Career Services Counselor/Navigator

Posted Jan 16 - Jan 31,2025 or until filled

                                                                 Pierpont Community & Technical College

                                                                                   Job Description

JOB TITLE:    Career Services Counselor/Navigator

AGENCY:       Pierpont Community and Technical College

WORK LOCATION: Pierpont Advanced Technology Center, 500 Galliher Drive Fairmont, West Virginia 26554

REPORTS TO:    AVP, Students Services          

FLSA Status:                 Exempt

Employee Category:       Nonclassified     

Grant funded position: yes      FISCAL YEARS 2025 – 2028

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GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Career Services Counselor/ Navigator will provide comprehensive career guidance, support, and navigation services to students in both academic degree programs and Career & Corporate training.  The Career Counselor/Navigator will play a pivotal role in bridging career and technical education with the programs offered through community and technical college education.  This position focuses on creating and helping adult learners navigate career pathways, providing that they receive the guidance, resources, and support necessary to achieve their educational and career goals. This role is crucial in helping students explore career options, develop job search skills, make informed decisions about their academic and career goals, and their successful transition into, or return to, the workforce.  The Career Counselor/Navigator will work closely with students, educators, employers, and community partners to facilitate seamless transitions and promote lifelong learning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct one-on-one and group career counseling sessions. Design and deliver one-on-one and group coaching sessions and career development workshops to assist with career exploration, goal setting, and pathway planning
• Administer and interpret career assessments
• Assist students in identifying interests, skills, and career goals and developing action plans
• Guide students in selecting academic and or Career/Corporate training pathways
• Collaborate with CTE and CTC faculty and staff, including academic program advisors and Director of Career & Corporate training, to design and implement career pathways that align with industry needs
• Develop and maintain comprehensive career pathway maps, highlighting educational requirements, certifications, and potential career advancements
• Guide students in exploring and selecting relevant academic and Career & Corporate training courses, internships, and extracurricular activities
• Teach job search strategies, resume writing, and interview skills
• Review and provide feedback on resumes, cover letters, and job applications
• Organize and conduct mock interviews
• Assist with utilizing online job boards, internship databases, and other job search platforms, such as LinkedIn™. Connect students with appropriate career resources and support services offered through US Dept. of Labor and State of WV resources

• Create resources and materials to support career exploration and job search activities
• Collaborate with academic deans, program coordinators, Career & Corporate training staff, and Alumni Office to coordinate job fairs, networking events, and on-campus recruiting events for employers
• Provide information on workshops, career fairs, alumni networks, and professional organizations for both students and relevant Pierpont Community & Technical College offices
• Establish and nurture relationships with local employers, industry leaders, and community organizations to create opportunities for students
• Establish a system to share job postings and internship opportunities with Pierpont students
• Stay updated on labor market trends, industry developments, and emerging careers
• Conduct research on specific industries or occupations to provide relevant information to academic deans, Career & Corporate training staff, and students
• Collaborate with workforce development agencies and other stakeholders to support student employment and career advancement
• Collaborate with Office of Institutional Effectiveness to gauge enrollment, transitions between academic programs and Career & Corporate training programs, student persistence to success markers, job placement rates, and other relevant metrics
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, services provided, and outcomes
• Prepare reports on career services activities and outcomes
• Essential Job Duties are intended to be examples of duties and are not intended to be all inclusive. There may be other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong knowledge of career development theories and job market trends
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with diverse student populations, including adult learners and students with no college experience
• Proficiency in using career assessment tools and job search databases
• Experience working in a community and technical college or technical education setting preferred
• Familiarity with workforce development and adult education preferred
• Knowledge of local job market and industry trends preferred
• Experience with academic advising platforms and student success tools preferred

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Counseling, or related field and at least 3 years of experience in career counseling, or similar field, preferably in higher education. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and use a computer
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 20 pounds
• Travel to businesses and community events as needed

 DISCLAIMER:

This description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by the position incumbent. Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related activities assigned by their supervisor.  Most requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, students, other employees, or the general public.