Counselor, Academic MESA/TRIO - Temporary Contract Instructor pursuant to Ed Code 87470

Counselor, Academic MESA/TRIO - Temporary Contract Instructor pursuant to Ed Code 87470

Cabrillo College

Salary: See Position Description
Job Type: Full-time (100%)
Job Number: 2026-02191
Closing: 10/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA
Department: ACCESS (Academic Counseling, Career and Educational Support Services)

Please apply for this job directly on the Cabrillo College job opportunities page here .

Employment Opportunity

Join Cabrillo College's vibrant academic community! Ranked the best community college in California and 37th overall in the United States by SmartAsset in 2024, Cabrillo serves approximately 10,500+ students per term (11,500+ each semester) across our Aptos and Watsonville campuses, with many transferring to UC Santa Cruz, San Jose State University, and CSU Monterey Bay.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Cabrillo College is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values high-level, innovative instruction and equity-minded support services. As of the 2025 Academic Year, 71% of Cabrillo students belong to minoritized populations, identifying as Latinx (49%), Multi-Ethnic (20%), Asian (1%), Black Non-Hispanic (<1%), Filipino (<1%), American Indian/Alaskan Native (<1%), and Pacific Islander (<1%). Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 2006, Cabrillo reflects a great responsibility to the educational attainment and economic well-being of our surrounding community.

Faculty actively participate in curriculum development, program planning, and serve on participatory governance committees. Cabrillo provides excellent opportunities to learn, collaborate, create, and make a difference in the lives of its diverse student body and our community.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Starting Salary Range : Ranges from $70,350 to $107,987, with initial salary placement determined by the applicant's documented education and experience. The maximum initial salary placement on the 185-Day Salary Schedule is Class 6, Step 9. An annual doctoral stipend of $4,697 is granted to eligible faculty. (Salary may be prorated based on the number of days worked for less than a full semester/academic year).
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full medical, dental, life, short- and long-term disability, and optional vision coverage provided on a pre-tax share-of-cost basis.
• Low Net Out-of-Pocket: Depending on plan selections, full-time employees' net out-of-pocket premiums may be as low as $0 for you and your family.
• Retirement & Wellness: Includes CalSTRS Retirement and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Benefits begin the first day of the second month of employment.
• Work Visas: Cabrillo College does not sponsor work visas.

ABOUT THE ROLE & DEPARTMENTS;

This temporary contract, categorically-funded five (5) year assignment pursuant to Ed Code 87470, is slated to begin ASAP (anticipated prior to the end of November, 2026) pending continued funding and Governing Board ratification.

Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) / California Community College Program (CCCP)

Cabrillo College's MESA College Program (MCCP) was established in the early 1990's as an academic preparation program that assists economically and educationally disadvantaged community college students to succeed in mathematics, science, and engineering so that students can transfer to four-year institutions, successfully attain degrees in these fields, as well as navigate and change complex systems and social structures.

MESA supports the national science and mathematics educational agenda by ensuring that all MESA students are mathematically and scientifically literate ensuring that they can play a leadership role in an increasingly technological and complex world. The MESA model for success includes a variety of services that result in a high rate of academic achievement.

Department Information:

Cabrillo College's Academic Counseling Department is a collaborative, student-centered team committed to helping students achieve their educational, career, and personal goals. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Cabrillo proudly serves a richly diverse community, with a strong commitment to equity, belonging, and culturally responsive support.

Our counselors are trusted guides and advocates who help students navigate college, develop educational plans, explore careers, prepare for transfer, and complete degrees and certificates. We welcome colleagues who believe in the transformative power of community colleges and are excited to join a team dedicated to helping every student feel seen, supported, and that they belong. For more information, click on the following webpages for Counseling-MESA , TRiO STEM , and the Academic Counseling webpages.

Division Information:

Cabrillo College's Academic Counseling, Career and Educational Support Services (ACCESS) Division brings together programs and services designed to expand opportunity, strengthen belonging, and support students throughout their educational journey. The division includes Academic Counseling, career and transfer services, learning communities, and programs that provide targeted support for first-generation and historically underserved students. Grounded in equity and Cabrillo's commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, ACCESS works collaboratively across the College to help students connect, thrive, and achieve their academic and career goals. Please visit the STEM Division Webpage and the ACCESS Division Webpage for additional information.

Examples of Duties

• Provide academic counseling, career guidance, and educational planning to the MESA, STEM, and TRIO student population
• Engage in participatory governance processes, program planning, and initiatives such as Guided Pathways.
• Maintain accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, and academic progress.
• Provide regular academic support to students during scheduled office hours.
• Cooperate with District policies, workplace safety guidelines, and required trainings (e.g., Title IX, Mandated Reporter, EEO/Bias Elimination).
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds.

