College, Career Ready Specialist

Job Summary:

The College, Career Ready Specialist plays a pivotal role in empowering students to explore and prepare for their post-secondary pathways. This position provides comprehensive guidance and resources to students, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and plans necessary for success in college, career training programs, and the workforce. This role will also work in tandem with instructional coaches, secondary curriculum director, and district testing coordinator for enhancing student performance on the ACT and PreACT assessments through targeted instruction, data analysis, and collaboration with both high school and middle school educators and principals. The specialist collaborates with students, parents, educators, and community partners to foster a college-going and career-ready culture within the school and community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Individual and Group Advising:

• Work with site counselors and help provide personalized guidance to students on college and career exploration, planning, and decision-making.
• Conduct individual meetings to assess student interests, aptitudes, and goals.
• Facilitate group workshops and presentations on topics such as college application processes, financial aid, career exploration, resume writing, and interview skills.

• College and Career Exploration:

• Organize and coordinate college visits, career fairs, and other enrichment activities.
• Help administer and interpret career assessments (e.g., interest inventories, aptitude tests) to help students identify potential career paths.
• Provide information and communicate the importance and opportunities available on various post-secondary options, including four-year colleges, community colleges, vocational/technical schools, apprenticeships, and military careers.

• Post-Secondary Planning Support:

• Assist students with the college application process, including completing applications, writing essays, and requesting transcripts.
• Provide guidance on financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans (e.g., FAFSA).
• Help students develop individualized graduation plans that align with their post-secondary goals.

• ACT/PreACT Coordination:

• Enhance student performance on the ACT and PreACT assessments working along with Secondary Curriculum Director, instructional coaches and principal about targeted instruction.
• Conduct data analysis of ACT, PreACT, and STAR results to identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with high school and middle school educators and Secondary Curriculum team to align curriculum and instructional practices with ACT/PreACT standards.
• Provide professional development for teachers to improve instructional practices related to test preparation.

• Student Support and Intervention:

• Provide additional support for high school students in their academic and personal development to ensure on-time graduation.
• Work closely with students, teachers, counselors, and families to create individualized plans that address academic challenges, promote engagement, and foster a positive school environment.
• Collaborate with elementary, middle school, and high school counselors to provide resources and strategies that support transitions and preparedness for high school.

• Collaboration and Outreach:

• Collaborate with the curriculum team and teachers to integrate college and career readiness activities into the curriculum.
• Build and maintain relationships with college admissions officers, employers, and community organizations.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to provide updates and support their involvement in the college and career planning process.

• Program Development and Implementation:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs and initiatives that promote college and career readiness.
• Stay current on trends and best practices in college and career counseling.
• Collect and analyze data to track student progress and program effectiveness.

• Resource Management:

• Maintain a resource center with up-to-date information on colleges, careers, financial aid, and related topics.
• Utilize technology and online resources to support students in their college and career exploration.

Qualifications:

• Education:

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, education, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in counseling or a related field preferred.

• Experience:

• Minimum of two years of experience in college and career counseling, academic advising, or a related field.
• Experience working with high school students preferred.
• Experience with ACT/PreACT test preparation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of college admissions requirements, financial aid processes, and career development theories.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to develop and implement effective programs and initiatives.
• Proficiency in using technology and online resources.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of local labor market trends and workforce development needs.
• Knowledge of ACT/PreACT test content, structure, and scoring.
• Ability to analyze data and use it to inform instruction and program development.
• Familiarity with best practices in standardized test preparation.