"Rising Scholars Counselor (Part-Time Faculty Pool)"

Job Description

Rising Scholars Counselor (Part-Time Faculty Pool)

Ohlone College

Salary: $73.90 - $122.65 Hourly

Job Type: Part-Time Temporary

Division: Student Services

Opening Date: 09/30/2025

Location: Elmwood Correctional Facility & Santa Clara Main Jail

Job Number: 202300162

Department: Student Services

Bargaining Unit: United Faculty of Ohlone (UFO)

Ideal Candidate Statement

Ohlone College seeks to employ faculty members who have a passion for counseling and a strong commitment to the missions and ideals of the community college. We are looking for excellent counselors who are student-oriented in their approach and dedicated to student success.

The ideal Ohlone faculty member will have strong leadership skills and an interest in active participation in college-wide activities. Excellent communication skills with students, staff and faculty peers are essential. We are looking for faculty who are flexible in their work and adaptable to change. Ohlone prides itself as a Learning College with the motto of "A World of Cultures United in Learning" and we are looking for faculty who embrace diversity in serving students of varied backgrounds and learning styles. The College is committed to environmental sustainability and looks to all employees to support this important goal.

Position Description

Ohlone College is seeking a pool of qualified applicants for temporary part-time counseling and advising assignments serving the incarcerated population. Under the direction of Ohlone's Executive Dean of Academic Affairs and the Newark Center, the EOPS Director, and with the support from Ohlone's Rising Scholars team, the Counselor will provide academic, career, and personal counseling with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by formerly and currently incarcerated individuals, while supporting and promoting their success.

The Rising Scholars counselor will see students in various appointment modalities and locations. Most in-person appointments will be at our local jails, Elmwood Correctional Facility and Santa Clara County Main Jail. Hours and days will vary; modality will vary from scheduled appointment or drop-in and minimal zoom as needed. There will be some on-campus counseling with evening, or non-traditional hours as needed.

Appointment Period: Academic Year 2025-26 (fall and spring semesters)

Appointment Hours: 10-12 hours per week. Hours to be worked Monday through Friday; Assignment may include evenings and weekends by arrangement.

You will be contacted by the hiring manager should the Division/Department be interested in scheduling an interview.

Duties and Responsibilities

Counseling and Student Support:

• Provide individualized counseling to help justice-impacted students set academic and career goals, create education plans, and track their progress toward a degree or certificate.
• Employ culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strength-based counseling techniques to address the specific needs of the student population.
• Offer personal counseling on a drop-in basis and by appointment to assist students with navigating the various challenges of returning to school, which can include managing emotions, overcoming self-doubt, and building resilience and motivation.
• Facilitate workshops and orientations on topics such as educational planning, transfer readiness, navigating institutional systems, financial aid, and career exploration.
• Evaluate transfer transcripts from local or out of state transcripts to align student general education goals towards degree or certificate completion.
• Provide advocacy support by writing letters to judges, courts, or parole and probation officers on behalf of students, as appropriate.
• Serve as a liaison between Ohlone College student services departments and Rising Scholars students to ensure access to resources and other campus service areas.
• Assist both on-campus and in-custody students with completing Ohlone College's full matriculation process, including application, orientation, assessment/placement, educational planning, and registration.

Program and Community Collaboration:

• Serve as a campus champion for justice-involved students and promote equity-minded counseling practices throughout the college.
• Collaborate with the Rising Scholars Coordinators, instructional faculty, Jail Rehabilitation Officers, and campus support programs (e.g., Financial Aid, Basic Needs Center, Mental Health Services, EOPS, and Tutoring) to provide comprehensive wrap-around services for students.
• Partner with campus and community agencies that offer support for basic needs, such as housing, food security, and legal aid.
• Conduct outreach and counseling hours to justice-impacted individuals in local jails, (Elmwood Correctional Facility and Santa Clara County Main Jail) on campus and community-based reentry programs to recruit prospective students.
• Maintain partnerships with local probation and parole departments, as well as four-year universities, cross enrollment opportunities with programs for formerly incarcerated students (e.g., Underground Scholars or Project Rebound).

Administration and Teaching:

• Assist with program administration, including grant management, reporting on student outcomes, and evaluating program effectiveness.
• Maintain student records and track progress toward educational goals.
• Stay informed about federal, state, and local laws and initiatives affecting justice-impacted student populations.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Master's degree in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, guidance counseling, educational counseling, social work or career development;

AND

EOPS counselors hired after October 24, 1987, shall:(1) Have completed a minimum of nine semester units of college course work predominantly relating to ethnic minorities or persons handicapped by language, social or economic disadvantages OR(2) Have completed six semester units or the equivalent of a college-level counseling practicum or counseling field-work courses in a community college EOPS program, or in a program dealing predominantly with ethnic minorities or persons handicapped by language, social or economic disadvantages;ANDIn addition, an EOPS counselor hired after October 24, 1987, shall have two years of occupational experience in work relating to ethnic minorities or persons handicapped by language, social or economic disadvantages;OR

the equivalent;

ANDCommitment to community college goals/objectives of being an equity-based and anti-racist institution, and providing quality programs and services for culturally, socio-economically, ethnically, and academically diverse students and students with disabilities; personal qualities to work effectively and with sensitivity in a multicultural environment; awareness of and commitment to the needs of non-traditional and/or re-entry students with diverse abilities and interests;

ANDMust have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices;

AND

• Previous experience in student services or related functions is necessary. Many positions prefer or require experience providing academic and personal counseling to justice-involved students or other historically underrepresented student groups;
• Must be able to pass Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office security clearance;
• Must complete and adhere to all required training courses and codes of conduct established by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office;
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to commute between the college campus, Elmwood Correctional Facility (Milpitas), and the Santa Clara County Main Jail (Downtown San Jose) as needed.

For additional information on minimum qualification requirements, please visit: https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/Educational-Services-and-Support/What-we-do/Educational-Programs-and-Professional-Development/Minimum-Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with the barriers and engagement opportunities for justice-impacted students.
• Expertise in working with diverse student populations and employing culturally responsive practices.
• Proficiency in advising students on program requirements, certificates, financial aid, non-credit opportunities and transfer pathways.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Required Application Materials: The below items must be uploaded as attachments for your application to be complete and considered.

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
2. A cover letter addressing the listed desirable qualifications, personal/professional qualities, and how you would apply a commitment to diversity as you conduct your responsibilities in this position.
3. A list of three (3) professional references including name, position, organization, phone number, email, and relationship to the applicant.
4. Unofficial copies of all college transcripts. Official sealed transcripts will be required at the time of hire.