College and Career Specialist

CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION
CLASSIFICATION: OFFICE
TITLE: COLLEGE AND CAREER SPECIALIST
CALENDAR: COLLEGE AND CAREER SPECIALIST
SALARY: GRADE 112
Job Goal: The College & Career Specialist plays a vital role in guiding high school students as they explore post-secondary options and prepare for their future careers. This position involves providing individualized support, resources, and programming to help students navigate the college application process, identify career paths, and develop essential skills for success beyond high school.
Minimum Qualifications:

• AA Degree or equivalent education/experience in a related field.
• Satisfactory criminal background check.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer and related software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in college advising, career counseling, or related educational roles.
• Strong understanding of college admissions processes and career development strategies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, and staff.
• Proficiency in using technology and data management systems for tracking student progress.

• Familiarity with the local job market and community resources.
• Experience in event planning and implementation.
• Knowledge of financial aid processes and scholarship opportunities.

Core Job Functions:

1. College Advising:

• Assist students in exploring post-secondary education options, including colleges, universities, trade schools, and vocational programs.
• Provide guidance on college applications, including personal statements, resumes, and interview preparation.
• Organize college fairs, campus visits, and informational sessions with admissions representatives.

1. Career Exploration:

• Facilitate career assessments and workshops to help students identify their interests and strengths.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations to share internship and job shadowing opportunities.
• Coordinate career days and guest speaker events featuring professionals from various fields.

1. Skill Development:

• Offer workshops on essential skills such as resume writing, job search strategies, and interview techniques.

1. Individual Support:

• Meet regularly with students to discuss their academic progress, goals, and interests related to college and career readiness.
• Create personalized action plans for students based on their aspirations and challenges.

1. Collaboration and Outreach:

• Work closely with teachers and counselors to create a cohesive college and career readiness program.
• Manage, conduct, and attend monthly meetings with colleagues and district representatives to obtain training, collaborate on planning initiatives, and exchange ideas for cross-standardization efforts.
• Engage with parents and guardians through informational meetings and resources to support student success.
• Oversee and create strategic communication initiatives across multiple platforms.
• Develop and implement engaging content for social media, email newsletters, parent/student communications.
• Design and implement visually engaging displays highlighting various career pathways, creating an inspiring classroom environment that:

1. Broadens students' understanding of available opportunities
2. Encourages exploration of individual interests
3. Supports informed decision-making regarding post-high school options

Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, progress, and outcomes.
• Collect/Analyze data to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Physical Requirements - Office:

• Office environment within the school, with occasional off-site activities.
• May involve extended hours during peak college application periods.

Core Values/Professional Qualities:

• Respond to all internal and external customers, as it relates to position, in a prompt, efficient, friendly and patient manner.
• Function effectively as a team member.
• Be responsible, reliable and punctual.
• Be flexible and adaptable to change.
• Positively accept direction.
• Establish and maintain courteous, cooperative working relationships with students, staff and parents.
• Direct constructive criticism toward improving the district.
• Exercise positive problem solving behavior and conflict resolution skills.
• Adhere to the dress code appropriate to the site and job.
• Share sensitive student and staff information on a need to know basis.
• Be a positive role model for students.
• Work with a large cross section of people in a professional and non-judgmental manner.

Physical Requirements - Office
Positions in this classification typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, sitting, finger or manual dexterity, repetitive finger motion, speaking, hearing, seeing (with correction), focusing ability, or other factors applicable for the job. Employees may be subject to travel, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, workspace restrictions, and loud noises. Employees may be required to lift or exert up to 20 pounds of force to move objects occasionally, and up to 10 pounds of force to move objects frequently. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.