Assistant Professor of Practice - Counseling -

The primary location of this position is on the Biltmore Park campus in Asheville, NC.

Western Carolina University’s (WCU) Department of Human Services invites applications for a 9-month, fixed-term faculty position as Assistant Professor of Practice in Counseling in the graduate Counseling program geographically based in Asheville, NC. Anticipated starting work date is January 1, 2027 (or August 1, 2027 depending on candidate availability). Review of applications will begin October 2, 2026 and continue until position is filled.

The Counseling Program is located in the Human Services Department in the College of Education and Allied Professions. The Human Services Department (HS) is a diverse department offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees in fields intended to meet a variety of human needs.

The successful candidate will teach, supervise, and advise students in a CACREP-accredited, master’s degree program in counseling (school counseling and clinical mental health counseling specialties) at the WCU instructional site at Biltmore Park in Asheville, NC. Courses are offered to students in day and evening sections with the expectation of faculty working 2-3 nights per semester.

Duties:

• The teaching load is four courses each semester (80%), with priority being practicum and internship courses. However, in lieu of a fourth course each semester, the faculty member will teach three courses and be tasked with launching and managing the counseling program lab/clinic. They may also teach other core or elective counseling courses as needed, and option to teach in the summer.
• Provide program, department, college, and university service (20%). The candidate may assist with field placement and collaborate with area clinical agencies and schools on professional development, site development, and outreach services. They will assist with student recruitment activities, advise students, review student applications, monitor student progress, and perform other related service duties as requested within the program, department, college, and university.

Western Carolina University and the WCU Counseling program holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from a CACREP-accredited program and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling
• ABD with expected completion of doctorate by August 2027 will be considered

Other:

• Licensed as a clinical mental health counselor/licensed professional counselor, and post-graduate clinical experience
• Experience working in clinic setting (e.g., agencies, college clinic)
• Clinical supervisory experience and training
• Evidence of, or potential for, expertise in master’s-level teaching in CACREP core curriculum
• Experience teaching practicum/internship
• Commitment to become licensed as LCMHC in North Carolina, if hired

Preferred Qualifications

• North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
• Supervision licensure or certification
• Experience facilitating counseling lab/clinics, including understanding compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations, Titanium, billing, and emergency services
• Experience in grant development and management
• Experience with field placement technology management (e.g., ELC, Titanium)

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

9

Posting Text

Open Date

08/20/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin October 2, 2026 and continue until position is filled

Please include cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts from highest degree earned* and a list references.

• All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state “Degree Awarded,” “Degree Conferred,” or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as “Degree Awarded,” “Degree Conferred,” or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.

For questions or additional information please contact Melodie Frick, Search Committee Chair, at: [email protected]

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at [email protected].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.