Clinical Psychologist, Categorical
Salary
$144,024.00 - $212,772.00 Annually
Location
Saddleback College - Mission Viejo, CA
Job Type
SC - Management (Full-Time)
Job Number
202400994
Office, Division, or School
SC - Student Health Center
Opening Date
07/16/2026
Closing Date
8/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Culture of Care:
At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community. Our employees build meaningful relationships, demonstrate empathy and professionalism, and promote a culture of belonging, engagement, and mutual respect.
Join SOCCCD and be part of a community dedicated to connection, purpose, and impact. We are seeking collaborative professionals committed to supporting students, creating meaningful experiences, and contributing to an inclusive and supportive workplace. Every employee helps shape a Caring District-one where students, colleagues, and the broader community feel valued, respected, and empowered. If you are passionate about service and making a positive difference, we invite you to bring your talents to our team.
Application Instructions:
Description
Specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the position. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under direction from the Director, Health and Wellness Center, the Clinical Psychologist provides psychological services to enrolled college students to support their academic success and personal development. This includes individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, psychodiagnostic assessment, consultation, outreach programming, and supervision/training of psychology trainees. The Clinical Psychologist collaborates with campus departments to promote mental health, student well-being, and a safe, inclusive campus environment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the appropriate level manager, administrator, or designee.
Exercises functional and technical supervision over assigned classified professionals, student staff and related reporting personnel.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties and responsibilities are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Provide short-term therapy to a diverse student population presenting with a wide range of clinical issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and academic stress.
Conduct crisis intervention and risk assessment for students in psychological distress; coordinate with campus partners (e.g., Campus Police, Student Health Services) for safety planning.
Perform psychological assessments, including diagnostic evaluations and clinical formulations, to inform treatment planning and referrals.
Provide consultation to faculty, staff, and administrators regarding student mental health and behavioral concerns, consistent with ethical and legal guidelines for confidentiality.
Participate in outreach and prevention programs on topics such as stress management, suicide prevention, healthy relationships, and mental health awareness.
Contribute to training and supervision of practicum students, interns, or postdoctoral fellows (if applicable).
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
Supervise assigned personnel and provide training to psychological trainees.
Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, and continuing education activities to support professional development and program quality.
Engage in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts within the Counseling Center and across campus.
Assist in data collection and program evaluation to assess service effectiveness and inform quality improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and the Districts mission and philosophy.
Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:
Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from an APA-accredited or from a regionally accredited program.
Experience:
Minimum of three years of experience as a licensed Psychologist, including psychodiagnostic assessment experience, administration, scoring, interpretation, and integration of psychological testing data (e.g., cognitive, personality, ADHD, or diagnostic instruments).
Commitment to equity and diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices within an educational environment.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid and active license as a Psychologist in the State of California.
A valid California driver's license and proof of insurability may be required for some positions to drive a District or personal vehicle to attend meetings or pick up/deliver documents or other materials.
Possession of updated immunizations or titers to communicable diseases in accordance with the college policy and CDC recommendations is required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Clinical records maintenance.
Clinical therapy methods with individuals, couples, and groups, preferably in a community college setting.
Commitment to supporting a diverse student body and fostering an inclusive campus climate.
Crisis intervention and demonstrated appropriate and effective crisis intervention skills and techniques.
Current guiding principles in psychological services in community college settings.
Drug and alcohol addiction/use and eating disorders.
Ethical, legal, and professional standards for psychologists in higher education settings.
Familiarity with Point and Click or similar electronic health records (EHR) and data-informed clinical practice.
Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and diplomacy.
Local, State and federal laws and regulations related to student mental health counseling in community colleges.
Mental health promotion and advocacy techniques.
Operation of computer, peripherals and software programs, including student information systems, database management, spreadsheet,
word processing and specialized software.
Principles and practices of mental health therapy.
Principles and practices of training and supervision.
Public relations and public speaking techniques.
Research methods in psychological therapy.
Short-term therapy models, campus systems, and collaborative care approaches.
Strategies and methods to enhance psychological health of students.
ABILITY TO:
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Assess the psychological needs of students and develop an appropriate plan of intervention.
Attend/participate in professional conferences, seminars, or meetings.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Communicate complex psychological concepts in a clear and accessible manner to non-clinical audiences.
Contribute to program development, data analysis, and outcome evaluation activities.
Demonstrate cultural humility and adapt interventions to the unique needs of diverse student populations.
Develop and deliver engaging workshops and outreach programs on mental health topics.
Develop, implement and evaluate the delivery of mental healthcare services to students.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Follow professional protocols for licensed Clinical Psychologists as stipulated by the California Board of Psychology.
