Clinical Specialist -Online Counselor Education

• Appointment Type: Non-Tenure Track
• State Title: Clinical Specialist
• Bargaining Unit: AFT
• Employment Type: 35 hours per week/Full-Time
• Expected Term: Start Date July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2030
• Compensation: Range 24/$91,777.27 - $99,422.70

About TCNJ

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly selective institution that is consistently recognized as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the nation. Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, TCNJ maintains the eighth highest four-year graduation rate among all public colleges and universities.

It is ranked by Money as one of the top 15 public colleges “most likely to pay off financially,” and U. S. News & World Report rates it the No. 1 public institution among regional universities in the northeast.

About the Department

The Online Department of Counselor Education is a new department at The College of New Jersey, developed with external funding received for the next five years, with the expectation of the program being self-sustaining from that point forward. You will be foundational faculty growing a program that targets working with paraprofessionals in mental health HPSA communities to be able to complete their graduate education.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will serve as a core counselor education program faculty member who is responsible for effective online teaching, advising, and professional activity in the field of counseling (sustained memberships in counseling associations, maintenance of certifications and/or licenses in counseling, sustained professional development and service to the profession).

Teaching responsibilities will include ten courses over the academic year (fall, spring and summer terms). Our program has three 15-week terms with two 7-week sessions within each. You will be granted one 7-week session where you have no teaching responsibilities. All faculty are required to have a small active clinical practice.

Candidates should be committed to inclusive excellence in higher education, demonstrated through, for example, culturally responsive course design and pedagogy, equity-minded student engagement and mentorship, and cultivating intercultural competencies needed for meaningful citizenship.

TCNJ has a strong commitment to inclusive excellence in our community and to supporting a healthy work-life balance for our faculty. Candidates should be strongly committed to high quality online teaching and to fostering success for all students.

Clinical Specialists will be expected to join a community committed to exploration and growth in pedagogical practices. TCNJ supports its community of teacher-scholars and practitioners through a range of internal grant programs, professional travel, engaging professional development programs, and other mechanisms.

These intentional efforts support the recruitment, retention, and success of our faculty, particularly those from groups traditionally underrepresented in academe.

Required Qualifications

Education: doctoral degree in counselor education; or have a related doctoral degree and have been employed as a full-time faculty member in a counselor education program for a minimum of one full academic year before July 1, 2013; or have been employed as a full-time doctoral-level faculty member in a CORE-accredited master’s program prior to July 1, 2017; or have graduated from a rehabilitation doctoral program prior to January 1, 2018. ABD candidates must have completed the PhD by the time the appointment begins.

Demonstrate cultural competency and ability to foster inclusive learning environments and mutual respect for students and colleagues.

Have an active, independent professional counseling license and two years or more of direct clinical experience outside of academia as a clinical mental health counselor. Priority will be given to those with community agency work experience, and/or deeper clinical experience.

• Experience teaching, preferably online, in a graduate program for counselor education.
• Proven record of excellence in instruction.
• Active clinical experience and independent license as a professional counselor.
• Strong commitment to working as part of a faculty team.
• Strong record of curriculum development.
• Record of active involvement in professional organizations.
• Proficiency in the CACREP accreditation requirements.
• Commitment to issues of social justice and diversity.
• Strong commitment to preparing students to become excellent practitioners.

Preferred

• Have at least two years of teaching experience.
• Have earned the doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.

Employer Qualifications

Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).

Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact hr@tcnj.edu.

Employee Benefits

As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a part of an exciting and rewarding public college career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Affinity Groups

New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)

Access to Extensive Learning Opportunities

To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more!

How to Apply

Candidates should submit (a) a letter of application highlighting their interest and qualifications, (b) a curriculum vitae, (c) a statement of teaching philosophy/approach (no longer than 2 pages), (d) a description of professional engagement and goals (no longer than 2 pages), (e) a statement of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (no longer than 2 pages), (f) unofficial transcripts (graduate and undergraduate), (g) names and contact information for at least three professional references, (h) copy of your active, independent clinical license, and (i) copy of three recent student evaluations of teaching.

Applications should be submitted electronically. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. We would like to hire as soon as possible.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be received by November 30th, 2026.

The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds.

We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.