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Professor of Practice in Counseling

Apply now Posting #: 5127
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time temporary
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, School of Leadership and Education Sciences

Position Title & Department:

 Professor of Practice in Counseling
Posting #

5127

Department Description:

Initially founded in 1962 as an education department within the College for Women, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) was officially established in 2005. As the second oldest academic institution at the University of San Diego (USD), the school has been shaped by a profound dedication to educational equity, which drives the mission and foundational values of SOLES and guides the school’s compassionate and strategic vision to help shape the future by educating and empowering professionals to enact academic justice, enhance human dignity and improve the quality of life of diverse individuals, families, and communities locally and globally. SOLES develops future leaders, educators, and mental health practitioners to be catalysts for change by offering unparalleled experiences and thought-provoking curricula.

The school serves graduate students across three departments and offers three doctoral programs, nine master’s degrees, teacher credential programs, five undergraduate offerings, as well as seven certificates for graduate credit. SOLES is also home to eight centers and institutes that foster an ongoing commitment to assess regional needs and devise unique solutions; the initiatives the school has established and launched offer accessibility and opportunity while also confronting the challenges faced by underserved communities in the region. SOLES also maintains municipal and global partnerships, understanding that local action combined with global collaboration has the potential to inspire significant progress and change. Knowing that students gain the unique insight and perspectives necessary to thrive as global citizens by studying abroad, the school ensures all students fulfill an international requirement, providing a meaningful learning experience that complements the university’s liberal arts education.

The School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) at the University of San Diego is recognized for its excellence and transformative contributions to education and leadership. A few key highlights that reflect SOLES’ unwavering commitment to equity, leadership, and community impact.include:

  • The only active Holmes Scholars Program in California supporting underrepresented doctoral students in education.
  • Eight centers and institutes including the Catholic Institute for Mental Health Ministry, Center for Restorative Justice, Character Education Resource Center, The Global Center, the Jacobs Institute, the Manchester Family Child Development Center, the Nonprofit Institute, and the newly launched Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity.
  • Black InGenius Initiative advancing equity and opportunity for marginalized communities through innovative leadership and collaboration.
  • Johnson’s Fellows for Anti-Ablist Teaching supporting teachers in the San Diego region who wish to deepen their understanding of best teaching practices for supporting students with disabilities.

SOLES develops and prepares the next generation of skilled practitioners to use their passion and knowledge to ignite meaningful change, embrace innovation, and support inclusivity by prioritizing equity, diversity, and social justice across communities and industries. The school’s faculty are recognized and respected experts in their field, committed to pedagogical quality and advancing scholarship in justice. Student success is thanks to not just faculty but also the administrators and staff, who are equally devoted to ensuring the SOLES community receives the resources and support services needed to succeed.     

In addition to WSCUC institutional accreditation, many of the school’s programs hold prestigious programmatic accreditations. The MA in Marital and Family Therapy has maintained accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) since 1992. The MA in Counseling, School Counseling, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling specializations have maintained accreditation with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) since 2007 and 2013, respectively. The School Counseling program has also been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) as a pathway for students to earn a California Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling credential. Likewise, the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with Credentials is an approved educator preparation program by the CCTC. The MEd provides pathways for candidates to earn preliminary credentials in multiple subjects, single subjects, education specialist, and/or multiple subjects with bilingual authorization.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

Informed by its core mission and values and dedicated to the ongoing legacy of its founders, the  University of San Diego (“USD”) is committed to confronting humanity's urgent challenges and empowering students to live fulfilling lives as responsible, global citizens. USD's community of scholars is committed to educating the whole person — intellectually, physically, spiritually, emotionally,  socially, and culturally. The University provides a character-building education that fosters independent thought, innovation, integrity, analytical thinking, and an open-minded and collaborative worldview.

Mission: USD is a contemporary Catholic university grounded in the liberal arts and anchored along an international border, advancing academic excellence to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and hopeful world.

Vision: Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of San Diego confronts humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice, and leading with love. See more about our mission, vision, and core values here.

At a glance: Founded in 1949, USD is the youngest Catholic institution on the U.S. News & World  Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. It was recently ranked by Princeton Review as  #3 in Quality of Life and #10 in Best Run Colleges. Other rankings include #4 in Promoting Public  Service (Washington Monthly). The University’s stunning campus is perennially recognized as one of the most beautiful and sustainable campuses in the country. See more rankings here.

Mission-focused academics

Colleges and schools:

▪ College of Arts and Sciences

Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science

▪ Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies

Knauss School of Business

▪ Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering

School of Law

School of Leadership and Education Sciences

▪ The Copley Library

Division of Professional and Continuing Education

Detailed Description:

The School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego seeks qualified applicants for a 9-month, full-time Professor of Practice in Counseling position. This role will support our CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling track by delivering high-quality, student-centered instruction and promoting clinical excellence. The successful candidate will have a strong background in clinical practice, supervision, and teaching, with a commitment to culturally responsive counseling practices and the development of future mental health professionals. This individual will collaborate with faculty, leadership teams, and external partners to address the evolving needs of the counseling field and align the program with CACREP standards and current professional trends.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Teach master’s-level courses in the Counseling Program, specifically the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track.
  • Provide clinical supervision to students completing practicum and internship requirements, ensuring adherence to CACREP standards.
  • Mentor and advise graduate students on academic success, professional identity development, and licensure pathways.
  • Actively contribute to the ongoing accreditation processes, curriculum development, and program refinement to ensure compliance with CACREP standards.
  • Collaborate with faculty to integrate evidence-based practices and promote social justice and multicultural competence in the counseling curriculum.
  • Participate in scholarly and professional activities, including conference presentations, workshops, and community outreach.

Additional Information: This is a full-time, 9-month faculty position with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of a 3-year renewable appointment. The School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community. We encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our mission of promoting equity and social justice through education and leadership.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision (CACREP-accredited) or a related field.
  • Active licensure (e.g., LPC, LPCC, LMHC) and substantial experience in clinical practice (minimum 3-5 years).
  • Experience teaching Clinical Mental Health Counseling courses at the graduate level, with demonstrated excellence in student-centered pedagogy.
  • Experience providing clinical supervision to counseling students in practicum and internship settings.
  • Experience with trauma-informed/culturally sustaining practices.
  • Commitment to CACREP accreditation standards and program development in alignment with professional counseling guidelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to foster inclusive and culturally responsive practices in teaching, supervision, and clinical work.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and collaborative skills to engage diverse stakeholders (students, faculty, external partners).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Eligibility for California LPCC licensure.
  • Active certification in counseling supervision (e.g., Approved Clinical Supervisor - ACS).
  • Experience teaching research methods and/or psychopharmacology at the graduate level.
  • Leadership experience in professional counseling organizations.
  • Record of scholarly activity, such as publications, presentations, or grants.
Posting Salary:

BB Positions

$8,333 - 8,500/month; Excellent Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience.  Annual professional development funding and internal grant opportunities are available to support conference travel. Candidates are expected to reside locally.

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:
Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application.  

Complete application will include the following:

  1. Cover letter addressing qualifications, teaching philosophy, clinical experience, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  2. Curriculum vitae detailing academic, clinical, and professional experience.
  3. Contact information for three professional references.
  4. Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations, teaching portfolio, or sample syllabi).

If you have any questions, please contact the Search Chair, Dr. Nedeljko Golubovic ngolubovic@sandiego.edu

We will begin reviewing applications March 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

If you have any technical questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
Additional Details:

The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

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