Student Health Counselor

Department:

Schlosser Family Center for Counseling & Psychological Services

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The primary purpose of this position is to deliver impactful clinical services that support students mental health and well-being. This includes providing individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, and outreach presentations. Additionally, those serving in this position will have the opportunity to provide clinical supervision and training for doctoral interns and of masters level practicum students.

By combining these vital responsibilities, this position plays a key role in fostering a vibrant and supportive campus environment where WCU students can thrive.

Work Schedule Options

This position offers flexible scheduling. The selected candidate may choose from the following arrangements:

• 32-40 hours per week year-round
• 4-5 days per week year-round
• 40 hours per week for 10-11 months per year (with time off distributed across May, June, and/or July)

All options are negotiable prior to your start date. Compensation will be commensurate with hours worked.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. Work Authorization: Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Education: Masters degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or social work; OR doctoral degree in counseling or clinical psychology.
• State Licensure: Must be eligible for licensure in North Carolina by your hire date. Maintaining active NC licensure is a condition of continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Clinical Counseling: At least two years of postgraduate experience providing clinical counseling services.
• State Licensure: LCSW or LCMHC preferred.
• Specialized Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in at least one additional area, such as eating disorders, EMDR, crisis management, or substance use disorders.
• Broad Clinical Experience: Experience working with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds, with a demonstrated ability to provide culturally responsive and effective therapeutic services to all students.

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

To be considered, you must apply online. Please attach a cover letter, current vita, and a list of professional references (include complete contact information).

For questions and additional information, please contact search chair, Amber Ellington at aellington@email.wcu.edu