About After the Tassel

After the Tassel is a KentuckianaWorks led-project in collaboration with young adults, high schools, and employers that is aimed at guiding and advising high school seniors in developing and acting on a post-secondary plan that is more likely to lead to successful transition to a University, College or a Career. According to data collected by KentuckianaWorks, roughly half of the region’s high school seniors do not enroll in college within a year of graduation. Unfortunately, many of these young adults lack the social and professional networks to help them develop a post-secondary plan connecting them to stable employment as they enter adult life. These data suggest many of these young adults are at higher risk of becoming economically disconnected.After the Tassel’s goal is to offer advising, linkages, and support to reduce the risk by connecting high school seniors to good jobs.

Purpose of the Positions

KentuckianaWorks is seeking a passionate, engaging, social-entrepreneurial professional, who is highly interested in working directly with high school seniors who plan to achieve success by entering the workforce after graduation . A key focus for this position is to directly help high school seniors navigate their transition from school to the workforce and to secure a good job and/or career in the regional labor market. It is important for the Career Advisor to establish, develop, and sustain individual relationships with individual students in order to advise, guide, and mentor students through career exploration, training and development, resume building, interview preparation, and job placement. With a positive attitude and commitment to student success post high school, this position can make a lasting impact on the future workforce.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist students with any existing career tools or career-related information at the high school they may already have at their disposal to inform a plan.
• Engage with high school seniors to conduct one-on-one and small group sessions with high school seniors to identify career interests, skills, abilities and goals.
• Educate seniors about the diverse job opportunities available in their local community and in the regional labor market by using current Labor Market Information.
• Conduct and/or interpret career assessments and provide guidance and consultation on potential career pathways.
• Develop personal action plans that outline steps for achieving post graduation success.
• Assist students one-on-one or in small groups in creating professional resumes and cover letters tailored to their desired positions.
• Provide guidance on job search strategies, networking,professional etiquette and the on-line employer applications.
• Conduct individual skill building sessions, workshops, or coordinate adults to help students develop strong interview skills.
• Work with local employers and/or volunteers to organize mock interviews and other career readiness activities.
• Connect students to organizations/services that offer specialized job preparation resources.
• Coordinate job fairs and hiring events with employers for students.
• Provide support to students who need assistance with the online technology portals utilized by the After the Tassel ( currently KentuckianaEARNS.com and Launch Pad).
• Accurately enter student services and placement information in LaunchPad.
• Collaborate with the KentuckianaWorks Business Partnership Coordinators regarding career opportunities available high school graduates from Academies of Louisville high schools
• When applicable–Demonstrate a willing demeanor to establish a rapport with school building leaders and school staff.
• Demonstrate the ability to actively listen to students conversations and feedback and when appropriate provide students with support services referrals.
• Demonstrate a practice of professionalism, common-courtesy and responsiveness to various stakeholders inquiries and needs for updates
• Maintain student confidentiality, accurate records of students interactions, outcomes, and overall program metrics.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and improvement by assessing the program offerings, student feedback, employer feedback and labor market trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, human resources, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in career coaching, workforce development, or student services.
• Strong knowledge of the regional labor market and employment trends.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with applicant tracking systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for helping young people achieve their career goals.
• Growth mindset and willingness to adapt to evolving program needs.

Competencies

Career Counseling- Ability to provide guidance on career options, paths, and opportunities based on individual student interests, skills and goals

Educational Guidance-Knowledge of educational pathways.

Assessment Tools-Proficient in using and/or interpreting career assessment tools and resources.

Resume and Interview Skills-Ability to assist students in crafting resumes, preparing for interviews, developing professional communications skills

Industry Knowledge- General knowledge & awareness of current job market trends, industry demands, and emerging career fields to provide relevant advice to students.

Personalized Planning- Ability to assist in creating personalized career development plans that align with students long-term aspirations and short-term goals.

Technology Proficiency-Familiarity with online resources, career resources, on-line employer application portals, virtual career fairs, job fairs, hiring events and digital tools for career exploration and planning.

Communications Skills-Strong verbal and written communications skills to effectively interact with students, school leaders, parents, employers, external stakeholders.

Cultural Competency- Sensitivity to and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic factors, and individual students.

Ethical Standards-Adherence to ethical guidelines in providing career advice and maintaining confidentiality with sensitive student and Personal Identifying information.

Problem-Solving Abilities- Capacity to address challenges in student transitions, and find appropriate solutions

Empathy & Patience- Ability to empathize with students’ concerns and demonstrate patience in guiding them through the decision making process.

Continuous Learning- Individually committed to staying informed, updated, on career trends.

Support Services Referral- Knowledge of service connections that can serve a student's broader needs.

Flexible- Reasonable ability to function professionally individually and as a team member in various complicated environments to include schools, businesses, stakeholder meetings.

Adaptable- Reasonable ability to function professionally individually and as a team member in a program/project that isn’t finished developing.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s licenses and reliable transportation with auto liability insurance for travel and fulfill duties ( i.e. high schools and employer sites, meetings).
• Flexibility and open to work occasional evenings or weekends for special events, workshops.
• Successful completion of background check and drug screenings( may require background check to work with seniors in the high school).

KentuckianaWorks is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of high school students in our community.

Additional Information/Benefits

Interested applicants should apply to this posting on or before July 12,2024. Email your cover letter and resume to

• Pay is $50,000-$60,000 ( Based on 40 hours a week)
• Paid time off
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401 (K)

This position is grant funded for a TWO year period ( July 2024, July 2026). While KentuckianaWorks is committed to pursuing additional funding to sustain this role beyond the initial funding period, it is important to know that employment beyond the two-year period is contingent on successfully meeting performance and securing funds beyond the two years.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Ability to Commute:

• Louisville, KY 40202 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Louisville, KY 40202: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person