Position Description

Title: Career Guidance Counselor

Reports To: KACC Principal

Functional Relationship To: KARVES Executive Director, Dean of Students

Job summary:

The Career Guidance Counselor at the Kankakee Area Career Center plays a vital role in assisting students in identifying and achieving their career goals. This position involves guiding students through the post-secondary educational pathway, helping them understand the opportunities available to them and how to realize their aspirations. The Career Guidance Counselor will work closely with students to identify their personal goals, strengths, weaknesses, and interests, fostering their growth into well-adjusted and productive adults. Additionally, this role entails actively seeking new opportunities and strengthening existing relationships for internship/job shadow programs and dual college credit initiatives. The Career Guidance Counselor will oversee the Career Services Department, ensuring the smooth functioning of all program-related activities.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Collaborate with students to identify career aspirations and academic goals; provide information and answers to questions related to college applications and career choices.

· Assists students with academic planning, accountability, and/or organization.

· Teaches a variety of skills including Workplace Excellence© skills.

· Assists students in developing a meaningful e-Portfolio to include resume and portfolio-related correspondence.

· Collaborates with KACC attending schools to ensure full compliance with IEP and 504 accommodations, assisting KACC with designing those accommodations if needed.

· Counsels students with personal, social, disciplinary, and behavioral issues.

· Collaborates with teachers to identify ways to improve the achievement and social development of students.

· Promptly notifies appropriate authorities of any reports or suspicions of crimes, abuse, or neglect.

· Collaborates with other educators, parents, and students to develop, review, renew, and/or modify Individualized Education Plans or 504 plans for students who qualify.

· Collaborate with area businesses and trade organizations to develop and maintain internship and job shadowing workplace experience opportunities.

· Collaborate with regional community colleges to obtain and maintain dual college credit.

· Conduct semi-annual Counselor Meetings with area counselors

· Collaborate on yearly events such as, but not limited to Open Houses, 8th Grade Day, Sophomore Day, Emerging Workforce, and signing day.

· Compile data for 2nd year senior transcripts, create, and distribute

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Thorough understanding of developmental expectations for students of different ages.

· Thorough understanding of assessments and aptitude tests and ability to properly interpret the results.

· Superior interpersonal skills with persons of all ages and across diverse backgrounds.

· Thorough understanding of warning signs of abuse, neglect, or other crimes.

· Ability to work well with a variety of other personalities.

· Proficient in Google Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field required; Master’s degree preferred.

· School Counseling Related experience preferred.

· Willingness to stay updated on current trends in career counseling and education

· Ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.

· Flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of students and the educational landscape.

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person