Counselor (Full-time, Tenure-track)

VOTED BEST PLACE TO WORK IN LEWIS COUNTY 2025

Centralia College is on a 30-acre campus of modern buildings set among walking paths, lawns, and native plantings just a few blocks from the heart of Centralia, Washington. The college has served students in the Lewis County region since 1925 and is the oldest continuously operating community college in Washington State. The city of Centralia is a historic railroad and river shipping hub with a vibrant downtown and railway station.

As a comprehensive community college, Centralia College offers academic transfer and workforce programs, as well as adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and personal enrichment classes. The college also offers five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

In addition to the main campus in Centralia, Centralia College East in Morton is a smaller site that serves the needs of students in east Lewis County. Centralia College is committed to the success of all students, and thus also provides educational programs at two corrections centers in southwest Washington and one juvenile facility. In total, the college serves more than 4,800 students annually. For nearly 100 years, several generations of Lewis County residents have looked to Centralia College for their education and training needs.

Centralia College is committed to student success, academic excellence, and enhancing and supporting our diverse community in an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We encourage applicants with demonstrated experience collaborating with, and serving, people from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more information on Centralia College and the Centralia area, call 360-736-9391 or visit www.centralia.edu.

Centralia College is committed to advancing student success, academic excellence, and equitable access within an inclusive learning environment. Under the supervision of the Dean of Student Success & Retention, the Faculty Academic Advising Counselor provides comprehensive academic advising to Running Start and non Running-Start students, supporting their progression from entry through program completion. The role includes educational and career planning, proactive case management, and timely referral to campus and community resources. Contracted days (177) are distributed across summer, fall, winter, and spring to align with institutional advising needs, with a substantial summer assignment to support peak enrollment and onboarding. The primary function is advising and career support. Teaching student success courses may be assigned based on departmental need and faculty workload guidelines.

1) Academic Advising & Student Success

• Provide holistic, strengths based-advising to a diverse student population, including Running Start, new, continuing, and returning students.
• Assist students in clarifying academic goals, selecting programs/Pathways, building quarterly schedules, and developing term by term education plans through completion.
• Conduct new student intake and orientation advising; serve as a primary intake advisor in the Advising/Counseling Center.
• Monitor academic progress (milestones, GPA, pace to completion); conduct outreach and follow-up interventions for at risk students.
• Guide students through college processes (placement, registration, holds, petitions, transfer articulation, graduation application).
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of advising interactions in approved systems while upholding FERPA and institutional privacy standards.

2) Career & Educational Planning

• Provide career exploration and planning support using validated tools and inventories; interpret results to align academic pathways with career goals.
• Equip students with decision making strategies (labor market research, informational interviews, experiential learning options); make referrals to career services as appropriate.
• Connect students to college and community resources (e.g., tutoring, Basic Needs, disability/access services, financial aid advice).

3) Student Support, Well-being, and Referral

• Recognize common indicators of student distress and barriers to learning; use active listening and trauma-informed approaches within professional boundaries.
• Follow college protocols for warm handoffs and crisis response; promptly refer students to licensed counseling services, Basic Needs, Title IX, disability services, and community partners as appropriate.
• Participate in ongoing training (e.g., FERPA, Title IX, trauma-informed practices, crisis protocols) and maintain any counselling-related certifications required by the College.

4) Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with high school counselors and district partners to ensure consistent messaging for Running Start students and families.
• Collaborate with faculty, enrollment services, financial aid, and student support offices to coordinate proactive, student centered interventions.
• Serve on committees and workgroups that advance student success, equity, and continuous improvement.

5) Teaching & Curriculum Support (As Assigned)

• Teach student success courses and/or workshops (e.g., college success, academic skills, transition to college) as assigned.
• Contribute to course scheduling, assessment, and continuous improvement to align with student learning outcomes and institutional goals.

6) Data, Systems, and Continuous Improvement

• Use approved student information systems and advising tools to schedule, track caseloads, document interventions, and assess outcomes.
• Analyze trends (retention, persistence, completion) to inform advising practices; contribute to reports and recommendations for process improvement.
• Demonstrate ongoing professional learning in advising best practices, student development, and equity minded approaches.

• Master's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Human Services, Counseling, or a closely related field and two (2) years of relevant experience in an educational setting (e.g., academic advising, student support, counseling, or related roles).
• Demonstrated experience providing academic and career advising to students from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds with a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice.
• Proficiency using technology for scheduling, advising documentation, student records, and virtual appointments.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, with the ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and community partners in both languages.

• Teaching experience, preferably in higher education (courses or workshops in student success, first-year experience, or related areas).
• Experience in career planning, interpretation of career assessments, and facilitating career exploration activities.
• Experience supporting students engaged in occupational retraining through public programs (e.g., Labor & Industries, Employment Security, Vocational Rehabilitation), including advising and career exploration research.
• Demonstrated effectiveness collaborating in cross functional teams to achieve shared student success goals.
• Experience assessing curriculum, program objectives, or student learning outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Student Development & Equity: Knowledge of student development theories and equity minded, culturally responsive practices that remove barriers and promote belonging.
• Advising Techniques: Strengths-based advising, active listening, motivational interviewing, goal setting, and action planning.
• Higher Ed Navigation: Understanding of admissions, placement, financial aid basics, transfer pathways, degree/certificate requirements, and campus resources.
• Technology: Comfort with advising platforms, student information systems, and productivity tools for data tracking and communication.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners (including K-12).
• Compliance & Ethics: Knowledge of FERPA and institutional policies; demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ethical conduct.
• Problem Solving: Ability to identify challenges, propose solutions, and make timely, student centered referrals.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with advising best practices, policies, and regulations.

This position primarily operates in an office/advising environment. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods; frequent computer use and telephone/video communication.
• Ability to move about the office, meet with students, and present in small group¿ settings.
• Ability to occasionally move materials and supplies up to 25 lbs.

This is a full-time, tenure track faculty appointment with employment expected to begin Summer Quarter 2026, subject to state legislative funding. The State of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for all state employees.

Centralia College faculty are represented by the Centralia College Federation of Teachers, Local No.4469, AFT/AAFL-CIO.

DEADLINE: Priority screening will begin their review on April 28, 2026. Position is open until filled.

Compensation
Initial placement on the established faculty salary schedule is dependent upon education and teaching experience. The initial salary range for a 177-day contract is $73,297 - $93,092. Established faculty have the ability to earn a maximum of $109,912.

Application Process
Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Centralia College is unable to extend post-completion optional practical training (OPT) to F-1 students who receive STEM degrees.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Sexual Misconduct

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employers. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.

Centralia College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we strongly urge all qualified applicants, especially people of color, persons of disability, women, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans, to apply. Centralia College is an Equal Opportunity employer.

It is the policy of Centralia College to assure equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40), religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Centralia College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Designated Title II, VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA compliance officer: Vice President for Human Resources and Equity, Hanson Hall Room 101, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099, (360)623-8943.

The Human Resources Office is accessible for persons with disabilities. Those who need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call (360)623-8943.

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report-Centralia College's Annual Crime/Security Report is available here, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 360-623-8947.

Centralia College is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information visit, Title IX.