Counselor (Tenure-Track)

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4340 -

Counseling Services Locations:

San Mateo, CA Posted:

Aug 21, 2026

Closes:

Sep 25, 2026 - 8:59

PM PDT Type:

Full-Time Ref. No.: 4F0238

Salary Type:

Annually Salary Range:

$86,304.00 - $121,488.00

Position ID:

204037

Share About San Mateo County Community College District:

The San Mateo County Community College District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. Detailed information about our student population, including student success data, is available on the District's Data Dashboard website. As outlined in our Future Focus Strategic Plan , SMCCCD is at a pivotal point in its work to deliver transformative education, advance equity, and serve as a pillar of innovation and community engagement across San Mateo County and the Bay Area. We promote a culture of belonging in which every student, staff, and faculty member feels seen, valued, and empowered. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to an environment that attracts and retains talented employees while encouraging innovation at every level. We seek employees who value mentorship and thrive in a collegial, collaborative environment guided by a commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals. The successful candidate will be an equity-minded individual who demonstrates the ability to collaborate with faculty, classified staff, students, administration, and community partners to put students and public service for San Mateo County first.

Job Description:

Campus:

College of San Mateo The Opportunity This is a full-time, 10-month faculty counseling position reporting to the Dean of Counseling. The duties of this counselor will cover the full range of general counseling responsibilities, including academic, career, and personal counseling with both individuals and groups and teaching discipline-specific courses. Duties and Responsibilities The duties below are representative of the duties of the classification and are not intended to cover all of the duties performed by the incumbent(s) of any particular position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the scope of work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this classification. Provide comprehensive counseling services to students, including academic, career, and personal counseling on a drop-in and appointment basis, both day and evening Provide group counseling sessions, orientations, workshops, and other activities to support students in getting information and support related to college success Assist students to understand educational options, clarify educational goals, engage in educational and career planning, participate in the development of Student Educational Plans (SEPs), and course selection Prioritize transfer and student success services and support for students enrolled in foundational coursework and those from historically underserved and disproportionately impacted communities Collaborate with instructional and counseling faculty and staff to assist students in understanding and using counseling, college success services, and resources Develop, implement, or collaborate with initiatives related to student success and collaborate with programs such as Basic Skills Initiatives, Learning Communities, CalWORKS, EOPS/CARE, Disability Resource Center, and Veterans toUsingmize student success Participate in the implementation of transfer and matriculation activities at the college Participate in outreach activities and events in classrooms on and off campus, at local high schools, adult schools, and community agencies Provide follow-up services to students on probation and dismissal status Teach courses such as college success and career and personal development during the day or evening Utilize and keep abreast of advanced counseling methods and student development theories, which include integrating technology to support student learning and career objectives Participate in meetings, conferences, trainings, and other professional development activities to maintain the expertise required to provide accurate and reliable information and support to students seeking transfer or to complete a certificate or associate degree Participate in shared governance committees Perform other duties as required by contract, collective bargaining agreement, and general institutional needs Employment Standards (acquired through education, training, and/or experience)

Knowledge of:

The matriculation process as it applies to California Community Colleges Counseling and student development theories and relevant applications to program development The use of university articulation agreements and transfer requirements for counseling community college students Appropriate college and community referrals

Skills and Abilities:

Teach courses such as college success and career and personal development Design and prepare Student Educational Plans (SEPs) for community college students Provide short-term personal counseling to students from diverse backgrounds Develop and maintain student counseling notes in SARS, or similar electronic record keeping software, in a timely and effective manner demonstrate strength in interpersonal communication Experience with intervention programs that support student success Develop innovative programs that strengthen the quality of counseling services to students Use computer databases to retrieve student, college, and career information Apply a variety of career assessments Develop counseling-related workshops and orientation sessions. Support students in crises Work collaboratively with faculty and staff to enhance student success Commitment to professional responsibilities outside of the classroom through enthusiastic contributions to department, division and college activities

Requirements:

Master's or higher 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 (see below) (

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.) Demonstrated cultural competence, sensitivity to, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice both within and outside of the classroom. Preferred College counseling experience Recent experience working with racially minoritized and other disproportionately-impacted students in the classroom and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusion of these groups within higher education and particular fields shape patterns of participation and outcomes Experience and expertise in culturally-responsive teaching in college success, career, and personal development Demonstrated ability to address equity gaps within college success and career and personal development courses and classrooms Demonstrated knowledge of the implications of the Hispanic-Serving and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution designations for institutional, departmental, and instructional practices

Note:

