Career Specialist

Northeast Washington Educational Service District•Next Generation Zone, WA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The job of career specialist is done for the purpose of solving business/industry human resource needs by preparing young adults for work and/or postsecondary education that leads to employment primarily in high demand areas and acting as a broker between employers and job seekers by assessing needs, recruiting and developing skilled talent, and connecting work-ready individuals with employers. It is anticipated the salary will increase by 2.6% effective September 1, 2026.

Requirements

Applying assessment instruments
Operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications
Preparing and maintaining accurate records/case management
Utilizing group presentation skills
Basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios
Reading technical information
Composing a variety of documents
Facilitating group discussions
Analyzing situations to define issues and draw conclusions
General understanding of opportunities available to youth and the many barriers that they may bring with them
Scheduling activities, meetings, and events
Gathering, collating, and classifying data
Using basic, job-related equipment
Flexibility to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances
Flexibility to work with data utilizing defined but different processes
Flexibility to operate equipment using defined methods
Ability to work with a diversity of individuals and groups
Ability to work with a variety of data
Problem solving to analyze issues and create action plans
Independent interpretation of guidelines when problem solving with data
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
Regular and reliable attendance
Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility
WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance (at employee’s expense)
Valid driver’s license
Reliable transportation
Required auto insurance
Online application
Cover Letter
Resume
One professional letter of recommendation
Transcripts
Any applicable certification/licensure

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of GED preparation is desired
Two years of successful experience working with youth/young adults in alternative/ at-risk programs within scope of work
Experience with GED preparation is highly preferred
Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
A combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of a degree

Responsibilities

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.