College and Career Readiness Coordinator

Position Summary

Our mission is to engage middle and high school students by supporting them through social emotional development, navigation of the education system, career exploration; creating a safe environment and providing services that are individualized and culturally competent to build brighter futures. The College and Career Readiness Coordinator will develop and coordinate a comprehensive career development system for the successful transition of high school students into post-secondary opportunities. This position reports directly to the Manager of Children and Youth Programs.

Essential Functions

• Assist students with setting goals and defining steps in education and career planning, while addressing ways to overcome potential obstacles.
• Build rapport and trust with students to support successful goal completion by following up with program participants, offer advisement as needed and implement various strategies that enhance student participation and learning.
• Coordinate mentoring and tutoring programs including matching students with mentors/tutors as well as recruit and train volunteers to enhance skills in various modes of learning.
• Conduct mid-year and year reviews of the mentoring/tutoring program throughout the course of the year in order to continuously refine and improve program content based on participant feedback and outcomes.
• Coordinate events to encourage engagement and retention of mentors/mentees. 
• Assists students with financial aid (FAFSA, TASFA), grant and scholarship applications
• Provide guidance to students for college entrance and placement examinations (including, SAT, ACT)
• Coordinates internships and job shadowing for students; advises students on career based assessments and makes appropriate referrals to college training programs
• Actively pursues and participates in professional development activities to enhance skills using various modes of instruction.
• Develops college workshops for parents and students about high school curriculum, college applications, financial aid workshops, and career development in order to complement the teaching and learning process for the whole family.
• Monitor student assessments, attendance, maintain advising log files, track contact hours, issues and outcomes of advising sessions and student portfolios with appropriate documentation in a timely manner.
• Administer outcomes surveys, assist with data entry, collect and record program data to support grant outcomes and impact assessment.
• Implements an alumni network of program graduates with the goal of increasing alumni participation in philanthropy, mentoring, and ensuring that the program complements the work of advancement and campaign activities

Note

Must be available to work on-site on Wednesdays from 6:00pm – 9:00pm (or later, during school year), and on weekends (time varies) on occasion for special events.  This position is part-time (20 hrs).

Core competencies:

1. Career and College Advising
   1. Post-Secondary Pathways: Expertise in guiding students through the exploration of various postsecondary education options, including colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and employment.
   2. Application and Financial Aid Knowledge: Proficiency in assisting students with college applications, scholarships, and financial aid processes (e.g., FAFSA, grants, loans)
2. Curriculum Development and Program Implementation
   1. Workshops and Seminars: Designing and facilitating workshops that cover topics like resume building, interview skills, college applications, and career exploration.
   2. Workforce Readiness: Providing students with real-world skills such as networking, professionalism, and job search strategies to prepare them for careers after graduation.
3. Collaboration and Partnerships
   1. Community Partnerships: Establishing relationships with local businesses, colleges, and nonprofits to create opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and mentorships.
   2. Stakeholder Communication: Working with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure alignment with the school's goals for career and college readiness.
4. Data and Progress Tracking
   1. Student Progress Monitoring: Ability to track individual student goals, progress in college/career readiness, and provide targeted support where necessary.
   2. Program Evaluation: Using data to assess the success of readiness programs and make improvements as needed.
5. Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
   1. Equity and Access: Ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed in postsecondary education and careers.
   2. Diversity Awareness: Understanding the unique needs of diverse student populations (e.g., first-generation college students, students with disabilities) and tailoring support to meet those needs.

• Bachelor degree (Required) in Education, Social Work, Psychology and/or other related field
• Experience working with children, youth and families from low socio-economic backgrounds
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft office (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and social media platforms
• A self-starter with strong organizational and time management skills
• At least 3 – 5 years of experience working with schools or higher education programs, enrollment processes and career advising/counseling
• Possess ability to work in a team in various environments with minimal supervision
• Bilingual preferred