Career Specialist

Position Type :

CLASSIFIED / INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT

Date Posted : 1 / 3 / 2025

Location :

EAU CLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL Richland County School District One

Columbia, South Carolina Career Development Specialist (JAG)

240 Days

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Salary Range : $38,870.40 - $57,609.98 General Statement of Job

Identifies, recruits, and instructs students deemed to have a high degree of difficulty of being promoted into the next grade level, achieving graduation, and / or making a successful transition from school to a career with advancement opportunities. Primarily responsible for fully implementing the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Model in the school. Reports to the assigned Principal.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions :

Provides appropriate curriculum and ensures students achieve specific JAG competencies through classroom instruction; teaches through a variety of methods including project-based learning, lecture, hands-on activities, and team teaching; tailors the program and teaching methods for the needs of each specific student and implements an intervention strategy for each participant using an Individualized Development Plan.

Ensures an appropriate pool of students by directly recruiting students and obtaining referrals from an in-school Advisory Committee consisting of school personnel; holds interviews with prospective candidates and those making referrals to determine, using JAG guidelines, the appropriateness of the prospective student for the program.

Administers testing programs including JAG pre- / post-assessments and career interest surveys.

Ensures positive perceptions of the JAG-SC program within schools by developing and maintaining positive, effective working relationships with school personnel including teachers, administrators, students, and members of the in-school Advisory Committee.

Advocates for the program and develops a pool of effective community support resources by working with employers, parents, civic groups, and legislators to build awareness of and support for the program; develops job opportunities, participates in public relations activities, attends meetings and speaks to various community groups.

Builds appreciation for teamwork, sense of belonging, and commitment to community service among JAG-SC students by organizing and serving as advisor to a JAG-SC Career Association; creates training opportunities through hands-on activities, film presentations, guest speakers, and workshops; assists with civic and social opportunities.

Provides students with guidance, counseling, and support within appropriate limits; refers students to additional support services on an as-needed basis; takes responsibility for learning and complying with school policies such as mandated reporting, discipline, attendance, and the like.

Complies with all JAG documentation requirements in a timely fashion including contacts and activities involving students, employers, and other groups; develops and maintains a well-organized filing system. Records information and data daily using the online electronic National Data Management System (e-NDMS).

Assists students in finding and maintaining quality employment and / or post-secondary educational programs upon graduation; works closely with students and employers for 12 months after the end of the school year to ensure a satisfactory employment outcome; develops a plan for contacts with non-graduates to ensure effective transition to employment or additional education.

Participates in staff, regional, and national statewide meetings, and staff development activities.

Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and directives.

Additional Duties :

Performs various school-related functions such as designated by the school principal.

Participates in field trips.

Completes special projects and other projects / duties as assigned by JAG-SC Director.

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Training

Requires a bachelor's degree in social service, counseling, business, education, or related discipline. Experience working with youth accompanied by knowledge of child development issues.

Skills in human relations, leadership, supervision, and motivational techniques. Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities. Ability to establish the appropriate boundaries while developing and nurturing supportive relationships with students. Ability to educate a variety of constituencies and interested parties about the program by developing ongoing relationships and making formal presentations.

Ability to develop curriculum and educational opportunities consistent with the JAG Model. Working knowledge of basic computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, etc. Must have a valid South Carolina driver's license and reliable transportation.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required Physical Requirements :

Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of remaining standing for extended periods of time, writing on a chalkboard, stooping, kneeling and crouching, and some lifting, carrying, pushing and / or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12 to 20 pounds).

Data Conception :

Requires the ability to compare and / or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication :

Requires the ability of speaking and / or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and / or directions from supervisors and lecturing / giving instruction and / or assignments to students and assistants.

Language Ability :

Requires the ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, curriculum materials, texts, computer manuals, etc. Requires the ability to enter data into computer and prepare reports, records, teaching materials, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others.

Intelligence :

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic or schedule form.. Requires the ability to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information and the ability to comprehend and implement basic office machinery functions.

Verbal Aptitude :

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give oral and written instructions; to counsel and teach students. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying ages and educational / cultural backgrounds and using the terminology applicable to the subject area(s) taught.

Numerical Aptitude :

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form / Spatial Aptitude :

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination :

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment and communications machinery.

Manual Dexterity :

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items including computer keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye / hand / foot coordination.

Color Discrimination :

Does not require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament :

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress when confronted with an emergency or tight deadline. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a slight degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communication :

Requires the ability to talk and hear : (talking : expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing : perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone.

Performance Evaluation Criteria

Job Knowledge :

Is knowledgeable in the methods, policies and procedures of the Richland County School District One pertaining to specific duties of the Career Development Facilitator. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of the organization of the department and of related departments and agencies. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has thorough knowledge of the subject area(s) assigned to teach; has skill in the interpretation of subject matter to the intellectual level of students taught. Is able to create and present innovative, effective, developmentally appropriate course and lesson plans. Has knowledge of the characteristics of the age group assigned. Is able to establish and maintain positive relationships and work effectively with adults and students. Is able to supervise, guide and support students with patience and kindness. Is able to motivate students to participate in educational and extracurricular activities and to want to learn. Is able to recognize signs of learning, physical, mental and social disabilities and take appropriate action. Is able to provide assistance, support and / or skills development opportunities to parents as required. Is able to perform job tasks professionally in an environment where discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns. Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in preparing records, reports and correspondence. Is able to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to use independent judgment in performing tasks. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to offer assistance to fellow employees as necessary. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with co-workers, personnel of other departments, parents, students and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

Quality of Work :

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work :

Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability :

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance :

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm :

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment :

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation :

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others :

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to established and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

• Safety and Housekeeping

Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

Salary : $38,870 - $57,610