GUIDE Program Counselor (Part Time)

The City of Carlsbad's Police Department is currently seeking GUIDE (Greater Understanding through Intervention, Diversion and Education) Program Counselor.

Credentialed Social Workers will work part-time (15-20 hours per week during the school year) as counselors working with middle and high school students enrolled within the Carlsbad Unified School District. Position starts immediately (upon successfully completing require background check) and runs through end of June 2027.

What is the GUIDE Program?

GUIDE is a prevention and intervention counseling program for middle and high school students in the Carlsbad Unified School District. Social workers meet with students individually or in groups and offer supportive listening; help students to identify and use their personal strengths. GUIDE Counselors are responsible for providing counseling services for students that have been identified and referred for early intervention due to their conduct and behavioral issues. GUIDE Counselors are also responsible for linking students and families in need of additional support to appropriate community resources and services.

GUIDE offers two distinct intervention programs:

• Drug and Alcohol Intervention Program

This program is designed for students found using or in possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol on school grounds. The program also accepts self-referral from Parents and/or students.

• Conduct and Behavior Intervention Program

This program is designed for students that have been involved in altercations, possess a weapon on school grounds, engage in bullying/cyber bullying

This unique program is a collaborative effort between the Carlsbad Police Department and the Carlsbad Unified School District which supports families and therefore benefits community members.

Basic Functions of Counselors

Guide Counselors facilitate the Drug and Alcohol Intervention Program and the Conduct and Behavior program. At the conclusion of the class, Counselors work with students on scheduling wrap-around services which typically include individualized counseling sessions with those students. GUIDE Counselors also collaborate with school administrators and school staff on additional issues impacting student health and well-being.

About the Police Department:
The City of Carlsbad Police Department is a full-service police department that prides itself on its strong partnership with the community and high service levels. Through the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Police Department, and the support of council members and the community, the city continues to be a safe community to live, work and play.

About the Community:
The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life.

• Provide behavioral counseling to students
• Recognize and appropriately take care of individual students' socio-emotional challenges
• Coordinate and facilitate groups for students, such as for improving social skills or addressing behavioral challenges
• Complete regular reports for services provided, such as session notes and incident reports
• Develop working relationships with school personnel
• Evaluate referrals and assess student needs
• Develop preliminary treatment plan
• Develop relationships with students, on going
• Contact parents and make referrals when appropriate
• Collaborate with school team as needed
• Maintain computerized records and database on clients.
• Perform general clerical duties related to other GUIDE program activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

To perform a job in this classification, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties as generally described in the specification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties in a specific job. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

• City of Carlsbad GUIDE Program, policies, and procedures.
• Methods of statistical data collection.
• General office methods and procedures.
• Computer systems and word processing spreadsheet and database applications.
• Recordkeeping and reporting procedures and methods.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Proper English usage, punctuation, grammar and spelling.
• Office equipment operation.

Skill in:

• Typing at a speed necessary to perform assigned duties, typical minimum net corrected speed of 40 wpm from clear copy.

Ability to:

• Apply and explain federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare statistical reports and maintain complex record keeping systems.
• Apply and exercise discretion and judgment in resolving problems.
• Operate a microcomputer and appropriate software applications.
• Work independently.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Work a flexible schedule.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

• Possession of a valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work
• Master's degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, social work, or related field.
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Social Worker Authorization
• Two or more years of experience in school social work or school counseling, marital and family therapy, and classroom teaching.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License and evidence of a safe driving record.
• This assignment involves working with minors; in accordance with the Health and Safety Code section 10911.5 (a), cannot have any convictions related to drugs, sexual misconduct, assault, or related offenses involving minors.
• Flexibility to work a variety of hours as required.
• Bilingual oral and written language skills are desirable in order to serve the Spanish-speaking population (both youths and their parents participating in the program).