TOSA: Career Development and Service Learning Specialist

UPPER ARLINGTON CITY SCHOOLS

Location:                          District
Position:                           Career Development and Service Learning Specialist
Licensure:                        5 Year Professional Teaching License
Reports to:                       Chief Academic Officer
Employment Status:        Regular/Full-time
FLSA Status:                    Exempt

 
Description: The Career Development and Service Learning Specialist oversees and  coordinates career pathways, authentic learning experiences, and service learning opportunities  for the district. This position integrates career readiness and civic engagement to provide students with comprehensive preparation for post-secondary success. Responsibilities include  developing career exploration and service opportunities, overseeing Career Technical  Education (CTE) programs, ensuring credential attainment, documenting service hours,  collaborating with school personnel and community partners, evaluating program effectiveness,  and advocating for student needs in both areas. 

Candidates: 

• Possess the authority and influence necessary to enact systemic changes, allocate  resources strategically, and advocate for career development and service learning  opportunities for all students. 
• Leverage their expertise to shape policies, develop comprehensive frameworks, and  implement innovative strategies that connect classroom learning with real-world  applications. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders including district leadership, school board, community  organizations, and business partners to create a holistic approach to preparing students for  future success. 
• Lead transformative initiatives that promote career readiness, civic responsibility, inclusivity,  and authentic learning experiences for all students within the district.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Valid Ohio teaching license 
• Experience with Career Technical Education programming and service learning coordination
• At least three years of certified teaching experience at the elementary, middle, or high  school level 
• Experience with community engagement and partnership development preferred
• Such alternative to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and/or Board of  Education may find appropriate 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to work effectively with others 
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• Effective, active listening skills 
• Organizational and problem-solving skills 
• Knowledge of Ohio school law, CTE requirements, and graduation pathways
• Ability to lead and motivate staff and students 
• Team building skills 
• Knowledge of career development and service learning best practices
• Knowledge of curriculum integration strategies 
• Knowledge of business partnerships and community engagement 

Career Development Responsibilities: 

• Provide K-12 oversight for career development vision, mission, deliverables, and budget
• Direct internal career development leaders through regular meetings with K-12 counselors
• Develop and maintain external partnerships with businesses and workforce development  agencies 
• Represent Upper Arlington at state and local meetings (COCDC, ESC Advisory Council,  TriVillage Chamber of Commerce) 
• Oversee CTPD relationship (Columbus City Career Centers) 
• Serve as district expert in career development processes including credentials, pre apprenticeships, internships, and exploration platforms 
• Work with Pathway staff members including CTE-26 Teachers (Engineering, FCS, Teacher  Academy) 
• Execute career development authentic experiences including shadowing, Career Day  events, field trips, internships, credential attainment, and Lunch & Learn sessions
• Provide career counseling for students and parents 
• Lead in the development of UAHS Business Advisory Council 

Service Learning Responsibilities: 

• Direct internal service learning leaders through meetings with building representatives
• Lead relationship with *Partnerships for All* for training and coaching of building leaders
• Serve as district expert in service hour documentation platforms 
• Approve and oversee service programs including Summer Service, Presidential Volunteer  Service Award, Honor Cords, Community Service Seal, and National Honor Society  requirements
• Oversee award ceremonies and recognition programs 
• Manage communication about service opportunities through website updates,  announcements, and publications 
• Work with community partners to provide and document service opportunities
• Oversee K-12 service learning mini-grants 

General Responsibilities: 

• Implement and monitor all Board policies and regulations 
• Establish and maintain positive public relationships 
• Attend special events and functions of the district as directed by the Superintendent
• Support school improvement programs and initiatives 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Chief Student Services Officer 

Equipment Operated: 

• Various office machines 
• Computer systems 
• Communication equipment 

Additional Working Conditions: 

• Occasional operation of a vehicle under inclement weather conditions
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull various items up to a maximum of 25 pounds
• Frequently move around workspace and travel throughout school buildings and to community partner locations 

Employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance use in the  workplace throughout their employment with the District. 

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the  only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be  required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent's supervisor  and/or appointing authority. 

The Upper Arlington City School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis  of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and transgender identity,  disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally  protected category, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. 

Upper Arlington Schools uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage  employment applications online.