Counselor Jobs in South Dakota
Counselor jobs in South Dakota draw steady demand across behavioral health agencies, K-12 school districts, tribal health programs, and substance use treatment centers, with openings for recent graduates through licensed clinical directors. Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen account for the largest share of postings, where employers like Avera Health, Monument Health, and the South Dakota Department of Social Services maintain consistent hiring pipelines. School counselors, substance use counselors, and mental health counselors hold the most active specialties statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Keystone Treatment Center is a 126 Bed Treatment Center providing services to adults on an inpatient basis. Keystone is located in Canton SD, just a short drive from Sioux Falls, SD.
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
- Conduct group and/or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and documents as required.
- Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions and assist with modifying problem behaviors.
- May be responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessments for patients.
- May prepare individual treatment plan for each assigned patient.
- Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
- May act as a liaison between referral sources and patients.
- Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
- May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
- May act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.
- May provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care.
- Evaluate the need of the patient and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities is needed.
- Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
Hours:
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
- Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
- ACT, or CAC Preferred. Bachelor's degree in social or health services field preferred.
- Experience in counseling field instruction/internship or similar practicum through education or certification process required.
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
- Licensure or certification for counseling, as required by the state in which the facility operates; OR state license or certification eligible within the timeframe designated by the facility.
- CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
- First aid may be required based on state or facility.
ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:
- Completion of ongoing education and training, as required by the state in which the facility operates and applicable accrediting body.
While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.
KEYTC
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.
Keystone Treatment Center is a 126 Bed Treatment Center providing services to adults on an inpatient basis. Keystone is located in Canton SD, just a short drive from Sioux Falls, SD.
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
- Conduct group and/or family sessions, under supervision, as scheduled and documents as required.
- Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions and assist with modifying problem behaviors.
- May be responsible for initial assessments, as well as follow up assessments for patients.
- May prepare individual treatment plan for each assigned patient.
- Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
- May act as a liaison between referral sources and patients.
- Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
- May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
- May act as a liaison with insurance carriers, as requested.
- May provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care.
- Evaluate the need of the patient and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities is needed.
- Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
Hours:
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
- Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
- ACT, or CAC Preferred. Bachelor's degree in social or health services field preferred.
- Experience in counseling field instruction/internship or similar practicum through education or certification process required.
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
- Licensure or certification for counseling, as required by the state in which the facility operates; OR state license or certification eligible within the timeframe designated by the facility.
- CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
- First aid may be required based on state or facility.
ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:
- Completion of ongoing education and training, as required by the state in which the facility operates and applicable accrediting body.
While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.
KEYTC
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.
See All 9 Counselor Jobs in South Dakota
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Find Counselor JobsCounselor Jobs by City in South Dakota
Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Counselor Job Market in South Dakota
A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What South Dakota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in counselor jobs across South Dakota.
- Active South Dakota counselor license issued by the South Dakota Board of Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related field
- Experience delivering individual or group counseling in a clinical or school setting
- Familiarity with evidence-based practices such as CBT, motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed care
- Strong documentation skills and proficiency with electronic health record systems
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to client sites across rural South Dakota counties
Counselor Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a counselor in South Dakota?
Becoming a licensed counselor in South Dakota requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field followed by supervised post-graduate hours under the oversight of the South Dakota Board of Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Candidates then sit for the National Counselor Examination or a specialty exam appropriate to their track. School counselors must also meet South Dakota Department of Education certification requirements, which include a teaching background in some cases.
Which companies hire counselors in South Dakota?
Companies currently hiring counselors in South Dakota include Avera Health, HELPLINE CENTER, and Brightside Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. South Dakota's large integrated health systems and its network of tribal-affiliated behavioral health programs represent the most consistent long-term sources of counselor openings across the state.
Which South Dakota cities have the most counselor jobs?
Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and South Dakota have the most counselor openings in South Dakota. Sioux Falls drives volume as the state's largest city and home to Avera Health and Sanford Health headquarters, while Rapid City reflects Monument Health's regional footprint and proximity to Pine Ridge and Rosebud tribal communities that support behavioral health demand, and Aberdeen draws openings from its concentration of school districts and regional health facilities serving northeast South Dakota.
Are there remote counselor jobs in South Dakota?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because counseling often involves face-to-face clinical work, school presence, or community outreach. About 100% of counselor openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with telehealth platforms and some school-based contracted services making up the largest share of fully remote roles.
How can I get hired as a counselor in South Dakota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a practicum or internship placement completed through an accredited South Dakota graduate program, which frequently converts to a staff role at the same agency. Avera Behavioral Health and Monument Health both onboard new graduates into supervised associate-level positions while they accumulate the hours needed for full licensure. Roles such as case manager, youth support specialist, or crisis line counselor in community mental health centers are common lateral entry points that count toward supervised experience.
Where can I find and apply to counselor jobs in South Dakota?
You can find and apply to counselor jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 9 Counselor Jobs in South Dakota
Find roles in South Dakota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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