Formulate accurate diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical and legal standards governing psychological practice.
Maintain current knowledge of mental healthcare practices.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Maintain the security of confidential information and materials.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Provide appropriate emergency response and crisis intervention.
Provide brief, time-limited therapy consistent with a college counseling center model.
Provide emergency and crisis care intervention and administer treatment as needed.
Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Respond calmly and effectively in crisis situations, exercising sound clinical judgment under pressure.
Supervise and assist in the evaluation of clinical psychology students, marriage and family therapist (MFT) interns, social workers, practicum students
and/or interns.
Support the mission and values of the College and District, promoting student success and well-being.
Understand technical and medical terminology.
Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Duties are typically performed at a desk or computer terminal; subject to noise from office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person and on the telephone with students, academic and classified staff, and others. At least minimal environmental controls are in place to assure health and comfort.
Physical Demands:
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and to occasionally travel to other offices or locations to attend meetings or to pick up or deliver materials. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Supplemental Information
Range 15 of the District Management Team Salary Schedule
Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter and California Psychology License
Applications missing the required documents will not be considered.
Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and Friday (7:30am - 4:00pm) - Schedule and shift are subject to change in accordance with the departments needs.
Hours per Week: 40
Months per Year: 12
Employment in this position is contingent upon funding by Health Fee Services.
Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.
Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.
California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.
Attendance Requirement:
All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
California Fair Chance Act:
The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access:
The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community.
The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.
Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024.
Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.
These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidates values will align with SOCCCD's goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace that is compliant and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants are evaluated for employment without regard to ethnicity or race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, veteran status, political or organizational affiliation, or any other protected characteristic in compliance with federal and California law.
THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
General Information:
For general information about benefits, including eligibility requirements, please visit the benefits webpage on the South Orange County Community College District ("District") website.
Link: https://www.socccd.edu/departments/business-services/employee-benefits
Retiree Benefits:
Faculty (Full-Time)
Present medical, vision, and dental benefits for those retirees who were employed full-time by the District for ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of retirement and who have reached the age of fifty-five (55), and who meet the eligibility requirements described in the collective bargaining agreement, and for the dependents of eligible retirees, shall continue until the retiree reaches the age of Medicare eligibility. The retiree may be eligible for continued benefits after reaching the age of Medicare eligibility.
For more information about retiree benefits, including eligibility requirements, please refer to the applicable collective bargaining agreement on the District website.
Link: https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/contracts-and-salary-schedules
Staff (California School Employees Association ("CSEA"))
Effective July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2026, bargaining unit members who retire from the District and the California Public Employees Retirement System ("CalPERS")/California State Teachers' Retirement System ("CalSTRS") concurrently at sixty (60) years of age or older who have been employed by the District for at least ten (10) consecutive years, during which they were health benefit eligible under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement immediately prior to retirement, shall receive the same District contribution as provided active bargaining unit members under the collective bargaining agreement, toward health benefits specified under the collective bargaining agreement, excluding long term disability and life insurance, the legal assistance program and long term care insurance, until age sixty-five (65) or until the bargaining unit member becomes eligible for Medicare, whichever is sooner.
OR
Effective July 1, 2026, bargaining unit members will receive the District offered medical, vision, and dental benefits for those retirees who retire July 1, 2026, or thereafter, who were employed full-time by the District for ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of retirement and who have reached the age of fifty-five (55), and who meet the requirements described in the collective bargaining agreement. The retiree may be eligible for continued benefits after reaching the age of Medicare eligibility.
For more information about retiree benefits, including eligibility requirements, please refer to the applicable collective bargaining agreement on the District website.
Link: https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/contracts-and-salary-schedules
Management
Medical, dental, and vision benefits in effect in the District at the time of retirement of a management team member shall continue in effect upon the employees retirement for those employees who have been actively employed full-time and receiving full-time benefits by the District for ten (10) consecutive years immediately preceding the date of retirement and who concurrently retire from either CalSTRS and/or CalPERS. The retiree may be eligible for continued benefits after reaching the age of Medicare eligibility.
For more information about retiree benefits, including eligibility requirements, please refer to the applicable board policy and/or administrative regulation on the District website.
Link: https://www.socccd.edu/board-trustees/board-policies
01
How have your professional experiences prepared you to contribute to an organization committed to equity, values diversity, and expects inclusion?
Required Question
Employer South Orange County Community College District
Address 28000 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo, California, 92692
Phone (949) 582-4850
Website https://www.socccd.edu/
South Orange County Community College District encompasses 382 square miles in south Orange County serving over 909,000 residents in 26 communities. We know that higher education is directly linked to quality of life and economic vitality. We have helped generations of families achieve their educational and career goals since 1967.