Counselor

McNeese State University invites qualified applicants for the position of Counselor. This is a full-time, 12–month, unclassified position. The appointment is available to begin as early as December 15, 2025, and no later than January 12, 2026.

Position Number: U99989

SALARY: $48,000 - $53,000 (based on education, qualifications, and experience)

DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS: Applicants MUST complete an electronic application and upload the required documents listed below:

• Letter of Application
• Resume
• Three References (Include: name, phone number, & email)

• Unofficial Transcripts

• Only completed application packets including all items listed above will be reviewed.

ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE.

TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY, click on the "APPLY" button at the top of advertisement to complete the electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS POSITION MAY BE DIRECTED TO CHAIR:

Brooke Kennedy, Executive Director of Student Health & Wellness

or

Office of Human Resources Contact

Kim Dronett, HR Analyst/Recruitment

or

A counselor in the Counseling Services department is responsible for the following:

• Conduct individual, couples, family, and group counseling sessions for students in accordance with ethical and professional standards
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to facilitate comprehensive student support services.
• Attend mandatory campus meetings and events, including monthly division meetings, outreach programs, and other student engagement activities
• Maintain an active client caseload (individuals, groups, couples, families) appropriate to administrative workload and client demand
• When necessary, develop mental health treatment plans for students
• Engage in weekly clinical staff meetings and collegial supervision sessions, which may be conducted in person or remotely
• Assist with the plan and implementation of educational programs to foster awareness and student success related to mental health wellness for students
• Develop and/or deliver educational workshops and outreach programs tailored to student and campus needs, primarily in person, with remote options as appropriate
• Ensure that all aspects of the Counseling Services department adhere to established standards, laws, and regulations, including HIPAA and mental health counseling practice standards
• Ensure confidential health information is properly maintained in compliance with HIPPA and FERPA
• Support the leadership and vision of the Counseling Services Department Share 24/7 urgent response capability during academic semesters (fall, spring, summer) for client emergencies as assigned
• Network with counterparts in higher education to remain abreast of recent trends and best practices that can support Counseling Services
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to legal and ethical standards, including FERPA and HIPAA regulations, Duty to warn, and related legal and ethical issues.
• Document all counseling activities accurately and securely within the designated electronic record-keeping system (e.g. Titanium).
• Represent the Counseling Services department at internal and external campus outreach programs and events
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities and maintain membership in relevant professional organizations.
• Maintain 24/7 urgent response capability and ensure mental health response to emergency notifications as needed
• Follow departmental policies and university procedures at all times
• Remain abreast of local, state, and federal regulations related to public health and medical care compliance
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as needed/assigned.
• Develop, implement and assess programs and initiatives pertaining to student mental health wellness, education and awareness
• Participate in university committees and work groups, attending meetings either in-person or virtually as dictated by the committee chair
• Serve on University committees and supervise others as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or higher authority

Required:

• Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related mental health discipline from an accredited program
• Licensure or license-eligibility by the time you start the position to provide mental health counseling services (e.g., LPC, PLPC, LCSW, etc.) within the state
• Demonstrated commitment to serving diverse student populations
• Ability to conduct assessments and obtain required licensure credentials (e.g., Appraisal Privileges).
• Minimum of 3 hours of specialized training in teletherapy practices, as mandated by the Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners or equivalent authority
• Knowledge regarding public health agencies and local health care resources
• Understanding of using computer software needed to complete job duties such as a medical records system, Microsoft Office 365, Banner (or other) student information system, case management software, and a campus portal platform

• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends for special events with prior notice

• Ability to physically respond to the mental health needs of the campus for a crisis situation

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Evidence of an energetic, student-centered approach to completion of work duties and program development

Preferred:

• Previous experience working in clinical or private practice setting
• At least 3 years of mental health counseling experience serving various populations.
• Knowledge of college, state and federal standards and requirements governing health services
• Doctorate-level degree from an accredited institution
• Experience speaking to small and large groups

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Krisshunn Youngblood, Office of Campus Compliance and Civility at or

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-"Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees"-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver's license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a University-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services ) or Educational Credential Evaluators,