Los Angeles Harbor College (LAHC) is seeking applications for a Limited, Non-Tenure Track Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) Counselor position, set to begin in the Fall 2024-2025 academic year.
Under the general direction and supervision of the Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) or Designee and Counseling Chair, the DSPS Counselor will provide academic, vocational, career, personal and disability management counseling to students with disabilities in a diverse and multicultural environment. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, conducting initial intake interviews, collecting and analyzing of verification of disability documentations to determine eligibility for services; develop student educational contract, individual counseling, group presentations, instructions; recommendation and provision of academic accommodations required by the ADA, ADAA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Section 508 and FERPA. and perform duties related to ensure the proper functions of the DSPS Office. The assignment may include day, evening, and weekend duties.
This is a 12-month, D-basis, 1.0 FTE limited-term position. The appointment is contingent upon program funding and will end when the funding expires. The funding source is reflected in the job title.
About the College and Department:
LAHC, located in Wilmington, California, is one of the nine colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). Serving approximately 10,000 students, LAHC provides a broad spectrum of academic and career programs.
The DSPS Department is staffed by a team of skilled and professionally trained counselors and staff dedicated to supporting students with disabilities. Our counselors offer comprehensive academic, career, and personal counseling to help students achieve their educational goals while ensuring adherence to federal, District, state, and college regulations. The department collaborates closely with the Chair of Counseling and the Counseling Division to facilitate educational planning, career development, transfer processes, and other academic and personal support essential for student success. Within the Counseling Division, we have both general counselors and those specializing in services for specific student groups. All counseling faculty are expected to participate in regular department meetings, engage in professional development, contribute to college-wide activities, and serve on shared governance committees.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling OR
Master's degree in counseling, guidance counseling, student personnel, clinical or counseling psychology, education counseling, social work, career development, marriage and family therapy, marriage, family and child counseling, OR
Bachelor's degree in marriage and family therapy or in marriage, family and child counseling and possession of a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT); AND
Either 15 or more semester units in upper division or graduate level course work related to people with disabilities, OR
Completion of six semester units, or the equivalent of a graduate-level counseling practicum or counseling field work courses, in a post-secondary Disabled Students Programs and Services program or in a program dealing with people with disabilities, OR
Two years of fulltime experience, or the equivalent, in one or more of the following:
(A) Counseling for students with disabilities; OR
(B) Counseling in industry, government, public agencies, military or private social welfare organizations in which the responsibilities are for persons with disabilities, or the equivalent.
And a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethic backgrounds of the community college students, faculty and staff.
Eligibility Requirement
A medical certificate indicating fitness to engage in administrative work is required for new employees at the applicant's expense prior to employment.
Pursuant to LACCD Board of Trustee's Policy 2900, all students and employees must be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption. LACCD employees are required to provide their vaccination status in compliance with the LACCD Board of Trustees' policy. Newly hired employees will be required to provide their vaccination status prior to starting a position or, at the latest, by their position start date.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide individualized academic, career, and personal counseling to students with disabilities, including students with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and mental health conditions.
Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine students' needs, strengths, and accommodations.
Develop and implement personalized abbreviated and comprehensive educational plans and accommodations in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff.
Interpret the college catalog, class schedules, and articulation agreements to assist students in navigating their educational paths.
Advocate for students with disabilities to ensure they receive the necessary accommodations and support services.
Facilitate accommodations, and when appropriate, make service referrals for students with physical, learning, and psychological disabilities.
Maximize student success by collaborating with other student services and instructional faculty. Meet regularly with faculty and administration to ensure compliance with accommodations.
Implement DSPS orientation program for new and continuing students.
Conduct workshops related to issues pertaining to students with disabilities.
Assist students to identify and use the college service, examples include but are not limited to matriculation and registration assistance, assistive technology, note taking and test accommodations.
Collaborate with faculty and staff to raise awareness about disability issues and promote an inclusive learning environment.
Facilitate workshops and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff on topics related to disability services and accommodations.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of accommodations and support services, adjusting as needed.
Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions and progress. Knowledge of Student Information Systems, Peoplesoft, and ConexED.
Stay current with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to disability services and accommodations.
Help students set and plan immediate and long-term educational goals, including creating abbreviated and detailed student education plans to ensure they stay on track for completion.
Support students on probation or facing dismissal by offering individual and group counseling, and work with the Dismissal Counselor to develop success plans.
Review and evaluate student transcripts in coordination with the Articulation Officer. Utilize TES software for course petitions.
Contribute to the development of programs and services that support initiatives such as Career Pathways, LA College Promise, Student Equity, and Basic Skills, aimed at enhancing student success and completion.
