Counselor (Academic Counselor-Learning Community Coordinator: Umoja)

Position: Counselor (Academic Counselor-Learning Community Coordinator: Umoja) Salary: $6,441.92 - $9,693.00 Monthly Location: Chula Vista Campus - Chula Vista, CA Job Type: Tenured Track Faculty Job Number: 00188 Division: Student Affairs Department: Sch of Counseling & SSP Opening Date: 03/22/2026 FLSA: Exempt Funding Type: District Months of Service: 11 Full-time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 Initial Screening Deadline: 04/19/2026 Start Date: July 1, 2026

Description

Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities. SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging. Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

This position may include a combination of day, evening, weekend, and extension site assignments. Successful candidate may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).

Southwestern Community College District is seeking a full-time, tenure track, equity-focused counseling faculty members committed to serving its culturally diverse student population. Southwestern Community College District seeks counseling faculty who will foster an inclusive learning environment through equity-minded counseling, teaching, leadership, and service to students working toward goals of university transfer, associate degree and certificate completion, employment advancement, and personal growth.

The Colleges

Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is not just a college district; it is a vibrant hub of higher education serving the diverse communities of Chula Vista, San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, National City, and Coronado. Our strategic location in south San Diego County places us in a unique position to provide exceptional services to a binational community along the United States-Mexico International Border.

As a proud Hispanic Serving Institution and eligible Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (ANNAPISI), SWCCD places immense value on equity, inclusion, diversity, and culturally responsive classroom instruction and support services. We understand that each employee and student bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives to our campus, and we are committed to creating an environment that welcomes and celebrates this diversity. The College is dedicated to providing quality academic programs, comprehensive student support services that ensure equitable access, and clear pathways to student success. These efforts include professional development opportunities, employee-led affinity groups, proud commitment to DACA students, and supportive employee onboarding practices.

Our Students

SWCCD currently enrolls approximately 32,000 students annually. SWCCD is a very diverse college with an ethnicity/race make up of 58% Hispanic students, 19% Caucasian students, 6% Filipino students, 5% African American students, 2% Asian students and 3% multi-ethnicity. Approximately 56% of the colleges students are under the age of 24 with 28% ages 25 to 39. Approximately 53% of students receive some form of financial aid, 39% are full-time students and 61% part-time students. The college has approximately 1,500 employees.

Our Values

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, academic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. Successful candidates will be expected to exhibit responsiveness and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, cultural, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, religious, and ethnic and racial backgrounds of community college students and employees, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Critically self-assess their individual impact, through teaching practices and student engagement, on closing equity gaps and holds themselves accountable to upholding and delivering equitable practices.
• Reframe deficit language and take individual and collective responsibility to look at their own practices as a vehicle to eliminate inequities.
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human differences.
• Strategically encourage and build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity efforts.

Southwestern Community College District seeks faculty who value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, guidance counseling, educational counseling, social work, career development, marriage and family therapy, or marriage, family and child counseling.
• OR Bachelors degree in one of the above listed degrees and a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).
• OR Possession of a valid California Community College Credential in Counseling.
• OR The equivalent.

Please note, this position is not a mental health therapist position at Southwestern Community College District. It is focused on academic counseling and not associated with behavioral health or located within our personal wellness department.

Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

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Desired Qualifications

• Community college counseling experience.
• Evidence of program coordination and implementation.
• Evidence of previous teaching experience, especially at the community college level.
• Evidence of an ability to use and to interpret various career assessments.
• Evidence of knowledge in the use of various academic and career-related resources to assist students in researching important information about their academic goal, selecting a major and determining a career of their choice.
• Evidence of an ability to develop a comprehensive student education plan leading to the completion of an education goal.
• Evidence of an ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of academic skills.
• Evidence of an ability to conduct various academic, career and job-related workshops and presentations.
• Evidence of an ability to provide interventions for students on academic/progress probation.
• Evidence of an ability to work with computers, multimedia, and other technologies utilized in providing high-quality instruction.
• Evidence of an ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Desire and demonstrated ability to participate actively in the department, division, and college committees and in the shared governance of Southwestern College.
• Desire and evidence of an ability to take on leadership roles both within the department and in the institution as a whole.
• Commitment to the Mission and Strategic Objectives of the two-year college.
• An understanding of the interconnectedness of socio-economic, cultural, environmental, and personal factors contributing to both the achievement of as well as barriers to success for African American students and other populations.
• Commitment to examine, reflect, and modify instructional, relational, classroom and counseling practices to effectively engage and support disproportionately impacted populations with a goal of closing the equity gaps.
• Also, an understanding of Title V, Categorical programs and changes impacting Student Services.

Specialized experience with online counseling, First Year Experience, Foster Youth, Restorative Justice or Veteran Students is desired. Bilingual skills in English and other languages. Prior experience in coordinating LGBTQ programs, and/or support services which worked directly with LGBTQ+ student populations.

Service

• Assume leadership roles both within the department and in the institution as a whole.
• Commitment to serving the needs of the student, department, college, and community.
• Collaboration across disciplines and utilization of student support resources.
• Participation in department, division, college committees, and participatory governance activities.
• Participation in curriculum and program development.
• Work collegially and collaboratively within the college community.
• Participation in ongoing professional development.

Teaching

• Ability to create a dynamic learning environment that values instructor/student interaction.
• Ability to effectively engage with and facilitate authentic learning for students of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
• Ability to adapt teaching andragogy/pedagogy to the knowledge of each individual and class.
• Ability to self-reflect and respond to an evidence-based assessment of student learning.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to integrating new technologies into the learning process, including but not limited to interactive technologies for on-campus and on-line courses.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and respect for a rich and diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities.
• Experience working in a community with a similar diversity pattern as is found in the service area for Southwestern College is desirable.
• A short teaching demonstration may be required of those invited for an interview.

Duties / Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Dean, Counseling and Student Support Programs the Counselor will be responsible for providing equity minded academic, career and personal counseling to a diverse student population. The UMOJA Coordinator assists African American and other student populations in transitioning into and connecting with the campus community, enhancing cultural and educational experiences, and increasing persistence and retention rates to achieve their educational goals.

The assignment also involves providing educational, career, and personal counseling to students. The Counselor/Coordinator is expected to coordinate and facilitate a variety of workshops utilizing the UMOJA Community statewide practices for new and continuing UMOJA students, classroom presentations, outreach activities, evening, and Saturday assignments. The Counselor will also provide referrals for students to other services and agencies.

The UMOJA coordinator/counselor will also provide leadership in areas of student intervention strategies, enhancing student completions, teaching, career, and orientation to college courses. This assignment also includes curriculum development, participation in the shared governance process through work in normal professional activities, committee work, and student activities.

In addition to counseling duties, the Counselor will assist in the development of programs and services to promote student retention; participate in developing curriculum for Personal Development programs; instruct Personal Development classes; participate in joint projects with instruction; serve as liaison to instructional schools; and participate in partnership activities with feeder school districts, other colleges/universities, and community colleges.

Supplemental Information

SALARY SCHEDULE: Academic Contract 11-Month

SALARY AND BENEFITS Upon initial employment, full-time faculty members are placed on the salary schedule based upon years of experience and education. Initial salary placement for experience can range from $77,303.00-$116,316.00 per year. Faculty members are encouraged to continue their professional development through additional study qualifying them for advancement on the salary schedule. For the current salary schedule and information on salary placement visit our website at www.swccd.edu.

Academic employees participate in the State Teachers Retirement System, a defined-benefit retirement plan through the State of California.

