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Mental Wellness Counselor

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Mental Wellness Counselor.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive, Box 5075

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Division of Student Affairs

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 48,000.00 - 59,256.00

Pay Grade

E09

Posting Close Date October 30, 2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit completed application a long with cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three (3) current professional references.

Job Summary

Student Counseling Services provide quality counseling interventions to Southern Miss students by promoting sound mental health and the coping skills necessary for successful pursuit of their educational and life goals. Our mental wellness counselors work in a spirit of collaboration within the Division of Student Affairs to support individual responsibility, personal growth, and wellness of all enrolled members of the student body.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Provide individual and group counseling for enrolled students.

+ Provide consultation services regarding mental wellness for the Southern Miss community, including students, parents, staff, faculty, and administration.

+ Provide emergency response services to the Southern Miss campus on a 24-hour, rotating basis.

+ Provide outreach, educational and prevention services regarding mental wellness to the Southern Miss campus.

+ Participates in the overall administration of SCS through attendance at staff meetings, case conferences, staff development, campus events, and contributions to the development of SCS policy and procedures and evaluation processes.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work or mental health degree.

At least, one year of experience working in the mental health field.

Must provide proof of either an active licensure, or provisional licensure, to provide mental health services in the state of Mississippi with designation of PLPC, LMFTA, or LMSW; or an active certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) from the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Working knowledge of consultation practices and the ability to provide guidance to all university community (students, parents, staff, faculty, and administration).

+ Knowledge of crisis intervention and emergency response protocols in a campus environment.

+ Understanding of relevant ethical and legal standards in the provision of mental health services, including confidentiality and reporting requirements.

+ Demonstrated skill in providing effective individual and group counseling interventions to address a range of mental health concerns.

+ Excellent outreach and presentation skills, with the ability to develop and deliver engaging educational programs on mental wellness topics.

+ Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact professionally with students, colleagues, and the broader university community.

+ Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, active listening, and the ability to build rapport with everyone.

+ Ability to work collaboratively within a team and contribute to the overall administration of Student Counseling Services.

+ Ability to assess the mental health needs of students and develop appropriate treatment plans.

+ Ability to work effectively under pressure, particularly in crisis situations.

+ Ability to adapt counseling approaches to meet the diverse needs of students.

+ Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.

+ Ability to utilize technology and relevant software for documentation and communication.

Preferred Qualifications

Four years of experience in the mental health field working with adolescents or college-aged individuals. Two years of experience providing direct clinical care delivering individual, family, or group therapy.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.