What are the responsibilities and job description for the JAG Nebraska Career Specialist - Southern School District 1 position at United Way of the Midlands?
Organization: United Way of the Midlands
Job Title: JAG Nebraska Career Specialist
Department: JAG Nebraska, Programs
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Wymore, NE
About United Way of the Midlands:
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bringing together the business, government and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – including JAG Nebraska, 211 and the Weatherization Assistance Program – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. At United Way, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
UWM’s Mission:
United Way of the Midlands UNITES our community’s CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.
Guiding Principles:
At United Way of the Midlands, we…
- Build TRUST in everything we do.
- Extend GRACE by thinking beyond ourselves.
- Show GRIT by bringing it everyday.
- Be OPEN to embracing others’ differences.
- Actively ENGAGE by listening and sharing.
- Live CURIOUSLY to learn constantly.
JAG Nebraska Career Specialist Summary:
JAG Nebraska Specialists are teachers and educators, advocates for students, and caring adults and mentors. Our Specialists teach a for-credit elective class for middle school and/or high school students in local school district and are responsible for guiding our students through project-based curriculum helping students grow in life and career skills. Specialists must be successful in fully implementing the JAG Nebraska model with integrity while supporting our students to navigate life and academia successfully. JAG Specialists work closely with school teachers and administrator/supervisors to provide support and coordination for students and must represent the organization’s values at all times and must be well-versed in building relationships with multiple stakeholders simultaneously.
Responsibilities:
- Provides instruction in a program proven to increase graduation rates and positive outcomes post-graduation such as employment and post-secondary education or credential attainment.
- Establishes and advances relationships with school administrators and teams by building rapport to effectively serve students and align with school culture and goals.
- Instructs classroom using the JAG Advantage (Project Based Learning, Trauma Informed Care, and Employer Engagement).
- Communicates effectively, efficiently, timely, and professionally while maintaining effective working relationships with school administrators, community leaders, business partners, and JAG Nebraska leadership.
- Requests support and resources as needed with the JAG Nebraska model, grant and partnership obligations, accreditation compliance, participant documentation, and data entry into JAG Force.
- Recruits students according to the best practices and in cooperation with school advisory committee/administration established by JAG.
- Documents student progress toward state and national performance goals using JAG Force (data collection tool)
- Completes all quality assurance measures and meets deadlines on all data to ensure compliance with all funding and accreditation requirements as well as ensuring deadlines are met in a timely manner.
- Teaches the JAG curriculum to ensure the JAG model standards are met for the targeted student roster.
- Works daily within Nebraska’s public schools and engages directly with teachers, administrators, and community leaders.
- Establishes and implements an Individualized Development Plan (IDP) in JAG Force for all students on the school’s JAG Nebraska class rosters.
- Monitors the attendance, academic performance, college prep course selection, enrollment in AP and dual credit courses, credits needed for graduation, and progress towards goals of all cohort students.
- Facilitates opportunities for student engagements periodically throughout the summer to increase student contact.
- Participates in school staff meetings, regional and statewide education meetings, and staff development activities within the building, district, and statewide JAG Nebraska as appropriate.
- Transports students to and from statewide events, as applicable, and/or chaperones students for JAG National events, as applicable.
- Maintains the highest level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
- Serves as a positive role model for students by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to personal and academic growth, fostering a supportive and motivating environment for success
- Creates and carries out local employer engagement events based on student voice and choice/career interests.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with both UWM and school handbook, policies, standards, and expectations.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Must be able to effectively use Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams).
- Required to work 12 months per year.
- Must be able to enter, analyze, and verify data reports as applicable for integrity, accuracy and various funding requirements.
- Must have the ability to effectively represent UWM and JAG Nebraska during community and stakeholder meetings.
- Must have the ability to think strategically to effectively plan and execute multiple lesson plans and activities in preparation for and throughout each school year.
- Must maintain a positive attitude and care deeply about the overall success of UWM and JAG Nebraska.
- Must be able to work independently in the classroom, teaching and supervising students for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to establish appropriate boundaries while developing and nurturing supportive relationships with students and families.
- Must be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with a variety of individuals, within and outside of the school system. Must be able to make formal and informal presentations.
- Must comply with and adhere to State of Nebraska CTE requirements and be able to implement curriculum, projects and/or other educational opportunities consistent with the goals of the JAG
- Must possess a current and valid driver’s license to drive to and from school and to in-state conferences/meetings.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree required; with a focus on education, social services or counseling, business is preferred.
- Within the first 90 days of employment, must meet the Nebraska Department of Education’s Teaching Career Education Permit requirements.
- Must be willing to complete the Human Relations Training Requirement upon hire (if needed) as determined by NDE and be willing to obtain the State of Nebraska Fingerprint Card Process (if applicable).
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- Mobility to move around an active classroom and school grounds
Benefits:
- Shared health, dental and vision insurance
- Generous 401(k) Retirement plan
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Employer paid life and disability insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume to resume@UWMidlands.org
United Way of the Midlands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
