iJAG Out of School Specialist, Great Oaks Charter School

iJAG•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

The Out-of-School Career Education Specialist, Family Advocacy, collaborates with community-based organizations to identify, recruit, and engage youth and young adults who do not have a high school diploma and are not currently enrolled in an educational institution. The Family Advocacy role focuses on supporting families whose children may be facing challenges in school or in life outside of school. The Family Advocacy Specialist acts as a liaison between the family and school systems, helping families navigate educational and social services. They work closely with students and their families to identify needs, provide resources, and ensure that students have the necessary support to succeed. This can include advocating for students, offering guidance on overcoming barriers, and helping to build positive relationships among the school, family, and community.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in social sciences, counseling, education, or a closely related discipline is required.
The ability to obtain an iJAG authorization within six months of hire.
Current possession of a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Supervisor Authorization or the ability to secure an authorization within the first six months of employment.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
Experience working with out-of-school youth.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Demonstrated proficiency in delivering content to diverse audiences and adapting teaching styles to meet the varied needs of students.
Skilled in building supportive relationships while upholding professional standards.
Curriculum development capability and tech-savviness with Microsoft Office and Google apps.
Ability to learn new software systems.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively cultivates and maintains robust relationships with a broad spectrum of employers, securing a variety of career exploration and skill development opportunities that align with student interests and market demands.
Cultivate and mobilize community resources, develop partnerships and collaborations that support educational experience, and open new pathways for iJAG students.
Design and implement comprehensive work-based learning (WBL) programs that integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences, preparing students for life after high school by developing their professional skills and understanding industry expectations.
Coordinate student placements in work-based learning settings, including internships and apprenticeships, that support the students' Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and employer needs.
Maintain consistent communication with students throughout their WBL experiences to monitor attendance, provide coaching and support, address workplace challenges, and guide students in reflecting on their learning and skill development.
Serve as the primary liaison between the school and employer to establish clear expectations, ensure student safety, and monitor student progress throughout the WBL experience.
Ensure completion of all required documentation (e.g., training agreements, work permits, evaluations), and track student placements, hours, and outcomes.
Partner with school administration to identify and select eligible students while proactively promoting the iJAG program within the school community to build and sustain a strong student cohort.
Conduct outreach and informational sessions for prospective students, their families, and school staff to communicate the benefits and opportunities of the iJAG program.
Provide individualized guidance and resources to support graduating seniors and recent graduates as they transition into employment, postsecondary education, military service, or training programs.
Conduct regular outreach during the first year after graduation to monitor progress, document outcomes (e.g., employment, enrollment, certifications), and identify emerging needs or challenges.
Connect graduates with community resources and local agencies (e.g., workforce development, mental health, housing, transportation) and encourage continued engagement through alum events, mentorship, and feedback opportunities.
Employ project-based learning (PBL) methodologies to develop engaging and transformative educational journeys, seamlessly bridging classroom theory with real-world applications, thereby enriching students’ practical understanding and skills.
Utilize iJAG's competency-based approach to steer project creation and cultivate a student-centered learning environment, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personalized growth.
Develop and maintain a positive, structured learning environment that promotes student engagement and participation through effective classroom management strategies, adapting techniques to meet the diverse needs of learners, and ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities.
Implement effective behavior management plans and conflict-resolution strategies to cultivate a safe, respectful classroom culture, enabling students to focus on their academic and personal growth in a supportive, inclusive setting.
Maintain accurate student records by systematically tracking essential metrics, including attendance, academic performance, and program participation, to effectively monitor and enhance student progress.
Skillfully analyzes data to evaluate the impact of the iJAG program on student outcomes, utilizing insights to identify areas that require targeted interventions or additional support, thereby optimizing student success.
Manage and update Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students, participating in relevant meetings to advocate and adapt educational strategies to meet the unique needs of each learner.
Collaborate with the program supervisor and school administration, leveraging collective expertise to drive the program's success and ensure it meets both educational standards and student needs effectively.
Participate in iJAG and school district professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and continuously enhance skills and knowledge.