Assistant Professor of Counselor Education

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), a private Christian institution located in West Palm Beach, Florida, seeks an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education to join the School of Education and Behavioral Studies. The successful candidate will teach in PBA’s CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counselor Education program, with a primary focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the Christian faith, excellence in teaching and mentoring, and experience preparing students for professional counseling practice and clinical licensure. Faculty members support students through a rigorous academic curriculum, field-based experiential learning, intentional mentoring, and opportunities for personal, professional, and spiritual growth. The successful candidate will contribute to the program’s commitment to preparing highly competent, ethical counselors who integrate a Christian worldview with professional excellence and are equipped to serve individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds.

Required Qualifications

Doctorate in Counselor Education from a CACREP-accredited program, required. Licensed or license eligible as a professional counselor or related credential, required.

Must possess knowledge of CACREP standards and accreditation processes. Strong analytical and communication skills are an essential element of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with online and hybrid course delivery. 2+ years prior teaching experience in higher education and a record of scholarly activity.

Summary of Job Duties

• Teach graduate courses in the CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counselor Education program, particularly within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum, according to areas of expertise.
• Support the continued development and delivery of curriculum aligned with CACREP standards, professional counseling competencies, licensure requirements, and emerging needs within the counseling profession.
• Provide academic advising, professional mentoring, and support for students as they progress toward degree completion, clinical practice, and professional licensure.
• Participate in the oversight and support of students’ field-based clinical experiences, including practicum and internship experiences.
• Engage in scholarly, research, and/or professional activity that contributes to the counseling profession and advances the academic mission and reputation of the program, School, and University.
• Integrate Christian faith, biblical worldview, and professional counseling ethics within teaching, mentoring, scholarship, and service while preparing students to serve individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds.
• Participate in University and School service, faculty development, student recruitment and retention activities, program assessment, and accreditation-related responsibilities.
• Maintain active engagement with the counseling profession through appropriate professional organizations, continuing education, clinical practice, research, and/or community involvement.
• Support community partnerships, clinical placement relationships, and professional networking opportunities that enhance students’ preparation and experiential learning.
• Collaborate with Counselor Education faculty and colleagues across the School of Education and Behavioral Studies to strengthen academic programs, interdisciplinary initiatives, research, and student learning.
• Contribute to a supportive faculty culture characterized by collegiality, academic excellence, Christian commitment, and a shared investment in student success.

The successful candidate will possess the interpersonal and professional skills necessary to work effectively with students, faculty, clinical partners, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and will demonstrate a commitment to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and academically rigorous learning environment. The candidate will demonstrate excellence in oral and written communication, professionalism, attention to detail, collegiality, sound judgment, and effective problem solving. A strong commitment to student mentoring and the preparation of ethical, competent, and compassionate professional counselors is essential. The successful candidate will bring the initiative, scholarly engagement, clinical expertise, and enthusiasm necessary to contribute to the continued growth and excellence of PBA’s CACREP-accredited Counselor Education program. The candidate should also demonstrate a commitment to integrating Christian faith and a biblical worldview with counselor education while preparing graduates to serve ethically and effectively with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds.

The Institution

Founded in 1968, Palm Beach Atlantic University is an interdenominational Christian institution with over 4,500 students, from all 50 states and more than 80 countries, across 100 academic programs. PBA’s programs are framed by a Christian worldview that is guided by accomplished experts and delivered in the breathtaking setting of West Palm Beach, Florida. PBA’s graduates launch lives of character, meaning, and accomplishment to make a difference in their careers and communities. From its presence in the academic curriculum, to weekly chapel, to service learning and mission trips, the Christ-centered foundation shapes the student experience and prepares them with the kind of ethical, principled outlook that today’s employers value.

The University upholds a commitment to academic excellence, where the life of the mind molds both character and intellect, integrating core values into its academic programs. With a notable 26 Fulbright awards (22 student awards and 4 faculty awards) since 2018, PBA demonstrates its dedication to academic excellence. Alumni regularly secure acceptance to prestigious graduate programs, fellowships, and service organizations.

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s offerings are proven and respected by top employers and elite graduate institutions. Its programs offer distinctive, elevated learning opportunities. In addition, PBA’s six Centers of Excellence deepen students’ knowledge and skills and add dimension to the learning experience through distinctive programming, travel, internship, and networking opportunities. Through PBA’s unique Workship Program, students improve communities locally, around South Florida and in countries across the globe by building homes for those in need, assisting with natural disaster recovery efforts, tutoring and mentoring students in after school programs, and packing meals for families living in underserved communities. To date, PBA students have volunteered 4.3 million hours of service through Workship

Location

Living in West Palm Beach, Florida, residents are surrounded by the unparalleled opportunities of South Florida. In addition to the natural beauty of its location on the Intracoastal Waterway, PBA offers endless professional opportunities, world-class cultural outlets, and exceptional shopping districts just minutes from campus.

One can find outdoor recreation at the Everglades, Lake Trail or MacArthur Beach State Park and more than 50 miles of pristine beaches nearby. Residents can also play a round of golf at any of the area’s more than 160 golf courses, catch the pro sports action of the NFL’s Dolphins, NBA’s Heat, MLB’s Marlins and NHL’s Panthers or take in a concert at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. West Palm Beach is also home to an eclectic and appetizing food scene, with cuisines representing everything from Caribbean and Cuban to Asian, German and Portuguese. With nearly 20 churches of various denominations located just minutes from the PBA campus, employees have an outstanding opportunity to become involved in a local faith community.

West Palm Beach is a city of 100,000+ residents located within Palm Beach County, which has 1.5 million residents. Located along Florida’s Atlantic Ocean coast, West Palm Beach offers appealing weather and year-round access to smooth-sand beaches and some of the nation’s most enticing waterways and is located a short drive to some of Florida's fabulous cities: Fort Lauderdale is 1 hour away; Miami is 1.5 hours; Key Largo is 2 hours, and Orlando is 2.5 hours away. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is located less than three miles from PBA’s campus and was ranked #1 in the U.S. for shortest overall wait times at TSA checkpoints. West Palm Beach is also a stop on the Brightline passenger high-speed rail system that connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.