Career Coach

Statement of Primary Purpose

To cultivate programs and services for the high school learner, so that the individual can successfully enter and advance in a career path. This position serves Swain County High School students with offices on the Jackson campus and at Swain High School.

Professional, non-exempt Staff

• Support outreach efforts involving high school learners to raise career awareness of opportunities and assist in enrollment of high school learners on the college level
• Support students’ efforts for career pathways
• Coordinate events designed to promote awareness of career pathways
• Work with high school/college personnel to prepare information related to career pathways for distribution to students and parents
• Follow a communication plan to ensure consistent communication with students, faculty, staff, parents
• Organize college campus/industry tours

• Maintain contact with select advisees using a proactive advising model
• Assist with academic/career advising and college course registration for high school learners
• Maintain accurate and adequate student records to assist in academic/career advising and registration of high school learners
• Provide information to college personnel regarding course needs for high school students
• Responsible for knowledge of information related to High School, Community Colleges, Universities, Military Pathways policies and procedures as well as information related to community workforce development resources to provide students with timely information and guidance, assisting students in making informed decisions

• Provide supportive interventions to help students succeed in high school/college courses; providing academic success strategies to facilitate successful transition, foster progression, and promote completion of credentials
• Serve as a liaison with Student Accessibility office for high school learners enrolled in college courses
• Arrange and assist with placement testing and provide test interpretation for high school learners
• Monitor student progress in high school/college classes and work with students, parents/guardians, and instructors to develop plans for success, i.e., track attendance, academic progress, early warning
• Assist in communicating policy and procedure information to students and parents
• Conducts workshops and classroom visits with enrolled students at the high school and enhanced partnership to inform and instruct the students concerning Pathways requirements
• Recommend procedures for maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines, e.g., coordination ADA & IDEA, and FERPA, etc.

Additional duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in education, communications, business, career development/counseling, or related field.

2 years minimum work experience in secondary and/or postsecondary

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with diverse audiences
• Demonstrated skill set in critical thinking and problem solving concerning high school activities and issues.
• Experience working with students, parents, and administrators in secondary and/or higher education settings
• Familiarity with public school and/or higher education administration
• Previous teaching and/or counseling experience preferred
• Ability to coordinate and encourage collaboration
• Experience working with high school and/or college students
• Experience working with students who face barriers to academic success
• Experience working with first-generation, low-income, minority, or at-risk students
• Experience with data management
• FERPA compliance standards

General office/administrative work. Occasional moving of some large and small items and occasional lifting.

Valid NC Driver’s License

Evening/weekend hours occasionally required. Local/ regional travel and additional travel occasionally required.

PC, general office equipment, some experience with teleconferencing preferred

This position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. Other duties may be assigned by the President or appropriate supervisory personnel. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title as necessary.