Collaborate with instructional faculty on projects designed to improve retention and student success across disciplines.
Stay current in the Counseling field by utilizing the latest technology, participating in professional conferences, local, district, and state-wide trainings, workshops, and seminars, and maintaining membership in relevant professional organizations.
Represent the Counseling Department in college decision-making processes by participating in departmental meetings, shared governance committees, and other campus initiatives.
Engage in counseling-related events and activities, including Guided Pathways, graduation petition drives, enrollment, and onboarding.
Participate in shared governance committees focused on enrollment and student success, such as the TCAPs Committee and Student Support Services Committee.
Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, innovation, and best practices in counseling through active participation in professional development activities and adherence to industry standards.
Other duties as assigned by Department Chair.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Experience:
Awareness and commitment to the philosophy and objectives of the California Community Colleges.
Experience with reporting to an outside government agency.
Knowledge of and experience in community agencies related to students with disabilities.
Thorough knowledge of issues and appropriate accommodations related to a wide variety of disabilities.
Effective written and interpersonal communication skills.
Evidence of ability to synthesize diverse information, make timely decisions and implement chosen course of action.
Ability to problem-solve, engage in the interactive process and serve as an advocate for adults with disabilities.
Experience in the use of adaptive computer technology as a teaching tool, use of teaching activities.
Experience in community college counseling; including personal, career, academic and disability management.
Willingness to participate effectively in shares governance.
Vision and energy to plan and implement programs to enhance student success.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range is $95,736 - $170,892 commensurate with academic preparation and experience for new employees. The doctoral differential is $5532 per academic year. District benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance.
Application and Evaluation Process
1. A college selection committee will review all completed and approved applications received. The selection process will involve the evaluation of the candidate's qualifications in the areas of training, experience, and personal fitness as determined from the application package and recommendations from referents.
2. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview following the committee screening.
3. Based upon the committee recommendation, finalists will interview with the President, Vice President, and Counseling Department Chair, who will all make the final selection.
For consideration in the selection process, all interested candidates must submit the following:
1. A current resume or curriculum vitae;
2. A cover letter of interest;
3.Contact information for three references (name, title, address, email and telephone numbers) of individuals who can assess the candidate's qualifications for the position;
4.Copies of transcripts for ALL degrees (official transcripts are required for all candidates invited to the final interview). Documentation from an approved foreign transcript evaluator is required for degrees received from other countries. For a list of approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies, please go to Teacher Credentialing: www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635).
Applicants will be required to file the application using web-based software to create an applicant profile account, allowing documents to be saved and uploaded as attachments. Please go to: https://laccd.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=6&c=laccd to file the applicant packet. Application materials may not be submitted via U.S mail, fax, e-mail or in-person.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact:
LAHC reserves the right to modify and/or withdraw this position at any time. The completed application package must be filed no later than 4:30PM Friday, December 13, 2024 to be considered. All materials submitted will become property of LAHC. After review of application materials by the selection committee, candidates will be contacted if selected for an interview.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Individuals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may request an accommodation in the selection/interview process with at least three business days' prior notice. Documentation of the need for accommodation may be requested. For more information, please visit https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=5825307&targetURL=
LAHC reserves the right to modify and/or withdraw this position at any time. The completed application package must be filed no later than 4:30PM Friday, December 13, 2024 to be considered. All materials submitted will become property of LAHC. After review of application materials by the selection committee, candidates will be contacted if selected for an interview.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Individuals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may request an accommodation in the selection/interview process with at least three business days' prior notice. Documentation of the need for accommodation may be requested. For more information, please visit www.laccd.edu/ada
Equal Employment Policy
The policy of the Los Angeles Community College District is to implement equal opportunity to all qualified candidates for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, medical condition (cancer related), sexual orientation, or veteran status. Positive action will be taken to ensure that this policy is followed in all personnel practices including recruitment, hiring, placement, upgrading, transfer, demotion, and treatment during employment, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, layoff or termination. A vigorous equal employment opportunity program will be maintained to ensure a diverse work force and to achieve expected representation of qualified members of under-represented groups through the implementation of specific result-oriented plans and procedures (Board Rule 101301).
The Los Angeles Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator
LACCD has served as educator to more than three million students for over 77 years. The Mission of the Los Angeles Community College District is to foster student success for all individuals seeking advancement, by providing equitable and supportive learning environments at our nine colleges. The District empowers students to identify and complete their goals through educational and support programs that lead to completion of 2 or 4-year degrees, certificates, trans, transfer, or career preparation.