Position Number: ACA20-351

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION CENTER COUNSELOR/LEARNING DISABILITIES SPECIALIST

Full-Time Tenure Track Faculty Position

Review Date: April 27, 2021

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2020-2021 year and is contingent upon continue available district, grant and state funding.

Who We are

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

The College and the District

College of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018 and 2019 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County.

Who We Want

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY:

College of the Canyons is seeking a faculty leader in the Academic Accommodation Center (AAC), formerly known as Disabled Students Programs & Services. The AAC Counselor/Learning Disabilities Specialist position is a 11-MONTH professional, full-time tenure track position. The position may include a combination of teaching, department, college, and community leadership functions. Assignment may include day, evening, and weekend duties at all District sites.

Canyons Hall

ENTER ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Under the direction of Associate Vice-President of Student Services, and the Director of AAC, the AAC Counselor will be a member of an integrated support staff providing services to students with disabilities;
The AAC Counselor/Learning Disability Specialist will work with students having a wide range of disabling conditions; Identify educational limitations of and appropriate accommodations for students with learning disabilities;
Administer, score, and interpret standardized tests to determine eligibility for learning disabilities;
Provide academic, vocational, personal, and disability-related counseling to persons eligible for services from AAC; Assist in developing and implementing learning strategies;
Working knowledge of Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability legislation at state and federal levels affecting the provision of disability services at a California community college;
Develop and monitor Academic Accommodation plans (AAP) for students with disabilities utilizing appropriate information from educational, medical, psychological and vocational sources; Consult with staff and faculty on students’ progress;
Maintain student files and appropriate records as required by federal and state laws;
The AAC Counselor will serve as liaison with campus and community agencies serving individuals with disabilities; Provide in-service workshops for staff, faculty and community;
Maintain liaisons with schools and agencies serving the people with disabilities in the community and participate in recruitment and orientation activities;
Assist in the development of projects and proposals concerning students with disabilities;
Maintain expertise in medical, psychological aspects of disabilities;
Participate in and implement departmental and college program reviews;
Participate in additional faculty responsibilities, including college decision-making activities related to professional and academic matters; Teach department-related topics courses for AAC students;
Activities will occur both within the department as well as in the larger College setting;
Maintains office hours and participates in department, division, and college committees and governance.
Participates in and implements departmental and college program reviews.
Participates in additional faculty responsibilities, including college decision-making activities related to professional and academic matters. The activities will occur both within the department as well as in the larger College setting.
Performs other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Faculty members at College of the Canyons facilitate student learning by working to develop every student’s abilities and by designing varied and exciting learning environments;
Faculty members work as team members with all staff, create innovations in teaching and learning methods, and work to provide an environment for students to be partners in learning;
Faculty members also assist in program planning, carry out related projects and evaluate related department programs and faculty;
Faculty members carry out their professional responsibilities by participating in the college decision-making activities related to academic and professional matters via meetings, by participating on project teams, by engaging in ongoing and meaningful professional development, and by providing support to students on a one-to-one and small group basis at regularly scheduled times.
In addition to professional expertise in teaching within the discipline, applicants should possess the following abilities and attitudes that have been identified as important to successful performance in the position.

PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES:

Success and commitment as a team player, including the ability to engage in cooperative problem solving;
Success at initiating, executing and following up on projects, including the ability to set specific objectives and measure achieved results;
A commitment to the mission and values of the community college; A positive attitude, including the ability to foster collegiality; Flexibility, including the acceptance of and willingness to change;
Open-mindedness, including fairness and the ability to see multiple perspectives; The willingness to take risks and be innovative;
A willingness to see complex tasks through to completion; and
The willingness to accept responsibility for professional and personal growth.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling;
OR Master’s degree in Counseling, Guidance Counseling, 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 fifteen or more semester units in upper division or graduate level course work specifically 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 Academic Accommodation Center (AAC) Program or in a program dealing predominantly or exclusively with people with disabilities,
OR Two years of full-time 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 of the position were predominantly or exclusively for persons with disabilities, or the equivalent.

AND

2. Fifteen semester units of upper division or graduate study in the area of learning disabilities, to include, but not limited to adult cognitive and achievement assessment or the equivalent.

3. Completion of the California Community College Learning Disability Eligibility Model (LDESM) training prior to the start date.

*Note to current COC adjunct faculty in the discipline: If you were qualified and hired under the previous set of equivalencies, you may still qualify for this position. Please contact Human Resources.

