Mental Health Counselor (Veterans)

Mental Health Counselor (Veterans)

Salary

$6,441.92 - $9,693.00 Monthly

Location

Chula Vista Campus - Chula Vista, CA

Job Type

Tenured Track Faculty

Job Number

00207

Division

Student Affairs

Department

Health Services

Opening Date

06/04/2026

FLSA

Exempt

Funding Type

District

Months of Service

11

Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

1.0

Initial Screening Deadline

06/28/2026

Start Date

September 1, 2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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.

Description

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 member 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 COLLEGE

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 college's 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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's 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 possession of a valid California Community College Credential in Counseling OR the equivalent.

NOTE: A bachelor's degree in one of the listed degrees AND a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is an alternative qualification for this discipline.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Licensure in California as a Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Professional Clinical Counselor.

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.

DESIRED QUALFICATIONS

• Mental health counseling experience, preferably involving experience working with underprepared and at-risk students as well as individuals with disabilities.
• Experience working in a community with a similar diversity pattern as is found in the service area for Southwestern College.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish/English and other languages.

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.

A short teaching demonstration may be required of those invited for an interview.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Diverse student populations.
• Counseling principles, practices, and techniques.
• Applicable policies, procedures, goals, and objectives of a student mental health program.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Effective and appropriate communication skills.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Oral and written communication skills.

Ability to:

• Provide a full range of mental health counseling services to a diverse student population.
• Evaluate, treat, and manage acute and serious psychological disorders.
• Exercise critical and independent judgment.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and District policies, laws, and regulations including to apply legal and ethical standards of licensed mental health professionals.
• Effectively utilize applicable computer software applications.
• Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students.
• Establish collaborative relationship with local mental health agencies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Mental Health Counselor

Duties

Under the direction and leadership of the Director of Student Development and Health Services, the Mental Health Counselor assigned to supporting veterans of the military ideally will have knowledge of the lived experiences of veterans.

The Mental Health Counselor will provide brief, mental health interventions to students enrolled at Southwestern College to promote emotional health, student success, and retention. These services include; psychological assessment, crisis intervention, personal counseling/psychotherapy, case management, "wellness" workshops, referrals to community services, student, faculty/staff consultations, and staff development activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Plan, develop, and implement the delivery of psychological/mental health services to a culturally and ethnically diverse campus community.
• Provide psychological services and mental health counseling to students including psychological assessment and brief psychotherapy in support of student academic success and retention.
• Provide referral services to students in need of psychological resources beyond those offered on campus.
• Serve as a consultant to faculty, staff, and administration on psychological/mental health matters that may influence the student behavior, motivation, and learning process issues including serious mental illness, thoughts of harm to self or others, domestic and relationship violence, stalking, and substance/alcohol abuse.
• Provide crisis intervention to students as needed.
• Provide professional development training; distribute resources to staff and faculty.
• Develop workshops and programs that enhance students' abilities to benefit from college including anger management, conflict resolution, domestic violence, and communication skills.
• Collaborate with student campus community members in designing innovative programs to enhance student success.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with local mental health agencies; maintain database of community resources.
• Maintain confidential counseling records.
• Provide a safe and confidential environment conducive to effective interactions.

Supplemental Information

SALARY SCHEDULE: Academic Contract 11-Month

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a non-telecommuting position.

Environment:

Office environment.

Constant interruptions.

Physical Abilities:

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone and to make presentations.

Seeing to read and verify data and prepare various materials.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment including a computer keyboard and peripheral equipment.

Hazards:

Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

All application materials must be received in the Human Resources Office. Position is open until filled. Applications received by the first screening deadline of 11:59 p.m. on June 28, 2026 are guaranteed to be reviewed by the selection committee.

TENTATIVE TIMELINE (Subject to change): Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.

June 10-28, 2026

Position advertised; District receives applications

June 28, 2026

Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.

July 6-17, 2026

Reviewing of applications.

July 20-24, 2026

Search Committee interviews candidates.

August 3-7, 2026

Top finalist second level interview.

August, 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.

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? If yes, please ensure that you've 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Bachelor's 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

Do you have a licensure in California as a Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Professional Clinical Counselor?

• Yes, I possess a licensure in California as a Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Professional Clinical Counselor.
• No, I do not possess a licensure in California as a Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Professional Clinical Counselor.

03

Do you possess bilingual skills in a designated second language? Applicants who do not possess this skill are still encouraged to apply.

• Yes, I am bilingual.
• No, I am not bilingual.

04

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please identify the designated second language(s) in which you are proficient.

05

Describe your experience working with individuals from diverse racial, socioeconomic, academic, cultural, and ability backgrounds. How have you applied equity-minded practices in your counseling work to promote access, inclusion, and success? Please provide specific examples.

Required Question

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