Apply and submit application materials through MiraCosta College's online application system at http://apptrkr.com/309703.

LEARNING DISABILITIES (LD) SPECIALIST / DISABLED STUDENTS PROGRAMS & SERVICES (DSPS) COUNSELOR

First Screening Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Open until filled

POSITION AVAILABLE: 

One full-time, tenure-track Learning Disabilities (LD) Specialist/Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) Counselor position in the DSPS Department at MiraCosta College, beginning July 2013. Annual on-duty days will be 203 days spread over 12 months. Salary placement will be on the academic salary schedule, plus a 1.15 time factor (reflecting the number of days beyond the standard 176-day faculty contract).  The standard work week for counselors and DSPS specialists is forty (40) hours, including twenty-five (25) hours of direct student contact, ten (10) hours used for professional preparation, and five (5) hours of departmental activities and collegial governance. The twenty-five (25) hours of student contact is defined as any counseling activity in which counseling service is provided to a student or students, including instruction, workshops, individual or group counseling. The ten (10) hours of professional preparation include course work preparation and counseling preparation (of which 5 hours must be on campus). The expectation is that thirty (30) hours will be on campus. Counselors assigned to teach classes are designated as classroom faculty for that portion of their workload, which is computed accordingly as classroom Lecture Hour Equivalents (LHE).  The person selected for this position may be assigned to any district facility during any hours of operation. To view the DSPS website, go to http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/dsps.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Faculty Director of Disabled Students Programs and Services and in conjunction with the Learning Disabilities Specialist, the LD Specialist/DSPS Counselor provides specialized counseling for students with disabilities, conducts assessment for learning disabilities eligibility, and works as an integral member of a team that facilitates and delivers services to students with a variety of disabilities.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

(E = essential job function)

The duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Provide assessment for students seeking eligibility for the Learning Disabilities Program, including administering, scoring, and interpreting mandated assessment batteries (i.e., Woodcock-Johnson III, WAIS-IV).  Meet individually with students to discuss their learning disability assessment results, learning styles, and academic concerns. (E)

2) Provide vocational, academic and disability related counseling to students with a variety of disabilities; counseling activities include initial interviews, general assessment, advisement, registration assistance, collection of verification documentation and maintenance of student files. (E)

3) Keep abreast of changing degree, certificate, and transfer information in order to advise students about the most current requirements.  (E)

4) Facilitate the provision of academic support services and reasonable accommodations. (E)

5) Develop and/or monitor Student Education Contracts. (E)

6) Provide group counseling and/or facilitate personal development groups.

7) Maintain liaison with educational and community-based organizations for ongoing referral; conduct outreach and recruitment activities.

8) Travel to various district sites and programs to meet students as necessary.

9) Provide consultation and support to faculty and staff regarding student educational issues. (E)

10) Represent DSPS at conferences and meetings and committee assignments.

11) Provide advocacy for students as appropriate. (E)

12) Maintain accurate records for each student utilizing program services in compliance with State and Federal regulations. (E)

13) Participate in departmental projects, college-wide and academic senate committee work, and other collegial governance processes. (E)

14) Participate in curriculum development, program review, and development and assessment of student learning outcomes. (E)

15) Participate in ongoing professional development activities in the fields of counseling and disabilities, including learning disabilities.

Adherence to all District policies and procedures is expected.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To be eligible for this position, you must meet and provide evidence of the following minimum qualifications:

1a)  master's degree in rehabilitation counseling; and

1b)  fifteen semester units of upper division or graduate study in the area of learning disabilities;

OR

2a)  master's degree in special education; and

2b)  twenty-four semester units in upper division or graduate level course work in counseling, guidance, student personnel, psychology, or social work; and

2c)  fifteen semester units of upper division or graduate study in the area of learning disabilities;

OR

3a)  master's degree in psychology; and

3b)  either twelve semester units in upper division or graduate level course work specifically in counseling or rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, or two years of full-time experience (or the equivalent) in counseling/guidance for students with disabilities and/or in counseling/guidance in industry, government, public agencies, military or private social welfare organizations in which the responsibilities of the position were predominantly or exclusively for persons with disabilities; and

3c)  fifteen semester units of upper division or graduate study in the area of learning disabilities; 

OR

4a)  master's degree in counseling, guidance, student personnel, career development, or social welfare; and

4b)  either twelve semester units in upper division or graduate level course work specifically in counseling or rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, or two years of full-time experience (or the equivalent) in counseling/guidance for students with disabilities and/or in counseling/guidance in industry, government, public agencies, military or private social welfare organizations in which the responsibilities of the position were predominantly or exclusively for persons with disabilities; and

4c)  master's degree in the category of disability, education, or educational psychology; and

4d)  fifteen semester units of upper division or graduate study in the area of learning disabilities;

OR

5)  the equivalent.  View the equivalency instructions and guidelines at http://www.miracosta.edu/administrative/hr/downloads/Equivalency.pdf; AND

6)  Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

All degrees and units used to satisfy the minimum qualifications must be from postsecondary institutions accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. Or if your degree/coursework is from a college or university outside of the United States, you must submit a detailed evaluation from a professional evaluation agency.  A list of agencies can be found at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl635.pdf.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1) Current certification in the Learning Disabilities Eligibility and Services Model (LDESM) of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. If the individual selected for this position is not currently certified, s/he will be required to attend and successfully complete the LDESM training to be offered in June 2013 in Sacramento, California.