TENTATIVE TIMELINE (Subject to change):

• March 23-April 19, 2026: Position advertised; District receives applications.
• March 30-April 3, 2026: Closed for Spring Break.
• April 19, 2026: Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.
• April 27-May 8, 2026: Reviewing of applications.
• May 11-22, 2026: Search Committee interviews candidates.
• May 25-June 2, 2026: Top finalist interviews.
• June, 2026: Successful applicant name submitted to Governing Board for approval.

Application Process: A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date. Required materials including a current resume, unofficial transcripts verifying awarded degree(s) and completion date, and any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application. Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached as a supporting document.

All notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application. A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.

For Academic positions (only): If you do not possess the exact degree major(s) listed in the minimum qualifications section, you will need to submit an equivalency application. A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

Interview Travel Costs MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.

If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.

Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).

American with Disabilities (ADA): Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by calling Human Resources at (619) 482-6395.

Equal Employment Opportunity: As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SWCCD will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. SWCCD shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the SWCCD on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report: SWCCD is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the SWCPD website. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (619) 482-6390.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP): More information about the DAAPP, including the Biennial report and additional resources can be found in the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program website.

Southwestern Community College District provides an excellent benefits package for employees and eligible dependents that includes affordable medical plans, employer paid dental and life insurance, CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement options, vacation and sick leave accruals, and professional development opportunities. For more information, please visit the Benefits webpage.

Required Application Questions:

01 Do you have at least a Masters degree in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, guidance counseling, educational counseling, social work, career development, marriage and family therapy or marriage, family and child counseling OR Bachelors degree in one of the above listed degrees AND a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)? If yes, please ensure that youve attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application. An applicant who does not possess the minimum educational degree or holds a degree that does not match the exact degree title(s) listed under "Minimum Qualifications," may have their educational preparation reviewed to determine if it is equivalent to the breadth and content of coursework typical of the required degree(s). Granting of equivalency is a District decision and may be considered if the applicant submits a Supplemental Equivalency Application by uploading the form with your online application. Applicants may include additional supporting documents to demonstrate their equivalency request.

• Yes, I possess at least a Masters degree in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, guidance counseling, educational counseling, social work, career development, marriage and family therapy or marriage, family and child counseling.
• Yes, I possess at least a Bachelors degree in one of the above listed degrees AND a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
• Yes, I possess a valid California Community College Credential in Counseling.
• Yes, I possess a foreign degree and have attached my coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
• I am applying for equivalency review AND have attached my Supplemental Questionnaire for Equivalency with supporting document.
• I understand that if I select this response and neglect to attach the Supplemental Questionnaire for Equivalency my application will NOT be reviewed for equivalency.
• An applicant who does not possess the minimum educational degree or holds a degree that does not match the exact degree title(s) listed under "Minimum Qualifications," may have their educational preparation reviewed to determine if it is equivalent to the breadth and content of coursework typical of the required degree(s). Granting of equivalency is a District decision and may be considered if the applicant submits a Supplemental Equivalency Application by uploading the form with your online application. Applicants may include additional supporting documents to demonstrate their equivalency request.
• No, I do not have at least a Masters degree in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, guidance counseling, educational counseling, social work, career development, marriage and family therapy or marriage, family and child counseling OR Bachelors degree in one of the above listed degrees AND a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and not applying for equivalency review.

02 What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting students who self-identify as African, African American, or from the African diaspora? Specifically, what are the key factors that contribute to their success and closing equity gaps in and out of the learning environment. Give examples for each of the following student communities Latinx, LGBTQ+, South Asian & Asian-American students who may have an intersection with African/Black/African-American identity?

03 Describe how your counseling approach has changed/evolved since you began counseling. Provide examples of what motivated this change.

04 What role should counseling faculty play in student success? How might this differ, be similar or integrate with the role of instructional faculty as related to equitable outcome?

Employer Information

• Employer: Southwestern College (CA)
• Address: Human Resources, 900 Otay Lakes Rd, Room 46B-150, Chula Vista, California, 91910
• Phone: (619) 482-6395
• Website: www.swccd.edu