What are the responsibilities and job description for the Career Specialist position at Northeast Washington Educational Service District?
It is anticipated the salary will increase by 2.6% effective September 1, 2026.
- Reengages and reenergizes disconnected youth through positive and motivating evidence-based strategies for the purpose of reconnecting to the worlds of work and school.
- Manages, tracks, and reports on multi-program caseload and associated budgets for the purpose of meeting or exceeding performance outcomes.
- Works in conjunction with career specialists, case managers, navigators, and instructors to connect youth to services and support systems that address academic, social, and economic barriers for the purpose of supporting a successful transition to employment and/or postsecondary education.
- Assists with navigation of the college application/entrance process and/or onboarding into employment and provides and documents supports no less than one year after placement.
- Assists in the development and implementation of student learning plans and/or employment skills training plans for the purpose of working towards job attainment, college, and/or a training program.
- Monitors progress and attendance of youth for the purpose of assisting in the development and achievement of program and personal goals and for reporting purposes.
- Develops term-to-term coursework and work success strategies for the purpose of mentoring youth through various issues and challenges and/or connecting to college navigator for additional supports.
- Engages in intensive one-on-one and group case management practices for the purpose of identifying and mitigating persistent academic and career barriers, connecting to comprehensive support services, and fostering career and academic persistence.
- Develops resources for students, including development of college and career plans, transfer options, tutoring, advancement, and class-specific support for the purpose of increasing success in education and training.
- Identifies and brokers connections to professional mentors and community partners in consultation with employment and college representatives for the purpose of strengthening business-industry networks, obtaining individualized and group career guidance, increasing exposure to real-world work environments, and more fully developing positive career/academic identities.
- Builds and maintains relationships with secondary and postsecondary staff and administration (e.g., counselors, student services staff, academic advisors, financial aid counselors, program directors/deans, bookstore personnel, testing center staff, adult education personnel, etc.) for the purpose of building program and resource awareness to more easily navigate systems.
- Participates in a variety of meetings and travel both locally and statewide (e.g. conferences, meetings, trainings) for the purpose of gathering and conveying information.
- Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. case notes, statistical reports, pre/post follow-up, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
- Reports immediately to agency supervisor or assistant superintendent any incident that poses a threat to the safety, security, or integrity of youth, staff, or partners; follows-up with a written incident report.
- Assumes a leadership role for the purpose of advancing work aligned with goals of preparing the workforce, preparing the workplace, and preparing the practitioner.
- Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.
- applying assessment instruments,
- operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications,
- preparing and maintaining accurate records/case management, and
- utilizing group presentation skills.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/ or ratios, read technical information, compose a variety of documents, facilitate group discussions, and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes:
- general understanding of opportunities available to youth and the many barriers that they may bring with them, and
- knowledge of GED preparation is desired.
- adapting to changing work priorities,
- communicating with diverse groups in a nonjudgmental manner,
- managing time effectively and prioritizing tasks to meet goals and deadlines,
- working flexible hours,
- displaying patience and a sense of humor,
- understanding verbal input and responding quickly,
- maintaining confidentiality,
- taking individual initiative and accepting responsibility and accountability for actions, and
- having regular and reliable attendance.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods, leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others, and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is continual opportunity to impact the agency’s services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under a generally hazard-free environment.
Experience
Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required. Two years of successful experience working with youth/young adults in alternative/ at-risk programs within scope of work and experience with GED preparation is highly preferred.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. A combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Clearances
WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance (at employee’s expense).
Certificates & Licenses
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and required auto insurance.
To be considered for this position, the following documents must be submitted. Incomplete applications will not be screened.
- Online application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- One professional letter of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Any applicable certification/licensure
NEWESD 101 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. NEWESD 101 complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Persons who may need some accommodation in the hiring process should contact the human services office. *ADA, Affirmative Action, Title VII, Title IX Officer – Michelle Powers, 509.789.3504* *504 Officer – Darren Nelson, 509.789.3539*
Salary : $62,222 - $73,690