Crisis Counselor - Advocate, Student Counseling Services

Job Title

Crisis Counselor - Advocate, Student Counseling Services

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Student Counseling Services

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Crisis Counselor - Advocate in the Department of Student Counseling Services. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

________________________________________________________________________

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. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee. 

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. 

________________________________________________________________________

Under the leadership of the Director of Student Counseling Services (SCS), the Crisis Counselor - Advocate provides confidential, comprehensive services to students through SCS as part of the Crisis, Advocacy, and Outreach team. The primary focus of this role is mental health crisis response and support, while also completing required advocacy training in compliance with state requirements and providing advocacy services to students as needed. The position contributes to education initiatives related to violence prevention and mental health and wellness, and may shift between crisis response and advocacy functions based on departmental needs. The Crisis Counselor – Advocate position is designed to allow for flexible scheduling and service delivery as needed to support the priorities of leadership and the evolving needs of the campus community. This position reports directly to the Assistant Director for SCS.

This is an in-office position located in Stephenville, Texas. Standard work hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 7 PM, to provide after-hours coverage and availability based out of Residence Halls. The role is partially mobile to allow for meetings with students, faculty, staff, and/or community members, and may include remote work when directed by leadership. Occasional travel to the Fort Worth campus, conferences, after-hours outreach, and weekend support for university events will be required.

Responsibilities

Direct Client Support: Provide risk assessment, crisis management, and brief treatment services for students seeking help for emotional and behavioral concerns. Provide crisis follow-up appointments, transition planning for students accessing or leaving inpatient care, and support accessing post-crisis / ongoing care either through SCS or through another appropriate avenue. Support advocacy services when crisis needs are lower including providing options, referrals, and information to students who experience crime, violence, or abuse. Provide emergency assistance in the immediate aftermath of violence and related follow-up services. Provide education to survivors on their rights and responsibilities.   

Indirect Advocacy & Crisis Support: Provide consultation to faculty, staff, and students. Coordinate care and services, which may include coordination with campus departments and / or local agencies and accompaniment to appointments on or off-campus. Serve on appropriate on and off-campus committees. Liaison with Dean of Students Office, CARE team, campus and community law enforcement and others as appropriate to support student victims and students experiencing crises. 

Data collection and reporting: Keep appropriate records; collect and share de-identified aggregate data as appropriate with campus and community stakeholders including Title IX and Clery committees, community Sexual Assault Response Team, community High Risk Domestic Violence Task Force, etc. 

Case Management & Consultation: Provides timely clinical documentation of counseling services in accordance with Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) licensure requirements and SCS policies. Participates in clinical consultation and staffing activities and provides mentoring and support to undergraduate and graduate staff / interns.

Performs other duties as assigned, including participation in recurring campus initiatives supporting the Division of Student Engagement and Success and the University as a whole, such as Duck Camps, Transition Week, and Commencement. Responsibilities related to advocacy and crisis response may require additional evening and weekend availability.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations, including those involving graphic or sensitive circumstances. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality, prioritize competing demands, and remain organized and detail-oriented. Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences while upholding client dignity.

Must 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 as a condition of continued employment. Employees must also successfully complete all required background screenings in accordance with university policies and complete required advocacy training in compliance with state requirements.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

Full licensure preferred. Experience in survivor advocacy and educational outreach, with demonstrated 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 is strongly preferred, along with familiarity with on- and off-campus support resources and reporting options. Crisis response experience is preferred.

Required Education and Experience:  

To be qualified as a Professional Counselor I:

• Master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Must hold a provisional clinical license (e.g., LPC-Associate, LMFT-Associate, LMSW) or obtain one within one year of hire.
• Employees holding a provisional license must obtain full licensure within the timeframe required by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) and remain in compliance with Student Counseling Services standards to maintain eligibility for continued employment.

 Proposed Salary Range for Professional Counselor I: $49,000 to $68,330.50

To be qualified as a Professional Counselor II:

• Master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of related professional experience.
• Must hold a current, unrestricted Texas license as a Licensed Psychologist (LP), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and maintain the license in good standing with BHEC as a condition of continued employment.

Proposed Salary Range for Professional Counselor II: $53,745 to $76,321

Position level (I or II) will be determined by the candidate's qualifications and professional experience.

All clinical staff must 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 as a condition of continued employment. Employees must also successfully complete all required background screenings in accordance with university policies and procedures.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is commensurate with experience and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.