Other Duties:

• Provide academic, career/vocational advisement and comprehensive educational plans for transfer-bound students in the MESA program and support transfer STEM pathways.
• Participate in department meetings and work groups that develop, evaluate, and deliver services that support student success; attend faculty/college meetings, curriculum and program development, develop and teach counseling courses, and perform related duties as required or assigned.
• Develop individualized education and transfer plans aligned with student academic and career goals.
• Support first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students in STEM.
• Help students navigate STEM course sequences, transfer requirements, and university preparation.
• Facilitate workshops and activities focused on academic success, career exploration, transfer, and student development.
• Connect students with tutoring, mentoring, scholarships, internships, undergraduate research, and other opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with MESA/TRIO staff, STEM faculty, counselors, and campus partners to provide coordinated student support.
• Support outreach, recruitment, retention, and engagement efforts for MESA/TRIO students.
• Contribute to program goals, student success initiatives, and grant-related activities and outcomes.
• Assist in preparing project reports.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with various community agencies.
• Assist in preparing outreach materials.
• Participate in appropriate counseling and faculty/staff meetings and college-wide student retention and success efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accredited organization and licensure qualifications:

• Understanding of & Sensitivity to Diversity: Understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty, and staff
• Educational Credentials: Meet one of the following criteria:
  • Master's 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 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 AND a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) OR
  • A Lifetime California Community College Instructor Credential in Counseling OR
  • (See Equivalency Process below if your degree title differs).

• The state of California has established minimum qualifications for academic positions in California Community Colleges to promote professionalism, instructional integrity, and academic rigor. Each discipline has specific, approved degree majors that are listed above. You must complete and attach an Equivalency Form with your application if your degree major does not match one of the disciplines listed above. This form allows Cabrillo College's Equivalency Committee to review your education and/or professional experience to determine whether it is equivalent in level, content, and rigor to the required degree. Applications cannot be considered without a completed Equivalency Form, even if your degree is closely related .
• For example: If the MQs list a Master's in Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, and your degree is in Geosciences or Earth and Environmental Studies , you must request equivalency by submitting the form with your application.

TO REQUEST EQUIVALENCY:

• Complete the and attach it to your application
• Be sure to attach supporting documents - such as unofficial transcripts, course descriptions, certificates, or verification of professional experience.

Still completing your degree?

• Applicants currently finishing their degree(s) are welcome to apply! However, they must also submit an with unofficial transcripts.
• This requirement also applies to applicants who have completed all coursework but are awaiting official degree conferral.

For additional information, please review our .

Required Professional Expertise:

• Current, in-depth knowledge of the subject field, curriculum development, and learning outcome assessment.
• Knowledge of programs such as Guided Pathways that address commitment to equity-minded and culturally responsive strategies.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and effective use of technology.
• Evidence of professional activities and service beyond primary assignments.

Position-Specific Expertise & Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of community college counseling, educational planning, career development, and transfer pathways, particularly for STEM students.
• Knowledge of MESA, TRIO, or similar federally or state-funded student success programs.
• Development and review of counseling plans and strategies, including assessments of students and self-performance.
• Demonstrated ability to critically reflect on institutional and counseling practices that aim to increase cultural responsiveness.
• Knowledge and understanding of the accountability and critical dimensions of equity.
• Demonstrated ability to address issues of equity.

Desired:

• Background knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, careers, and articulation with four-year institutions.
• Successful academic counseling experience in higher education.
• Experience supporting first-generation, low-income, and/or students historically underrepresented in higher education and STEM.
• Career counseling experience which includes interpreting results of career inventories.
• Understanding of barriers affecting student access, persistence, transfer, and completion, with demonstrated use of culturally responsive and equity-minded counseling practices.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and community and university partners.
• Experience developing workshops, programming, and interventions that strengthen student engagement, belonging, retention, and transfer success.
• Experience developing education plans for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and transfer students seeking admission to the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and private universities
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and student advocacy skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Additional Information

All materials must be received electronically by 11:59 PM PST on the date listed above

Required Materials

• Online Application : Must include a minimum of three (3) professional references within the application and answers to all supplemental questions.
• Resume or CV: Detailing counseling and professional work experience.
• Transcripts:

• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended displaying degrees conferred ( foreign degrees require evaluation by an approved agency ) OR
• Copy of a Lifetime California Community College Instructor Teaching Credential in Counseling

• Equivalency Application (optional)

• Completed Equivalency Form with unofficial transcripts (if applicable). Graduate students finishing degrees by July 1, 2026 are encouraged to apply with an Equivalency Form .

Important Application Guidelines:

• Unsolicited Materials: Do not submit unsolicited materials such as cover letters, letters of recommendation, statements, etc., as these will be removed and will not be reviewed by the committee.
• Redact Personal Data : Please remove photos, Social Security numbers, birth year, age, and gender from all attached application materials.
• Visa Sponsorship : Cabrillo College is unable to sponsor work visas.
• Questions? Contact Human Resources at View email address on communitycolleges.academickeys.com or View phone number on communitycolleges.academickeys.com (Departments, Divisions, and Committee Members are unable to discuss active recruitments).

SELECTION & EMPLOYMENT TERMS

• Selection Procedure: Meeting posted requirements does not guarantee an interview. Initial interviews are tentatively scheduled for October, 2026 and may include a written performance exercise or presentation.
• Conditions of Employment: Conditional offers require tuberculosis screening clearance, official transcripts, proof of U.S. work eligibility, and presentation of a Social Security card upon hire. Cabrillo is an E-Verify employer.
• EEO & Accommodations: Cabrillo College is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations during the application process should contact View email address on communitycolleges.academickeys.com or View phone number on communitycolleges.academickeys.com.

To apply, please visit

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