Career Counselor (10/12 pay-pan)

CSU Careers • Bakersfield, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The CSUB Center for Career Education and Community Engagement (CECE) prepares students for lifelong learning and development through community engagement and career education by forming strong partnerships with community organizations, employers, CSUB students, faculty, and staff. CECE offers comprehensive career counseling services, job postings, and community service opportunities for CSUB students. Staff members work directly with students to explore their educational and career plans, helping them create an academic- and community-oriented professional road map for success. Under general supervision of the Director of the Center for Career Education and Community Engagement, the Career Counselor provides moderately complex professional student services work in the areas of career advising, career development programming, and outreach. The incumbent applies professional knowledge of career development theory, interviewing techniques, and student advising practices to assist students in clarifying educational and occupational goals. The position plans and delivers workshops and presentations, collaborates with campus partners and employers, and serves as a representative for CECE services within the campus community.

Requirements

• EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or job-related field and equivalent to two (2) years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field. Experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. Specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the appropriate knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.
• SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) – Regular and reliable attendance is required. Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and activities of the program to which assigned and general knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management. General knowledge of research and interview techniques and of the principles of individual and group behavior. Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations, use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments, and in implementing long-range program improvements. Ability to obtain factual and interpretative information through interviews, reason logically, collect, compile, analyze and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on these data. Ability to advise students individually and in groups on routine matters where required. Ability to recognize multicultural, multisexed and multi‑aged value systems and work accordingly. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies and others in committee work, and student advising and community contacts. Ability to rapidly acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of the campus to which assigned. Demonstrated ability to make decisions and carry through actions having implications with regard to other program or service areas. Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism. Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems. Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds. Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner. Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines. Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email. Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure. Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development. Must be able to work occasional holidays and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Career Development, or a closely related field.
• Bilingual communication abilities in Spanish and English with the ability to communicate effectively in both advising and presentation settings.
• Experience assisting with outreach initiatives, event promotion, or marketing efforts within a higher education or student services environment.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Responsibilities

• Career Advising & Assessment Provide individual and group career advising to undergraduate and graduate students regarding career exploration, major selection, internship and job search strategies, and graduate school planning.
• Conduct structured advising interviews to assess students’ academic background, interests, skills, values, identity development, and career readiness.
• Identify barriers to career progression and recommend appropriate strategies and campus resources.
• Conduct resume, cover letter, and graduate school application reviews in one-on-one group, electronic, and virtual formats and provide written and verbal feedback.
• Prepare students for interviews by conducting mock interviews, providing behavioral interviewing coaching, and offering targeted feedback to strengthen communication and professional presentation skills.
• Guide students in developing job and internship search strategies, including use of digital platforms, employer research, networking outreach, and labor market analysis.
• Assist students in developing short- and long-term career management strategies aligned with academic preparation and labor market trends.
• Utilize CECE’s career management system (Handshake) and related technologies to support advising, employer connections, and student engagement.
• Monitor student progress toward career goals; evaluate effectiveness of recommended strategies and adjust guidance as appropriate.
• Refer students to appropriate campus departments or external resources when issues extend beyond the scope of career advising (e.g., academic advising, counseling services, financial aid).
• Maintain confidential student records in accordance with university policy and applicable regulations.
• Workshops & Presentations Plan, develop, and deliver workshops, classroom presentations, and seminars on career development topics including resume writing, interviewing, networking, job search strategies, career readiness competencies, and major exploration.
• Tailor presentations to diverse student populations and academic disciplines.
• Collaborate with academic departments, campus programs and employers to integrate career development content into courses and co-curricular programming.
• Represent CECE at campus events and employer engagement.
• Assess effectiveness of workshops and recommend improvements to program delivery.
• Outreach & Marketing Assist with outreach and marketing of CECE services at resource fairs, orientations, and information sessions to students, campus community, employers, and community partners.
• Coordinate and update CECE’s printed and electronic materials using campus-supported software .
• Support targeted outreach initiatives to increase student engagement with CECE services.
• Coordinate communication efforts in collaboration with CECE staff and campus partners.
• Assist with special projects and initiatives that advance CECE goals.

Benefits

• CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 15 paid holidays per year and more!
• See our benefits website for additional information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees