Work-Based Learning Specialist (2025-2026)

*This position is for the 2025-2026 school year.*

Classification Title: Work-Based Learning Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Supervisor: Coordinator of CTE

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Secondary Work-Based Learning (WBL) Specialist will manage and oversee various work-based learning (WBL) programs and initiatives, ensuring that students gain valuable real-world experiences that enhance their academic and career readiness. The specialist will collaborate with educators, businesses, community stakeholders, and students to build strong work-based learning pathways. This position also involves managing workforce data reporting and promoting internship opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Oversees Work-Based Learning Programs:

• Develops, implements, and oversees WBL programs in agriculture, healthcare clinicals, apprenticeships, school enterprises, and internships.
• Ensures WBL experiences align with curriculum standards, industry requirements, and student career pathways.
• Maintains partnerships with local businesses, farms, clinics, industry leaders, and community organizations to secure student placements.
• Stays updated on state and federal regulations, funding opportunities, and best practices related to WBL programs.
• Oversees the summer internship program in conjunction with IALR, MHC Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Development Board.
• Reporting and Compliance:

• Student Workforce Data Reporting: Collects and maintains data on student workforce participation, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to state education and workforce agencies.
• Work-Based Learning Compliance: Ensures that all work-based learning activities meet state and federal guidelines for reporting and compliance.
• VectorPortal Utilization: Tracks all student hours, inserts employer evaluations, and tracks student preparedness module requirements.
• Internship Facilitation and Collaboration:

• Ignite Internships: Facilitates Ignite Internships in collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and VA Works, expanding internship opportunities for students, potentially including summer programs.
• Internship Opportunities for CTE Students with Disabilities: Develops and promotes internship opportunities specifically designed to accommodate Career and Technical Education (CTE) students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to valuable work experiences.
• Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Community and Business Partnerships: Builds and maintains strong relationships with local businesses, industries, and community stakeholders to secure and expand work-based learning opportunities for students.
• Work-Based Learning Promotion: Promotes the value of work-based learning programs within schools by conducting presentations, distributing informational materials, and collaborating with school administrators.
• Student Support and Career Readiness:

• Counselor Collaboration: Works with school counselors to identify students eligible for work-based learning programs and internships, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
• Job Readiness Workshops: Facilitates job readiness workshops for students, focusing on resume writing, interview skills, workplace etiquette, and other essential soft skills to prepare them for successful internships.
• Work Release Coordination: Assists students in balancing work and academic responsibilities by facilitating flexible schedules and communication between schools and employers.
• Program Development and Expansion:

• Program Evaluation: Regularly assesses the effectiveness of work-based learning programs and makes recommendations for improvement and expansion.
• New Initiatives: Develops and implements new work-based learning initiatives, focusing on emerging industries and addressing local workforce needs.
• Professional Development & Advocacy

• Stays informed on emerging trends in agriculture, healthcare, skilled trades, and workforce development.
• Attends WBL professional development workshops, industry conferences, and training sessions.
• Advocates for increased WBL opportunities and funding at local, state, and national levels.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in business, career and technical education (CTE), or a related field required.
• Experience in education, career development, or work-based learning programs preferred. Experience working with businesses, community organizations, and students is essential.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of District policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Familiarity with workforce data reporting and compliance.
• Ability to engage and motivate students, educators, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other District employees and the general public.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements:

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.

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking. Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing. Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations. Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Pushing or Pulling: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward. Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

Work Environment:

The worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Position will be posted until filled.

Henry County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Due to limited funds, Henry County Public Schools is unable to sponsor Visas.