GUIDE Program Counselor; Part Time

Position:
Program Counselor – GUIDE (Greater Understanding through Intervention, Diversion and Education) Program

The City of Carlsbad’s Police Department is currently seeking credentialed social workers to serve as Program Counselors for the GUIDE Program. Counselors will work part‑time (15–20 hours per week during the school year) with middle and high school students in the Carlsbad Unified School District. The position begins immediately upon successful background check and continues through the end of June 2027.

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 who have been identified and referred for early intervention due to conduct and behavioral issues, and for linking students and families to appropriate community resources and services.

• Drug and Alcohol Intervention Program – designed for students found using or in possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol on school grounds; the program also accepts self‑referrals from parents or students.
• Conduct and Behavior Intervention Program – designed for students involved in altercations, who possess a weapon on school grounds, or who engage in bullying/cyberbullying.

Counselors facilitate the Drug and Alcohol Intervention Program and the Conduct and Behavior Program, schedule wrap‑around services, and collaborate with school administrators and staff on additional issues impacting student health and well‑being.

The City of Carlsbad Police Department is a full‑service department that prides itself on its strong partnership with the community and high service levels. The department’s dedication means Carlsbad remains a safe community to live, work, and play.

Carlsbad is located in north San Diego County and offers a great climate, beautiful beaches, abundant open space, world‑class resorts, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere. The city covers nearly 40 square miles and is home to about 115,000 residents, supported by a growth‑management plan that promotes quality of life.

• Provide behavioral counseling to students
• Recognize and appropriately address individual students’ socio‑emotional challenges
• Coordinate and facilitate groups for students, such as to improve social skills or address behavioral challenges
• Complete regular reports for services provided, including session notes and incident reports
• Develop working relationships with school personnel
• Evaluate referrals and assess student needs
• Develop a preliminary treatment plan
• Maintain ongoing relationships with students
• Contact parents and make referrals when appropriate
• Collaborate with the school team as needed
• Maintain computerized records and databases on clients
• Perform general clerical duties related to other GUIDE program activities
• Perform other related duties as assigned

To perform this job, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• 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
• Record‑keeping and reporting procedures
• Basic mathematical principles
• Proper English usage, punctuation, grammar, and spelling
• Office equipment operation

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

• 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…