: Hold a provisional clinical license (e.g., LPC‑Associate, LMFT‑Associate, LMSW) or obtain one within one year of hire; full licensure must be obtained within the timeframe required by BHEC.
• For Professional Counselor II: Minimum two years of related professional experience and a current, unrestricted Texas license as an LP, LPC, LMFT, or LCSW, maintained in good standing.

Compensation & Benefits

Proposed salary ranges:

• Professional Counselor I: $49,000 – $68,330.50
• Professional Counselor II: $53,745 – $76,321

The target base annual salary is commensurate with experience and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate qualifications. Tarleton State University offers a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time and qualifying part‑time employees.

Important Immigration Information

A presidential proclamation issued on September 19 2025 imposes a $100,000 fee on new H‑1B petitions filed after September 21 2025; Tarleton State University will not pay this fee. Candidates requiring immigration sponsorship should consult private counsel at their own expense. Additionally, a Texas governor‑issued moratorium (January 27 2026) on new H‑1B filings may affect the university’s ability to employ candidates needing visa sponsorship.

Application Procedure

• Submit a completed online application, including a cover letter/letter of interest, curriculum vitae or resume, and at least three current professional references with full contact information.
• All required fields must be completed; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applicants will have one opportunity to upload documents; changes cannot be made after submission.
• All candidates are subject to a criminal history investigation and verification of credentials.