Assistant/Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Western Washington University • Bellingham, WA

5d • $72,000 - $97,500

About The Position

Western Washington University’s Department of Psychology invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track Counselor Education position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The position begins September 16, 2027. The Counseling Program offers CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling specialties in small, two-year cohort-based programs that prepare culturally sensitive, ethical counselors for professional practice. The successful candidate will contribute to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty and demonstrate a strong, consistent commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion in counselor education.

The position includes supervising practicum students in the program’s community-serving onsite training clinic and supervising internship students in the community; teaching core counseling courses in the candidate’s area of specialty; maintaining a research program and publishing in peer-reviewed journals; and providing program service and leadership, along with service to the Department and University commensurate with experience. Appointment is contingent on obtaining a Washington LMHC credential within 12 months of hire. Employees must comply with the University’s immunization policies, including providing proof of Rubeola measles immunity within 60 days of hire.

The position is based at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. The anticipated starting salary is $72,000–$75,000 for an Assistant Professor appointment and $82,000–$84,000 for an Associate Professor appointment. Relocation assistance may be available under University guidelines and subject to budget availability. Salary and start-up funds will be determined upon offer. Western may sponsor employment-based work visas on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

• PhD degree at the time of application from a CACREP-accredited counselor education program.
• At least three years as a tenure-track or tenured core faculty member in a CACREP-accredited program, or at least three years in a leadership role in a CACREP program while holding a current tenure-track appointment.
• Two semesters or three quarters of teaching practicum.
• Two semesters or three quarters of providing direct individual clinical supervision.
• Currently fully licensed as a mental health counselor; the successful candidate must acquire a Washington LMHC credential within 12 months of hire.
• An established and ongoing research program, with planned, in-progress, and completed work that advances the program.
• At least one peer-reviewed journal article accepted for publication in a quality counseling research outlet, with all aspects of the work completed after the applicant’s terminal degree.
• Additional scholarly accomplishment commensurate with experience.
• Strong and consistent dedication to social justice, equity, and inclusion in counseling practice and counselor education, evidenced through teaching and supervision pedagogy commensurate with experience.
• For appointment at the Associate Professor level: demonstrated significant research and successful teaching commensurate with Department, College, and University promotion standards.
• Compliance with University immunization policies, including proof of Rubeola measles immunity within 60 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Tenured at the current institution.
• Three years of experience as a CACREP core faculty member.
• Scholarship in equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Leadership experience such as prior service as a CACREP program director, internship coordinator, admissions coordinator, CACREP liaison or coordinator, or chair of a college or university committee, commensurate with experience.
• Professional identity and engagement demonstrated through ACA conference presentations, counseling-related journal publications, service on counseling journal editorial boards, or national service to the counseling profession, commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise practicum students in the community-serving onsite training clinic.
• Supervise internship students in community settings.
• Teach core counseling courses in the candidate’s area of specialty.
• Maintain a program of research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Provide Counseling Program service and leadership.
• Engage in Department and University service commensurate with experience.
• Demonstrate dedication to justice, equity, and inclusion throughout counselor education practice.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be available under University guidelines and depending on available budget.
• Faculty benefits information is referenced in the posting; specific benefits are not detailed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree