What are the responsibilities and job description for the Work Based Learning Coordinator position at Howard Winneshiek Community School District?
Position Summary:
The Work-Based Learning Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing work-based learning opportunities for middle and high school students. This includes coordinating internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, mentorships, and other career-exploration experiences that align with students' educational and career goals. The WBL Coordinator acts as a liaison between the school, local businesses, community organizations, and post-secondary institutions to provide students with meaningful real-world experiences. The WBL Coordinator’s core role is to foster, support, and grow community and school career-connected learning partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Program Development & Management
- Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive work-based learning program aligned with state and district guidelines.
- Create age-appropriate WBL experiences for both middle and high school students.
- Coordinate with school counselors and teachers to integrate WBL into students' Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs) or career pathways.
- Key member of the District Career and Academic Planning team, playing a key role in enacting activities identified in Activity 3 and Embedded WBL.
- Student Engagement
- Recruit, guide, and support students in securing WBL opportunities that match their interests and goals.
- Provide pre-placement training, ongoing support, and post-placement debriefing for students.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements such as labor laws and safety standards.
- Employer & Community Partnerships
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, industry leaders, community agencies, and post-secondary institutions.
- Coordinate employer engagement activities such as career fairs, industry tours, and guest speaker events.
- Facilitate and monitor employer-student relationships to ensure a positive and productive learning experience.
- Administration & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of WBL placements, job shadows, student progress, and employer evaluations.
- Collect data to assess program outcomes and make recommendations for improvement.
- Prepare and submit required reports to district and/or state education agencies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Career and Technical Education, Counseling, or a related field.
- Obtain or hold Work-based Learning Program Supervisor Certification
- Experience in education, career counseling, or workforce development.
- Knowledge of current labor market trends, career pathways, and post-secondary options.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Preferred Skills and Attributes:
- Experience working with adolescents in diverse educational settings.
- Understanding of CTE programs and industry certifications.
- Familiarity with state and federal WBL guidelines and compliance requirements.
Working Conditions:
- Combination of school, office, and community-based environments.
- Occasional evening or weekend hours to attend events or meet with employers.
- Some travel within the community or district may be required.
