Learning Specialist

Position: Work Based Learning Specialist
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REMINDER:
Current DCSD employees must apply through their district log-on, this application is for external candidates only!

Job Posting

Title:

Work Based Learning Specialist

Job Description:

Designs, implements, expands, and evaluates high-quality work-based learning (WBL) experiences for Douglas County School District high school students aligning with industry needs, state expectations, and district career readiness goals. Leads the district's efforts to advance equitable access real-world WBL opportunities, ensuring measurable student outcomes. Acts as the primary liaison among students, families, secondary educators, local employers, workforce partners, and postsecondary institutions to create and sustain meaningful, industry-connected partnerships.

Collaborating with the CTE Coordinator and the Postsecondary Readiness team, ensures WBL is integrated into CTE pathways and supports all students. Also ensures compliance with Colorado WBL Quality Expectations and supports data collection, reporting, and funding for state and district needs. This position requires a proactive educator with strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills, and a commitment to equity, economic opportunity, and career readiness for all students.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree required;
Master's degree preferred (Education, Career/Workforce Development, Counseling or related).

EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES USED:

Requires travel among district schools using personal vehicle

ESSENTIAL

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequent standing and walking

Frequent working at a rapid pace

Occasional lifting five (5) to ten (10) pounds

Occasional bending, squatting, or standing

ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

Mostly clean and comfortable

Position Specific Information (if Applicable):

Responsibilities:

Partnership Development:

* Build and maintain meaningful partnerships with local and regional employers, workforce development partners, postsecondary institutions (including CCCS), and community organizations to expand WBL opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, cooperative education, job shadows, service learning, and paid workplace experiences.

* Effectively leverage and utilize community resources

* Negotiate and administer partnership agreements, ensuring alignment of employer expectations, student learning outcomes, and district compliance.

Communication & Outreach:

* Develop and implement strategic communication plans to promote WBL opportunities, student success stories, and employer involvement to internal and external stakeholders.

* Represent the district at local, regional, and state-level meetings, collaboratives, and councils focused on workforce development and career readiness.

* Develop and maintain a community personnel resource file.

* Use the resources of other agencies such as the local and regional chambers of commerce, workforce planning centers and community partnerships to leverage opportunities for students

Program Design & Strategic Leadership:

* Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the district's Work-Based Learning framework aligned to Colorado's three categories of WBL-Learning ABOUT Work, Learning THROUGH Work, and Learning AT Work-ensuring consistent student progression along the continuum from exposure to career training.

* Develop objectives and key results and key performance indicators for the program.

* Integrate the Colorado Department of Education's Essential Skills in all WBL instruction, activities, and experiences.

* Support and partner with school counselors as students complete Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAP).

* Work with district leadership to align WBL objectives with district strategic plans and funding opportunities as identified in state law.

* Collaborate with staff and postsecondary institutions to develop and maintain career pathways which prepare students for apprenticeships, community college, university degree programs or startup experiences.

Professional Learning & Capacity Building:

* Provide professional development and guidance for secondary educators and WBL mentors on effective practices for integrating academic and workplace learning, equitable recruitment, and student support strategies.

* Serve as a resource for secondary staff on labor market trends, industry skill standards, credentialing pathways, and best practices in WBL.

* Advise potential program enrollees, work with school counselor(s), career field teachers, and student support service providers to personalize experiences for students based on passion, ability, and growth opportunity.

* Provide reference material for career information.

* Develop and…