Rising Scholars Regional Academic Counselor (Part-Time Faculty Pool)

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 at Elmwood Correctional Facility and Santa Clara County Mail Jail. Under the direction of Ohlone's Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Counseling and Special Programs, and with the support from Ohlone's Rising Scholars team and the College Collaborative, 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 regional academic counselor will see students in-person appointments at the 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.

Appointment Period: Academic Year 2026-27 (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters)

Appointment Hours: The assignments are as needed, up to 20 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

1. Provide sustained, holistic, and individualized counseling to assist justice-impacted students across the five participating colleges (Ohlone College, Mission College, DeAnza College, Evergreen College and San Jose City College) set academic and career goals, create long-term education plans, and track their progress toward a degree or certificate.
2. Work collaboratively across the five participating colleges (Ohlone College, Mission College, DeAnza College, Evergreen College and San Jose City College) to design and implement strategic educational pathways that enhance institutional coordination and support the timely completion of certificates and degrees.
3. Ensure continuity across the diverse programs offered by college collaborative.
4. 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.
5. Evaluate transcripts from local or out of state institutions to align student general education goals towards degree or certificate completion.
6. Develop systems, processes, and partnerships that embed this work into the core operations of participating colleges.
7. Codify intake and counseling procedures, and maintain student records and track progress toward educational goals.
8. Align course offerings with long-term pathways across institutions.
9. Conduct outreach and counseling hours to justice-impacted individuals in local jails (Elmwood Correctional Facility and Santa Clara County Main Jail).
10. Serve as a liaison between the participating college's student services departments and Rising Scholars students to ensure access to resources and other campus service areas.
11. Assist in-custody students with completing the participating college's full matriculation process, including application, orientation, assessment/placement, educational planning, and registration.
12. Facilitate workshops and orientations on topics such as educational planning, transfer readiness, navigating institutional systems, financial aid, and career exploration.
13. Stay up-to-date on federal, state, and local laws and initiatives affecting justice-impacted student populations.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

(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.)

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.