*Applicants who meet equivalent qualifications must also submit a Request for Equivalency Form.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Previous experience counseling college students with disabilities;
Certification with the Chancellor’s Office on the California Community College Model of Assessment of Learning Disabilities (LDESM);
Demonstrated ability to administer, score and interpret mandated assessment battery for determining eligibility of students for possible Specific Learning Disabilities and interpret information from medical, psychological and educational sources; Testing and/or other psychometric experience;
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with on-campus groups (including students, faculty, administrators and staff), as well as, off-campus community and education partners;
Ability to communicate professionally and clearly with students, faculty, staff and administrators, orally and in writing;
Willingness to facilitate and encourage student success by collaborating with faculty and staff to develop varied and innovative academic learning environments;
Demonstrated ability to resolve accommodation issues between students, staff, faculty and the institution in a timely manner;
Commitment to maintain currency in the discipline, including use of advanced technology required in the discipline;
Strong commitment to professional growth and development, and to the continued innovation and improvement of knowledge in the field;
Ability to work effectively with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality counseling and instruction, and the understanding and successful use of assistive and learning technology;
Willingness to facilitate and encourage student success by working to develop varied and innovative academic learning environments;
Ability and willingness to teach a wide range of classes designed for students with disabilities as schedules and institutional commitments require; Experience with online teaching and pedagogy is desired;
In addition to being well qualified to teach in their respective disciplines, it is desirable that faculty have additional abilities and interests in contributing to other professional pursuits at the College, such as: instructional innovation, second language ability, new program development, student success initiatives and community outreach;
Demonstrated sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic and disability backgrounds of community college students.
Ability and willingness to participate in grant writing for the department.

SALARY PLACEMENT

Eleventh-month position; anticipated starting date July 1, 2021 (start date not negotiable)
Initial Salary Placement on Academic Salary Schedule 1 is dependent on education and experience. Salary range is from: $70,524 – $112,128 annually (adjusted for 12 months of pay per year). Column placement is based on education and step placement will be based on years of professional experience, not to exceed nine (9) years’ experience for a maximum placement of Step 10: For details, click on link to Academic Salary Schedule
Part of the teaching assignment may be evenings and/or weekends at all District sites.
The instructor may be expected to deliver instruction utilizing nontraditional delivery methods.
An excellent benefit package including medical, vision, dental, life and Section 125 is offered.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening.
Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
Board of Trustees approval.
Official transcript must be submitted upon offer of employment.
Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time plus frequent periods of standing and walking, which may include climbing staircases; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and related equipment; reaching, bending, kneeling, crawling and stooping; frequently exert 10-20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor; handling and working with various materials and objects; and travel from site-to-site.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
Board of Trustees approval.
Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.
Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected basis under the law.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

Students

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

Innovative. Collaborative. Entrepreneurial. These characteristics not only define College of the Canyons, they are embodied by the faculty, staff and administrators who make this college unique among the 114 California Community Colleges.

Established in 1969, College of the Canyons is among the fastest-growing colleges in California and the nation. It is widely recognized as a model community college for enhancing student access, success and equity. Its completion rates rank among the highest in the state. The college has established a well-deserved reputation for bolstering economic development and offering innovative career technical education responsive to industry needs.

Guided by visionary leadership, the college serves a 367-square-mile area of northern Los Angeles County that includes the dynamic, growing Santa Clarita Valley. A steady influx of new residents and businesses creates a spirit of possibilities that inspires the college to be flexible, creative and attuned to the community’s evolving needs. The growing diversity of the community is mirrored by the college, which qualifies as a Latino-serving institution.

The college’s influence in the community is best illustrated by the dozens of collaborative partnerships it has forged with local school districts, government entities and service organizations. Examples include the Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach initiative, which allows thousands of children to experience the arts each year, and Academy of the Canyons, an early/middle college high school at the Valencia campus that is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation.

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, the college offers 92 associate degree programs, including 23 associate degree for transfer (AD-T) options, as well as 71 certificate programs. Classes are offered during traditional fall and spring semesters, as well as shorter, intensive summer and winter sessions. Additional educational opportunities exist at the University Center, whose four-year colleges and universities offer approximately 30 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well certificate and credential programs.

Because of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community, local voters have approved two bond measures valued at more than $240 million since 2001. The college also secures substantial funds from the state and millions of dollars in grants each year that allow new, cutting-edge programs to be developed and facilities built to accommodate them.

Given its commitment to growth and innovation, College of the Canyons sets a new standard for what a college can achieve. It is a vital cultural, educational and economic force in the region. Join us to discover unexpected possibilities, the freedom to innovate and an opportunity to shape the future.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online at https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178. Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

A District Academic application.
A current detailed resume, summarizing education and experience.
Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement. Provides specific details and examples of your direct leadership in achieving the list of minimum and desirable requirements for this position.
Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. Submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
Three (3) current (dated within the last five (5) years) letters of professional reference that clearly describes why you are a strong candidate/good fit for this position based on the job description. Letters must be signed and dated (no fancy font signatures).
Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application.

Please note:

Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
A presentation will be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview.
Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews the week of May 10, 2021 and conduct final interviews the week of May 17, 2021. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change.

Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

College of the CanyonsSanta Clarita Community College District