2) Formal training in the following assessment instruments:

a) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV) and/or the Woodcock-Johnson III (WJ III) Tests of Cognitive Abilities; and

b) Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-III (WIAT-III) and/or the Woodcock-Johnson III (WJ III) Tests of Achievement.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: 

1) Licensed educational or clinical psychologist.

2) Successful experience providing individual, group, academic, and career counseling to community college students with disabilities.

3) Successful experience performing the position duties listed above.

4) Knowledge of and interest in implementing technology-enhanced services.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Apply and submit application materials online at http://apptrkr.com/309703. Once you are in the online application system, we strongly advise you to read the information on “How to Apply” and the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) before starting the application process.

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit the following items:

1) Application for Academic Employment.

2) A cover letter addressed to the "Selection Committee" addressing how you meet the Minimum Qualifications, Desirable Qualifications, and Other Requirements listed in this job posting, and describing other qualities not evident in your resume/curriculum vitae.

3) A current resume or curriculum vitae summarizing your educational background and professional experience.

4a) Transcripts of ALL college coursework -- unofficial or legible copies are acceptable but must indicate that the degree(s) has been conferred, if applicable.

If your qualifying degree is in progress but will be conferred BEFORE the position begins in July 2013, you must also include a written statement from your advisor indicating the anticipated degree CONFERRAL date.

If your degree(s) is from a college or university outside of the United States, you must submit a detailed evaluation from a professional evaluation agency. A list of agencies can be found at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl635.pdf.

4b) If needed to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy (front and back) of your California credential authorizing DSPS counseling and/or learning disabilities services in a community college.

4c) If you do not possess the exact degrees listed above or if your qualifying degree(s) will not be awarded before the position begins, you must submit an equivalency narrative and supporting documentation.  View the instructions for equivalency requests at http://www.miracosta.edu/administrative/hr/downloads/Equivalency.pdf.

5) Three recent letters of recommendation (must be dated) or an up-to-date placement file.  If you already have letters of recommendation in your possession, you may attach them yourself when attaching the other required documents in the online application system.  If you would prefer, or if your letter writers would prefer to submit a confidential letter, you can enter their names and e-mail addresses in the online system, and the system will send an e-mail requesting them to submit a letter of recommendation via our online system.  IMPORTANT: The system will NOT e-mail your letter writers until you have completely finished applying and get a confirmation number from the system.  Therefore, if you use this option, it is recommended that you finish applying at least 7 days prior to the first screening date so that your letter writers have enough time to submit their letters.

NOTE:  With the exception of documents needed to support an equivalency request, do not submit materials other than those requested above.

Individuals with qualified disabilities who need accommodation with any aspect of the application and/or interview process should contact Human Resources at (760)795-6854 at least five days prior to the first screening date.

The selection committee will review application materials two to five weeks following the first screening date.  Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by phone; those not selected will be notified by e-mail. For interviewees, the selection process will include a panel interview, as well as possible presentation and written exercise.  Interviewees will cover expenses for their first trip to the campus.

MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an educational environment which affirms and supports diversity in its faculty, staff, and administration, and promoting an environment of inclusion.

EMOTIONAL EFFORT OF THE POSITION:

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and communications personally, by phone, and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds on a regular, on-going basis; ability to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods of time and/or intermittently while attending to other responsibilities; ability to work effectively under pressure on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.

WORKING CONDITIONS OF THE POSITION:

Primarily works in an office, classroom environment, or instructional lab; constant contact with students; subject to frequent interruptions by individuals in person or by telephone; intermittent exposure to  individuals acting in a disagreeable manner; may work at any district location or authorized facility during day and/or evening hours; occasional local travel may be requested.

PHYSICAL EFFORT OF THE POSITION:

Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending, and stooping; occasional light lifting and carrying of objects weighing 25 pounds or less; ability to work at a computer, including repetitive use of computer keyboard, mouse or other control devices; ability to travel to a variety of locations on and off campus as needed to conduct district business.

OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT:

An offer of employment to the person selected for this position is contingent upon 1) successful completion of a pre-placement physical exam at district expense, 2) tuberculosis clearance, 3) proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and 4) fingerprint clearance.

