Career Coach-(Human Services Specialist II) - County Administration, Office of Workforce Development

Career Coach II

Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community. Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards.

NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making. What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations. What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Career Coach II provides guidance and career counseling to middle and high school students to help them explore and making informed career decisions. The position coordinates career exploration resources, identifies and collaborates with partners to develop career exploration activities and administers these activities in the middle and high schools. Career Coaches work with students individually and in groups to assist them in determining their career pathway and matching the post-CCR pathway.

The position tracks and reports student progress through data management systems. STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: $33.61 - $37.88 $ 69,913 - $78,784
* This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles. CLASS

DESCRIPTION:

Performs intermediate professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes administering human service programs or providing specialized health and human services targeted to a special population; assists in formulating policies and developing goals and objectives; and providing a full range of counseling and referral services. Work may also include identifying and investigating complaints of unfair and deceptive practices and violations of local and State laws;

and administering criminal justice and alternative sentencing programs. This position is grant funded. Individuals selected for the position will serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may also be terminated if the grant funding for the position ends.

Student Career Coaching and Advising:

• Administer career assessments to identify occupational interests and career paths.
• Provide career coaching to students and support development of individual career plans.
• Assist students in using self-service resources to find hands-on career exploration and internship/work opportunities.
• Conduct job readiness and training activities.
• Address student questions about local and state in-demand career opportunities and required skillsets.

School and Program Coordination:

• Assist in coordinating career coaching services across middle and high schools in HCPSS.
• Work with school staff to coordinate activities such as guest speakers, field trips, job shadowing, and after-school events.
• Partner with teachers and administrators to integrate career counseling into existing classes.
• Develop career resources for students and track progression of student services.
• Prepare and manage reporting and data collection for the Blueprint for Education for Howard County.

Community and Business Partnerships:

• Contact local businesses to build partnerships for student outreach efforts.
• Identify local industry and business needs to inform programming.
• Collaborate with community partners to develop programs supporting student career exploration.
• Support efforts to increase youth apprenticeship opportunities.

Workshops, Presentations & Events:

• Conduct virtual and in-person sessions for students, families, and partner staff at schools and designated work sites.
• Facilitate…