College & Career Specialist - Mountainside

Position Overview

Position Title: College & Career Center Specialist

Department: High Schools

Reports To: High School Principal

Pay Grade: SUPP/14

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: OSEA

Approved Date: October 21, 2009

Revised Date: NA

• Assists students with a variety of career awareness and exploration activities.
• Supervises student activity in the College & Career Center; provides guidance for research activities and selection of brochures, books, labor market information and other materials; assists students with internet research. Instructs students in the use of various assessment tools to determine vocational direction; provides assistance in interpreting vocational assessment test results.
• Develops and delivers college and career planning presentations to large and small groups of students.
• Plans and organizes career-focused visits and presentations inclusive of all students, with emphasis on careers related to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and non-traditional occupations. Schedules times, rooms and student attendance; sends evaluation forms to teachers and correspondence to speakers. Promotes student participation in local career awareness exploration activities.
• Provides students with up-to-date knowledge of the broad range of careers and post high school education opportunities; researches and identifies new career developments and resources; keeps resources up-to-date and regularly updated.
• Collaborates with CTE teachers to encourage enrollment of non-traditional students based on gender and underrepresented populations in Perkins-Eligible CTE Programs of Study.
• Researches and develops career-related learning experiences (CRLEs) with emphasis on building CTE Programs of Study.
• Recruits area businesses and government agencies to participate in career-related learning experience programs.
• Acts as a liaison among teachers, the business community, students and parents to coordinate career-related learning experiences (guest speakers, internships, job shadows, work-based learning); advertises and promotes opportunities.
• Promotes and facilitates student attendance at off-site career-related learning events for Perkins-Eligible CTE Programs of Study.
• Assists students with resume development, explains format and content guidelines; develops and administers mock-interview training sessions.
• Assists students with post-secondary education planning, including exploring a full spectrum of pathways (industry certifications, on-the-job training, career/technical schools, degrees) with emphasis on CTE opportunities.
• Schedules and plans college, university, and career/vocational school visitations.
• Provides standard forms (college and scholarship applications); provides instruction and suggestions for completion and submission of forms; assists students with college and employment applications; proof-reads applications.
• Provides administrative/support services for the College & Career Center and Perkins reporting requirements; maintains CRLEs, attendance at offsite events, and student participation in leadership activities.
• Supports program development, evaluation, and year-end reporting; tracks student completion of career education credits.
• Maintains databases of participating students, businesses, and agencies; develops and maintains up-to-date career materials and publications; provides CC Center content for the building website; coordinates testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT).
• Fosters a collaborative, respectful working and learning environment.
• Coordinates parent volunteers and teacher assistants; trains and orients parents, assigns work, and supports mentor/student meetings.
• Participates in district and regional meetings and committees related to Perkins-Eligible CTE Programs of Study; participates in external meetings related to the CC Center; performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Post-secondary education and career opportunities in fields related to CTE Programs of Study
• Job training, industry certifications, trade schools, and degree programs related to CTE Programs of Study
• Academic and CTE preparation for post-secondary success
• Career planning processes, local business community, and office procedures
• College application process, standardized testing, scholarships, and financial aid
• Perkins reporting and related program requirements

Skills/Abilities to:

• Understand the full spectrum of available careers in CTE-related fields
• Research career planning opportunities and community resources; implement plans
• Assist others in career and educational problem solving
• Work with high school students in group and individual settings
• Plan and organize work to meet deadlines; multi-task
• Work independently and in a team; communicate effectively with diverse groups
• Recruit and supervise volunteers; coordinate with school, business, and public agencies
• Deliver public presentations; maintain records and reports; follow district policies
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information;…