SALARY POLICY AND FRINGE BENEFITS:

Upon initial employment, full-time faculty members are placed on the salary schedule based on education and years of experience.  The maximum initial placement for experience is Step 10.  Faculty members are encouraged to continue their professional development through additional study, qualifying them for advancement on the salary schedule.

For current salary schedule and information on salary placement, see our web page at 

http://www.miracosta.edu/administrative/hr/downloads/Academic%20Salary%20Schedule%2011_13.pdf. 

MiraCosta College offers a comprehensive package of benefits, which includes employee and dependent medical, dental, and vision coverage; employee life insurance; and optional coverage such as accident insurance, and short-term and long-term disability coverage.  Faculty members are also covered under the California State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS).

MISSION STATEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL GOALS:

The MiraCosta Community College District mission is to provide educational opportunities and student-support services to a diverse population of learners with a focus on their success.  MiraCosta offers associate degrees, university-transfer courses, career-and-technical education, certificate programs, basic-skills education, and lifelong-learning opportunities that strengthen the economic, cultural, social, and educational well-being of the communities it serves.

Goal I.  MiraCosta Community College District will become a vanguard educational institution committed to innovation and researched best practices, broad access to higher education, and environmental sustainability.

Goal II.  MiraCosta Community College District will become the institution where each student has a high probability of achieving academic success.

Goal III.  MiraCosta Community College District will institutionalize effective planning processes through the systematic use of data to make decisions.

Goal IV.  MiraCosta Community College District will demonstrate high standards of stewardship and fiscal prudence.

Goal V.  MiraCosta Community College District will be a conscientious community partner.

THE DISTRICT, STAFF AND STUDENTS:

The MiraCosta Community College District is one of California's 112 public community colleges.  The district includes the communities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Cardiff, Olivenhain, Leucadia, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, and parts of Carmel Valley.  The single college district is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees who are elected at large from each of the district’s seven communities.

MiraCosta offers associate degrees, university-transfer courses, career-and-technical education, certificate programs, basic-skills education, and lifelong-learning opportunities.  

The college’s fee-based Community Education program provides a wide variety of classes, workshops, and excursions.  Tuition-free, noncredit classes also present a variety of learning opportunities at the Community Learning Center and throughout the community.

MiraCosta College partners with the North San Diego Small Business Development Center, which provides service to all of North San Diego and Imperial Counties.

MiraCosta College employs 178 full-time faculty, 259 regular classified staff, and 15 academic administrators.  An additional 500 associate faculty teach in the credit and noncredit programs, and about 150 educators or contract staff provide community service activities.  MiraCosta students are diverse, including representation from all of California’s major racial/ethnic groups and ages.  Diversity is also evidenced by student-veterans, reentry students, individuals with disabilities, and international students.  The district boasts a long history of commitment to collegiality, civility, and mutual respect.

THE SITES:

The district consists of three campus sites and a robust online education program.

The Oceanside Campus, serving about 12,000 credit students, has been located since 1964 on a panoramic 121-acre hilltop site with views of the ocean and mountains.

The San Elijo Campus is located in Cardiff, 17 miles south of Oceanside, on 48 acres below the bluffs overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve.  The San Elijo Campus opened in September 1988, and now attracts about 3,000 credit students.

The Community Learning Center in downtown Oceanside hosts about 4,000 students in the college’s noncredit classes including English as a Second Language, the Adult High School Diploma Program, and other tuition-free, noncredit classes as well as some college credit classes.

ACCREDITATION:

MiraCosta College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, 415.506.0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education and approved by the California State Department of Education Office of Private Post-Secondary Education for training veterans and other eligible persons under the provisions of the GI Bill. The University of California, California State Universities, and private universities of high rank give credit for transfer courses completed at MiraCosta College.

MiraCosta College is approved by the following: Association of Surgical Technologists, California Board of Registered Nursing, California State Colleges and Universities, California State Department of Education, Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, State Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners, University of California.

THE AREA:

Situated between San Diego and Los Angeles, MiraCosta College benefits from multicultural influences and cultural opportunities.  Interstate 5, Amtrak, and Carlsbad regional airport provide easy access to either metropolis and to Mexico.  The district, which extends 25 miles along the Pacific Ocean from Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base to the city of San Diego, attracts diverse ethnic and socioeconomic populations who live in urban and suburban communities.  The intellectual environment is enhanced by the college’s proximity to the University of California San Diego, California State University San Marcos and other institutions of higher education.  Along with numerous theaters, galleries, and museums, residents enjoy a moderate year-round climate, which provides many opportunities for outdoor activities.

CAMPUS SAFETY:

As per the Clery Act of 1998, the campus security report can be found at

http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/police/downloads/safety_report.pdf

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MiraCosta College

Attn: Human Resources

1 Barnard Drive

Oceanside, CA 92056

Questions? E-mail jobs@miracosta.edu or call (760)795-6854.

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