Cooperative Educational Coordinator - Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative - LPVEC Job West Springfield area,Massachusetts USA

Cooperative Educational Coordinator - Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative - LPVEC

West Springfield, Massachusetts

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

The Cooperative Education (Co-op) Coordinator role is a 194-day position that bridges classroom theory and industry practice. This role manages a state-approved Chapter 74 work‑based learning program that enables eligible juniors and seniors to earn while they learn and often secure permanent employment after graduation.

Responsibilities include:

Placing qualified students in co-op positions;
Strengthening industry partnerships;
Ensuring compliance and safety, and developing continuing education aligned with workforce needs;
Collaborating with academic and career & technical education teachers to track student progress, review grades, attendance, and competencies, and determine workforce readiness;
Guiding students in securing, interviewing, and transitioning into career‑aligned jobs;
Cultivating and maintaining a network of industry partners, visiting job sites to ensure relevant skill development;
Ensuring all placements meet Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards, labor laws, and safety protocols, including conducting mandatory background and CORI checks on employers.

Minimum Qualifications

Proven ability to relate to and work with a wide range of constituencies, including administrators, teachers, school staff, parents/guardians/caregivers, students, visitors, and the community.
Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with personnel from related businesses, industries, and public agencies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including effective communication with staff, families, and students from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals, journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
Maintains a good work record and attends work regularly.
Other qualifications acceptable as determined by the Board of Directors.

Job Requirements

Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a Vocational Technical Cooperative Education Coordinator.
Current Chapter 74 license as a Vocational Technical Education Teacher, Administrator, or Professional Guidance/School Counselor, or a minimum of 5 years of recent full‑time employment experience in business or industry in a role related to workforce education and training.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
At least 3 years of career and technical experience in the field, with teaching experience in a secondary or postsecondary school preferred.
Experience in career‑technical education, work‑site development, job placement, and recruitment activities appropriate for a vocational‑technical high school.
Ability to maintain the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education educator’s license by fulfilling all renewal requirements through professional development or growth activities.
Strong working knowledge of Chapter 74 regulations, grant management, student discipline, and program evaluation.
Alternative qualifications as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.

Essential Job Functions

Regular and punctual attendance.

Be at the assigned workstation (bus duty, hall duty, etc.) at the designated time.

Provides career guidance and counseling to students in a qualitative, appropriate, and effective manner that results in appropriate placement.

Develops and maintains seminars for co-op‑eligible students that cover employability skills, including resume writing, cover letters, and interview techniques.

Oversees the application process, including work permit, student agreement, employee agreement, coordination of CORI background checks, and maintenance of student and employer files.

Supervises the distribution, collection, and tabulation of all student work hours.

Reviews student report cards, attendance, and discipline each semester to determine continued eligibility and monitors students at risk of failing.

Works collaboratively with students and staff to maintain accurate records of hours and workplace competencies.

Interprets grades for teachers,…