Counselor

 

Application Instructions:

 

• Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents – incomplete applications may not be considered.

 

• Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.

 

• Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.

 

• For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.

 

• For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.

Description

Application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026

This is a full-time, 10-month, tenure-track faculty position

The ideal candidate will serve as a cornerstone in advancing Irvine Valley College’s mission to support adult learners in achieving academic, career, and personal success. This position provides intrusive, proactive, and holistic counseling to a diverse population of students including adult learners (25 years and older) balancing work, family, and education. This role is grounded in equity and inclusion, directly supporting student populations such as re-entry, ESL, first-generation, veterans, caregivers, and working adults. The ideal candidate will help ensure equity remains the guiding principle in how the School of Guidance and Counseling designs and delivers its services. This position reflects Irvine Valley College’s deep commitment to ensuring that adult learners have the dedicated support, resources, and advocacy needed to achieve their educational goals, obtain livable wages, strengthen their families and communities, and fully realize the promise of higher education.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities as presented are intended to be representative and not restrictive. The District reserves the right to modify the assignment and allocation of duties in accordance with any changes in District policy and/or the faculty collective bargaining agreement.

Connect students with wraparound community resources, conduct wellness check-ins, and facilitate workshops designed to meet the unique needs of adult learners. 

Collaborate across the Irvine Valley College campus to bring new opportunities and flexible support that align with adult learners’ complex lifestyles and needs.

Develop culturally responsive programming, supporting career readiness, certificate, associate degree, transfer pathways, and integrating data-informed practices to improve student persistence and completion. 

Teach Counseling and related courses to a diverse student population.

Instruct and assist in the growth and success of a diverse population of students through careful preparation of course materials, effective teaching methodologies and informed critical feedback on assignments and discussions in support of student success.

Develop culturally relevant course content, culturally responsive pedagogical techniques, and effective practices for engaging students who are diverse and/or are students who are historically underserved. The ideal candidate should have experience with relevant pedagogical techniques to engage diverse student populations such as African American, Chicanx and Latinx, Native Americans, Asian American and Pacific Islanders and other disproportionately impacted students.

Participate in curriculum development and serve on department, division/school, college and district committees as necessary to maintain and improve the instructional program; participate in appropriate professional development activities.

Engage in co-curricular activities, including planning, implementing, and teaching in special programs designed to support student success.

Participate in the formulation of Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and the Student Learning Outcomes assessment cycle.

Maintain formal office hours; stay current on information as discussed in department and division/school meetings.

Provide an average of one (1) hour per week of college service that supports the division/school, college and/or District goals through active participation in one or more of the following categories: committee work on the department, division/school, college, and/or district level; non-classroom college, district, or community activities; department/division/school activities, events, or meetings; student club advisor activities or events.

Remain current in your discipline, of instructional methods and new technologies pertinent to areas of assignment; learn and apply emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications, Artificial Intelligence) as necessary to assist and support student success.

Teach scheduled classes and perform related duties as assigned, including comply with the applicable Course Outline of Record(s) (COR); respond to and evaluate student work regularly and consistently, inform students on a timely basis of their progress in the course throughout the term; and respond to student academic concerns, as appropriate, in a timely manner.  Comply with district, college and division/school policies in the performance of duties.

Work cooperatively with staff and students.

Regular and consistent performance of the requirements of your position.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master’s 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 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.)

Candidates making an application based on equivalency must submit a Supplemental Application for Equivalency Determination in addition to all other required materials.

AND

2. Commitment to equity and diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to   and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity minded practices within an educational environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• A strong commitment to equity-minded counseling practices and collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners is essential. 
• Experience with applying data-informed and culturally responsive strategies to promote student persistence, completion, and lifelong success.
• Skilled in facilitating engaging workshops and presentations, that will empower students in career exploration, goal setting, and self-development.
• Demonstrated expertise in integrating assessment results into academic, career, and personal counseling to enhance self-awareness and goal development.
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory, and StrengthsFinder (Clifton Strengths) Certified, or possess equivalent training in administering and interpreting career and personality assessments.
• Experience in program development, coordination, and implementation, designing initiatives that support adult learners and diverse student populations. 
• Knowledgeable in workforce development trends, labor market data, and regional employment needs, connecting students to high-demand and sustainable career pathways. 

Application Procedure:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

•  Completed South Orange County Community College District online application including education and experience.

•  Cover letter.

•  Current resume and/or curriculum vitae.

•  Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution.  For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application, or applicant must complete the Supplemental Application for Equivalency Determination form with online application.  Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application.  Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire.  Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency:  www.naces.org) at the time of application.

You will also be required to answer the following question:

1. How has your background and experience prepared you to be an effective counselor at a college committed to equity, values diversity, and expects inclusion? 

2. Describe a specific case where you helped an adult learner student return to college. What barriers did you identify, what interventions did you use, and what were the measurable outcomes? 

Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

All submitted materials become the property of the South Orange County Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only. 

Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.  All travel arrangements will be at applicant’s expense.

Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted. 

For an online application, information, and instructions, visit the District Job Opportunities website at https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/join-socccd or call (949) 582-4850.

Federal law requires every new employee to present documentation showing eligibility to work in the U.S.  SOCCCD does not sponsor employment Visas.

Selection Procedure:

A screening committee will review application materials which are complete and received by the deadline.  A limited number of applicants will be invited to the District for an initial interview at their own expense.  Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

Compensation and Fringe Benefits:

Full-time faculty are paid on the Academic Salary Schedule (see Wages for salary placement criteria in the Academic Employee Master Agreement located under Contracts on the District website).  The District offers a comprehensive package of insurance benefits which includes medical and dental insurance, vision-care plan, life insurance and dependent life coverage, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, long-term disability plan, and legal plan.  All premiums are fully paid by the District.

Application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026

Supplemental Information

Hours per Week: 36

Months per Year: 10

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

 

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.

 

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

 

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

 

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

 

Attendance Requirement:

All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

 

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

 

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

 

California Fair Chance Act:

The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. 

 

The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.

 

Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024. 

 

Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.

 

These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidate's values will align with SOCCCD’s goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

 

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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