Counselor

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..

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million 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. The SDSU Counseling Center is dedicated to fostering our student body's holistic well-being and academic success. We aim to empower students to navigate personal and academic challenges, develop resilience and achieve their fullest potential through compassionate, confidential, and culturally sensitive support. By offering a range of counseling services, workshops and resources, we strive to create an inclusive environment that promotes mental health awareness, personal growth, and a balanced life, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and 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

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes October 18, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact Tamara Lunday at Tamara.Lunday@sdstate.edu.

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 HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.