Christiansburg High School Career Coach

New River Community College (NRCC) is a comprehensive community college located in the New River Valley of Virginia. NRCC faculty members are known for their academic background and their ability to work closely and effectively with students, demonstrating a genuine interest in student success. Faculty teaching college transfer courses hold doctorates or master’s degrees, while those in occupational programs combine academics with practical on-the-job experience.

About the role

The High School Career Coach will serve as a community college academic and career advisor for high school students, particularly those enrolled in secondary-to-postsecondary transition programs such as Dual Enrollment. As a community college employee housed in a local high school, the Career Coach will work directly with high school students and their families.

Responsibilities

• Assess the skills, needs, interests, and aptitudes of high school students and provide personalized advice on career options and post-secondary educational programs.
• Utilize career exploration programs in one-on-one, small group, and classroom settings.
• Assist students with the college application process.
• Assist students and families with the financial aid process, including completion of FAFSA and scholarship applications.
• Conduct workshops and classroom presentations to prepare students for postsecondary education and to overcome socioeconomic barriers to high school and college completion.
• Assist students with goal setting, development of postsecondary action plans, and implementation of action plans using strong interpersonal skills that engage, support, and motivate students.
• Provide connections for high school students to job shadowing and experiential learning opportunities.
• Foster relationships with high school faculty and staff.
• Promote career coaching services within high school and community settings.
• Attend annual VCCS career coach training and other professional development opportunities.
• Maintain VCCS case-based management report system on a weekly basis.
• Provide reports to the college as requested.
• Work occasional evening and weekend hours as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting the agency or state government in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in counseling, education, career and technical education, or a related field with at least 2-5 years of experience in an educational counseling position.
• Ability to relate well and enjoy working with high school-aged populations.
• Ability to assess the skills, needs, interests, and aptitudes of high school students and provide personalized advice on career and postsecondary options.
• Knowledge of and experience working with career exploration programs for youth ages 15-19.
• Ability to assist students with the college application process; knowledge and understanding of financial aid and scholarships.
• Knowledge and understanding of the socioeconomic barriers to high school and college completion.
• Strong interpersonal skills to help engage, support, and motivate students and families.
• Effective problem-solving, coaching, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to multitask and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to foster relationships with high school faculty and staff.
• Ability to facilitate goal setting, postsecondary action planning, and implementation of action plans.

Additional Considerations

• Work experience in career coaching or career counseling.
• Understanding of the community college philosophy and mission.

Pay

$55,000-$60,000, depending on qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday-Friday.