JOB DESCRIPTION 

CLASS TITLE:   COLLEGE & CAREER SPECIALIST

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Principal, provide students with career guidance, assessment and development services and perform related duties; prepare students for success out of high school including opportunities in higher education, the workforce or the military; assist students with scholarship opportunities and perform related duties; serve as a liaison between personnel and local agencies to enhance student and teacher knowledge of organizational career services and activities.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Provide career guidance, assessment and development services to students; ensure student understanding of post-secondary education options and processes including opportunities in higher education, the workforce or the military; disseminate a variety of information concerning organizational courses, services and activities.

Provide students with information on post-high school educational opportunities including colleges and universities; assist students with four-year college applications and revisions to scholarship opportunity essays; assist students with filling out various scholarship applications and FAFSA applications.

Schedule assessments of student needs, interests and abilities to determine appropriate academic and career goals and appropriate course placement; assist students in establishing and pursuing goals, selecting and preparing for courses and completing various employment and educational packets and applications.

Provide students with career information during and after high school; prepare work permits for students according to established procedures and obtain required signatures; work with students to find appropriate jobs; provide students with information about job search resources and websites; research careers for specific majors.

Serve as a liaison between personnel and local agencies to enhance student and teacher knowledge of organizational career services and activities; prepare, participate in and deliver presentations and events promoting career services, activities, policies and procedures.

Perform various scholarship program duties; generate student files and work with students on the various aspects of applying for scholarships and college including SAT and ACT registrations; serve as a site liaison for scholarship committees and coordinate information with scholarship committees; assist with arranging scholarship interviews with committees and students; provide committees with scholarship packets and information for the senior class and perform related duties; ensure various deadlines are met for scholarship committees.

Perform a variety of clerical activities related to assigned duties; process various forms and applications required for enrollment and placement; prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to student information and assigned activities; establish and maintain filing systems.

Input a variety of data into an assigned computer system; initiate queries and generate various computerized lists as requested; ensure accuracy of input and output data.

Assist students and teachers with building student resumes; generate resume-building workshops and participate in classroom presentations; meet with students before and after instruction hours to help them edit and revise resumes.

Participate in the operation and maintenance of the Career Center as directed; monitor student activities in the Career Center according to established procedures; provide work direction to student workers and volunteers; maintain career center in a clean and orderly condition.

Participate in various college and career-related activities and events as assigned including meetings, job fairs and workshops; solicit information and materials from colleges and other organizations; coordinate presentations from college representatives.

Communicate with students, personnel and various outside organizations to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns.

Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles, practices and techniques of providing educational and career and technical education assessment and guidance to students.

Training, educational and employment opportunities in the community.

Basic interviewing and advisement techniques.

Career and technical education and educational information and resources.

College and university financial aid programs.

District curricular offerings.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

Operation of standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Oral and written communication skills.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.

Basic public speaking techniques.

ABILITY TO:

Provide career guidance, assessment and career development to enrolled students.

Provide career and technical education-related information to students.

Serve as a liaison between personnel and local agencies to enhance student and teacher knowledge of organizational career services and activities.

Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Assess student needs and develop viable plans and alternatives.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Assist individual students with developing academic, career and technical education and job searching skills.

Prepare and deliver oral presentations.

Process a variety of forms and applications.

Determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines.

Work independently with minimal direction.

Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Maintain records and prepare reports.

Type and input data accurately.

Understand, be sensitive to and respect the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, disabilities and sexual orientation of students, teachers, administrators and staff.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:  Graduation from High School and two years of experience providing job placement, educational advice or career guidance to students.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid CA Class C Driver’s License and Evidence of Insurability.

Typing certificate providing proof of ability to type 45 WPM.

REQUIRED TESTING:

Job-Related Proficiency Examination.

CLEARANCES:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance. 

TB Clearance.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally, the job requires 25% sitting, 15% walking, and 60% standing.  The job is performed under some hazardous conditions.

ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor/Office environment.

Fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

Sitting for extended periods of time.

Seeing to read a variety of materials.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information.