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 counselor who is committed to serving its culturally diverse student population.
Southwestern Community College District seeks a counseling faculty member who will foster an inclusive learning environment through equity-minded counseling, teaching, leadership, and service to students working toward goals of language acquisition, non-credit to credit pathway, short term programs, 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 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.
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.
Before scanning attachments, remove/redact sensitive, confidential information such as date of birth, social security number, address and photograph.
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 preferable.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience providing counseling services in a community college or other higher education setting.
- Experience working with veterans, active-duty military service members, and dependents.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Veterans Affairs educational benefits, certification requirements, polices, and procedures and services offered to veterans.
- Experience developing comprehensive educational plans, transfer pathways and career and technical education counseling strategies that support student success.
- Bilingual skills in English and other languages.
A short demonstration may be required of those invited for an interview.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Subject matter preparation:
- Knowledge of federal and state veterans' educational benefit programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), Tuition Assistance, and CalVet College Fee Waiver, as well as the certification, monitoring and compliance requirements associated with these programs.
- Knowledge of Chapters 31/33/35, Joint Services Transcripts (JST), Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), military-to-college transition, and evidence of direct work with VA benefit recipients.
- Understanding of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Excellence Program and the ability to implement practices that promote student success, informed decision-making and equitable access to educational opportunities for veterans and military-connected students at a post-secondary college/university.
- Knowledge of community, state, federal and campus-based resources available to veterans including vocational rehabilitation, housing assistance, mental health and wellness services, employment resources, and other support programs, with the ability to make appropriate referrals.
- Understanding guided pathways and student services and equity-minded practices designed to improve student retention, persistence, and completion.
- Knowledge of counseling, instruction, curriculum development, within a community college environment.
- Experience utilizing student information systems, degree audit tools, education planning platforms, and other technology systems to support student counseling, case management and educational planning.
- Evidence of ability and effectiveness as a faculty member:
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with faculty, classified professionals, administrators, Veterans Resource Centers, Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Disability Support Programs and Services, Career and Transfer Centers, academic departments, university partners, military installations, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and community-based veteran-serving organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex student records, including transcripts from multiple institutions, military educational records, Joint Services Transcripts (JST), Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), and transfer credit, and to incorporate applicable coursework, and training into comprehensive educational plans.
- Demonstrated successful experience providing comprehensive academic, career, transfer, and personal counseling to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and military-connected students from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to apply culturally responsive, equity-minded, and trauma informed, and student-centered counseling practices that support veterans and military-connected students transitioning into and navigating higher education.
- Evidence of the ability to identify and provide appropriate interventions for students experiencing academic and progress probation.
- Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to participate actively in the department, division, college-wide, and shared governance activities.
Duties
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Dean, School of Counseling and Student Support Programs, the Counselor will be responsible for providing equity minded academic, career and personal counseling to a diverse student population in Veterans Services including active and prior military service members, and dependents; new and re-entering students; and those pursuing career education and transfer goals.
The Counselor will provide services including interpretation of placement/assessment results; development of individual academic/educational plans; orientation presentations to large groups of new students; small group advisement prior to registration; group counseling, Fields of Study counseling support, by following up on student progress; and when requested participate in District shared governance and/or other committees.
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): Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.
September 11 – October 18, 2026Position advertised; District receives applicationsOctober 18, 2026Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.October 26- November 6, 2026Reviewing of applications.November 9- November 20, 2026Search committee interviews candidatesNovember 30-December 4, 2026Top finalist interviewsDecember, 2026Successful 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.