If you believe your degree, academic background, or professional achievements are equivalent to the stated minimum qualifications, please complete the Application for Equivalence - For Faculty Positions, an option during the application submission process. The three means of demonstrating equivalency are as follows. Applicants may select more than one form of equivalency but must provide applicable evidence for each type: a) Degree Equivalence The employee or applicant possesses a degree(s) with similar content to those listed for the relevant discipline. The name of the degree is close to that specified on the Disciplines List but the degree either has a different title or area of expertise, or the coursework is slightly different. Equivalence is established through analysis of transcripts and coursework. b) Academic Background Equivalence Related to disciplines in which a Master's degree is not generally expected or available or where the degree is relatively specialized, the employee or applicant must have completed at least 24 semester units (or equivalent) of coursework in the academic field being applied for, and must possess at least the equivalent level of achievement and the equivalent in breadth, depth of understanding, and rigor in each of the following: a broad cultural education usually met by the general education requirements for any Bachelor's or Associate's degree, and a detailed study of the discipline in breadth, depth, and rigor, usually met by coursework required for the degree major. c) Professional Achievement Equivalence The employee or applicant must demonstrate equivalence to the general education requirements for any Bachelor's or Associate's degree, and show evidence of outstanding professional achievement and/or substantial training in the requested field. The employee or applicant must submit substantial evidence, which demonstrates that their preparation, teaching experience, work experience, publications, portfolios, speaking engagements, and ability are equivalent to those expected from a person who meets the minimum qualifications.

Additional Information:

FLSA Status:

Exempt Months Per Year:

10

Safety:

to promote a safe working and learning environment employees must report any unsafe working conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incident to their supervisor. Position is designated as a Mandated Reporter under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act Position is a Responsible Employee under the Equity in Education Act and Title IX Work Demands The environmental, physical, and mental demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Environmental:

typical on-site office environment; in-person work expected with potential to participate in the District's telework program, as available. Frequent hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and online Comprehend speech at normal levels Upper limb dexterity to operate computers and peripheral equipment Vision sufficient for daily and frequent use of computers, databases, and written materials Sitting for extended periods of time Frequent bending at the waist Physical presence at on-site locations Communicate and interact with others Observe and interpret people and situations Learn and apply new information or skills Perform highly detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks Perform highly detailed work under changing priorities and deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks Work with frequent interruptions Self-regulate emotion and behavior

Benefits:

Benefits include paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. The District pays all or a portion of monthly medical plan premiums (depending on the coverage) and pays all of the monthly dental and vision plan premiums for employees and eligible dependents. Additional paid benefits include life insurance, salary continuance insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. Academic employees participate in the State Teachers' Retirement System, a defined-benefit retirement plan through the State of California (no contributions to Social Security). Optional tax-deferred 403(b) and 457 retirement plans are also available.

EEO Statement:

San Mateo County Community College District is an Equal Opportunity, Title IX, and Section 504 employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. We seek to employ individuals who reflect our community's diversity of cultures, languages, and abilities. Our EEO Plan, grounded in Title 5 regulations, is developed and monitored by an EEO Advisory Committee, reviewed at least every three years, and supported by regular training for all members of selection and screening committees. We collect and analyze recruitment and retention data to measure progress and identify barriers. Annual Security Report San Mateo County Community College District's (SMCCCD) 2025 Annual Security Report (ASR), required by the Clery Act, includes statistics for the previous three years (2022-2024) concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by SMCCCD; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from SMCCCD. The 2025 Annual Security Report also outlines various campus safety and security policies concerning crime reporting, prevention and response to sexual and gender violence, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, emergency response and evacuation procedures, and other matters. The Annual Security Report also includes important tips to help every community member remain safe and avoid becoming a victim of crime. The 2025 Annual Security Report is now available on the Public Safety website. You can also obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Department of Public Safety at the District Office or any of the three Campuses (650) 738-7000. The report includes information about criminal activity on our campuses, emergency procedures, and resources.

Application Instructions:

Conditions of Employment Before employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete the following: Submit official transcripts (applies to all faculty or educational administrative positions). Foreign Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs for satisfying minimum qualifications. Foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a U.S.-based credentials evaluation service. The District currently accepts evaluations from agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Submit verifications of employment. Satisfactory references Successfully cleared for employment through the background check process. In addition to background checks, the District may review publicly available information. If a candidate becomes aware of inaccurate information on the Internet, the candidate is welcome to address the issue with the Office of Human Resources. Disclose whether they have received a final administrative determination or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last seven years. Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States Approval of your employment by the SMCCCD Board of Trustees Provide a certificate of Tuberculosis exam for initial employment. Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer (Clearance must be received before the first day of employment). Please note that the California Education Code requires, in part, that community college districts shall not employ or retain in employment persons in public school service who have been convicted of certain felonies, a misdemeanor drug charge (including alcohol offenses), or a misdemeanor moral turpitude (sexual offense) crime. However, consideration may be given to those whose drug convictions occurred more than five years ago. A conviction for other crimes may not necessarily disqualify you from the job for which you may be applying. All applicants are required to submit: A completed Employment Application (available during the online application process). Resume A cover letter that includes a discussion of the following questions: What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting disproportionately impacted students, and how have your experiences prepared you to work with these student populations? How does your counseling philosophy support the success of racially minoritized and other underserved and disproportionately impacted students? How is your counseling approach culturally-responsive to the students you serve? Interview candidates will be selected from among those who most closely meet the requirements and knowledge, skills, and abilities. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. As part of the interview process, candidates may be asked to demonstrate job-related knowledge and skills. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by contacting Jennie Elizalde at elizaldej@smccd.edu or (650) 358-6822 in the Office of Human Resources. The District and/or College reserves the right to extend time limits and/or repost or restart recruitments at any time. The District requires all work to be conducted in California. SMCCCD is not an H1B sponsoring employer. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by