Counseling Assistant

Counseling Assistant Rancho Santiago Community College District Salary Range: Grade 5: $51,918.52 - $66,300.06 Job Type: Full Time Job Number: CL26-01417 Location: 1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA Division: SAC Counseling Division Closing: 6/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific About the Position The ideal candidate will demonstrate cultural competency in serving diverse community college populations, including faculty, management, and students from varied ethnic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This includes those with differing abilities, AB 540 students, DACA recipients, foreign residents, VACA participants, and continuing education students. They will support RSCCD's mission to promote self‑awareness, knowledge, and communication skills, enabling all members of the college community to participate creatively and confidently in an ever‑changing world. Candidates will contribute to an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that supports the diverse needs of faculty, management, staff, and students. They will effectively provide services and support to individuals with differing academic preparation levels and unique learning or workplace needs, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for success. Candidates should demonstrate cultural competency, sensitivity, equity‑mindedness, and a commitment to anti‑racism in all interactions and contributions. Through their role, they will empower students to achieve their educational and career goals while promoting a positive and inclusive environment where faculty and management can thrive, fostering creativity, confidence, and lifelong learning throughout the college community. Class Summary Under general supervision — assists credentialed counselors by performing initial interviews of students, student orientation to programs, and para‑professional counseling; in addition, performs related clerical duties; performs related duties as required. Representative Duties Conduct initial interview with students and complete related forms. Orient students to program(s). Perform clerical duties such as maintaining student files and making appointments for counselors. Assist in establishing referral liaison between students and college or community resources. May conduct presentations on program(s) to public. May provide para‑professional counseling to individual or group(s) of students. Maintain a proper counseling environment. May act as an interpreter for monolingual/limited English students. Organizational Relationships This class reports to designated administrator and is directed in their work by counselors. This class works closely with students, may communicate to the public about their program and may interface with faculty or community resources about a student. Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of: Human behavior and principles of psychology. Good written and spoken English, appropriate to college level students. Relevant college procedures, policies, and programs. College and community resources available for dealing with student problems. Principles and techniques of para‑professional counseling related to student interests and problems. Clerical, filing and record‑keeping procedures. Ability to: Interview and assist a wide variety of students in helpful and mature ways. Refer students to resource materials and other offices where further assistance may be obtained. Give explanations to individuals and groups of students. Establish and maintain effective relationships with students and employees. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Be sensitive to students from diverse backgrounds. Perform clerical, filing and supportive duties. Maintain a proper counseling environment. Skills: Some positions may require oral and written proficiency in a second language as measured by biliteracy tests. Qualifications Training and Experience Any combination of training and/or experience equivalent to 6 months experience in a position that involves considerable public contact. Additional Qualifications Candidate must demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff, and the community. EEO Statement The Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) is an equal‑opportunity employer. The policy of the District is to encourage applications from persons who are economically disadvantaged and individuals belonging to significantly underrepresented groups within the District's workforce, including ethnic and racial minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or political or organizational affiliation. RSCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional employment offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if RSCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. #J-18808-Ljbffr