Counselor - Rising Scholars

Salary: $70,968.00 - $147,517.00 Annually
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20250509
Closing: 5/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: Merced College, CA
Department:

*Position's initial max possible salary placement is $95,050*Additional compensation available via overload assignments, with approvalInterview dates to be determined
Ready to join the transformation? Merced College is not just your ordinary community college - we're pioneers of change, ready to redefine the educational landscape and set new standards for excellence! Situated in the heart of California's vibrant Central Valley, Merced College isn't just a workplace; it's a gateway to endless possibilities!

Innovation at its Finest: At Merced College, innovation isn't just a buzzword - it's our way of life! We're committed to staying ahead of the curve with cutting-edge technology, transformative instructional practices, and unparalleled customer service. Join us as we pave the way for the "new" community college experience!

Invested in you: At the heart of Merced College's success are our dedicated employees. That's why we prioritize your well-being, happiness, and professional growth. With a culture of support and employee engagement initiatives, we ensure that every member of our team feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

About Us: Founded in 1962, Merced College boasts a rich history of academic excellence and community engagement. But we're not stopping there! We're on a mission to revolutionize the community college experience, blending tradition with innovation to create a dynamic learning environment unlike any other.

Location Perks: Nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes, Merced is more than just a place to work - it's a lifestyle! Imagine living in a picturesque town with access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and the breathtaking Yosemite National Park just a stone's throw away. With affordable housing options and a thriving community of 90,000 residents, Merced offers the perfect balance of urban amenities and small-town charm.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary. Join the Merced College family today and embark on a journey of innovation, growth, and fulfillment! If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, fostering innovation, and empowering others to succeed, then Merced College invites you to join. Embrace the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community dedicated to shaping the future of higher education. Apply now and let's embark on this exciting journey together! Apply now and let's shape the future together!

We are looking for a socially conscious, equity-minded individual to serve as an academic counselor for our rapidly expanding Rising Scholars Program. This program supports incarcerated students at Valley State Prison, Central California Women's Facility, Juvenile Hall, and the United States Federal Penitentiary in Atwater. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to serving marginalized student populations and must successfully pass a background check with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This role plays a vital part in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion both within the program and across Merced College.

Merced College Mission
At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.

Merced College Vision
Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:

Degree/Certificate Programs
Transfer
Career Technical Education
Workforce Training
Lifelong Learning
Basic Skills
Community Engagement

Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.

General Description:
This is a full-time, nontenure track and categorically funded assignment in the General Counseling Department at Merced College under the direction of the Dean of Student Services. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of counseling and support services to students enrolled in Merced Community College District, and in maintaining legal compliance with all district policies, as well as all State and Federal mandates

Examples of Duties

Provide specialized academic counseling services, career and personal counseling to students.
Assist students in the development of comprehensive education plans.
May teach career guidance classes a.
Evaluate reports and other documentation for the purpose of determining program eligibility and appropriate support services.
Serve as an advocate for students while maintaining effective relationships with faculty, staff and administration.
Provide information on college major and certificate programs as they relate to educational and career development; participate in student and campus activities.
Participate in the development and facilitation of Counseling Department workshops, orientations, and other programs for students
Contribute to the development, assessment of, and completion of student learning outcomes and service area outcomes and program review.
Participate in departmental, area and campus professional activities/committees.
Participate in the college's learning outcomes assessment program, including course, program, and institutional assessments.

Typical Qualifications

Master's degree from an acceptable accredited institution 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
Bachelor's degree from an acceptable accredited institution in one of the above listed degrees and a current license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) valid in California
OR
Community College Instructor Credential in Counseling
OR
The equivalent
AND
Promote and incorporate culturally affirming DEIA and anti-racist principles to nurture and create a respectful, inclusive, and equitable learning and work environment. In conducting their duties, staff members shall respect and acknowledge the diversity of students and colleagues.

Preferred:

Knowledge and experience in developing collaborations with community resources
Experience working with learning communities, cooperative programs, and/or inter-agency partnerships.
Knowledge and experience of typical college governance systems.
Knowledge of current Student Success and Support Program requirements and processes.
Current technology skills related to the discipline and a willingness to pursue future technological developments.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages athttps://www.mccd.edu/about-merced-college/divisions/human-resources/jobs/

Required Documentation:

Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
Resume
List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
Legible unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe how your professional experience would contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.
If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization.
If applicable, Equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) https://www.mccd.edu/about-merced-college/divisions/human-resources/equivalency/

Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.

Interview Information:
Those applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to appear for oral interviews before a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be invited to interviews. Interviews will be scheduled on site.

Employee Benefits:
Employee Benefits: Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.

Condition of Employment:
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.

Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/jobs/4930550/counselor-rising-scholars

Job Details

Counselor - Rising Scholars

About the Role: