2026-2027 Certificated Internship Coordinator/Counselor 1.0 FTE

Position: Certificated Internship Coordinator/Counselor 

Location: Choice Schools

Reports To: Director of Alternative Learning / Building Administrator

Job Summary

The Internship Coordinator/Counselor is a certificated position responsible for designing, developing, and coordinating meaningful internship and work-based learning opportunities for students enrolled in Open Doors and project-based learning programs. This role connects students with community partners, prepares students for real-world application, and ensures consistent participation and engagement in internship experiences aligned to academic, career, and graduation goals, while supporting students to meet their current and post-secondary goals.

Essential Functions

• Develop and maintain partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and agencies to create internship and mentorship opportunities for students.
• Match students with appropriate internship placements based on interests, skills, and postsecondary goals.
• Coordinate career exploration opportunities, including organizing field trips, career speakers, and industry engagement experiences to expand student awareness of postsecondary pathways. 
• Prepare students for internship placement through structured interview preparation, resume development, mock interviews, and coaching on professional communication and workplace expectations.
• Collaborate with students to develop individualized learning plans connected to project-based and career-connected learning.
• Actively supervise student internship participation, including verifying attendance, tracking hours, and ensuring students are consistently engaged at assigned sites.
• Conduct regular site visits and maintain ongoing communication with internship supervisors to monitor student performance and progress.
• Address attendance concerns promptly, including follow-up with students, families, and site supervisors when students are not meeting expectations.
• Ensure all internship experiences meet district, state, and Open Doors program requirements.
• Provide direct instruction, coaching, and support related to employability skills, workplace readiness, and professional behavior.
• Coordinate and facilitate project-based learning experiences that integrate real-world applications.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of student placements, attendance, hours, evaluations, and program requirement completion.
• Assist students in developing resumes, portfolios, and career plans.
• Address and resolve issues related to student placement, performance, or workplace concerns.
• Ensure compliance with safety requirements, labor laws, and district policies related to student internships.
• Plan and support post-secondary connection activities such as college fairs, campus visits, military presentations, and on-the-spot college admissions events.
• Participate in CTE-related activities, including advisory committee meetings and special projects.
• Develop and host events such as financial aid nights, parent nights, graduation support, and post-secondary planning.
• Coordinate ASVAB and State testing needs.
• Maintain and share up-to-date information with students and families about colleges, military options, career paths, employment, and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to develop non-traditional pathways for students working toward a high school diploma or GED, with a focus on long-term success.
• Organize post-secondary and business site visits and coordinate visits from college, career, and military representatives.
• Represent the district on committees and attend meetings as requested.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current in the field.
• Knowledge/ability to design/submit for approval curriculum to meet established competencies regarding OSPI-approved Work-Based/Site Learning/Careers In Ed Frameworks.
• Assist in establishing/updating/maintaining dual credit articulation agreement(s) for the Choice Schools CTE Programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of project-based learning and alternative education models.
• Understanding of career and technical education (CTE) and work-based learning frameworks.
• Strong skills in coaching students for real-world readiness, including interviewing and workplace expectations.
• Ability to monitor, track, and enforce student accountability in off-campus learning environments.
• Strong relationship-building and community outreach skills.
• Ability to mentor and motivate diverse learners, particularly students who may be disengaged or at-risk.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple student placements and partnerships simultaneously.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate.
• Experience working with secondary students, preferably in alternative education or non-traditional settings.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with community organizations and employers.

Preferred Qualifications

• CTE endorsement or experience with work-based learning programs.
• Washington State ESA School Counselor Certificate and demonstrated experience providing counseling services and student support in an educational setting.
• Experience with Open Doors Youth Reengagement programs.
• Background in project-based learning or workforce development.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a combination of classroom, office, and community-based settings.
• Frequent travel within the community for site visits and partnership development.
• Flexible schedules may be required to accommodate student and employer needs.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the requirements of the position. As such, it is not necessarily all-inclusive, and the job may require other essential and/or nonessential functions, tasks, duties, or responsibilities not listed herein. The District reserves the right to add, modify, or exclude any essential or nonessential requirement at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description is intended to create a contract of employment.

• Full-time positions are 7 hours per day for 180 days 
• Applicants interested must follow the application procedures carefully.  Consideration will only be given to fully completed application files.  Minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Ellensburg School District encourages workforce diversity and complies with all state and federal laws prohibiting unlawful discrimination.

Salary : $57,587 - $115,663