College/Career Coach

About the role

The College and Career Coach is responsible for implementing strategies that prepare Chicago Public School students for post-secondary opportunities. The role focuses on providing direct service to high school students through curricular and enrichment strategies in the domains of awareness, readiness, access, and success to promote long-term preparation for post-secondary transition.

Responsibilities

• Increase college and career options for students by implementing key strategies aligned with the Department of College and Career Preparation (DCCP).
• Develop implementation plans that align with the DCCP scorecard and metrics.
• Collaborate with specialists and higher education officials to build partnerships supporting matriculation and retention of CPS students.
• Conduct ongoing college access workshops for all grade levels to advise students about college and career opportunities.
• Participate in integrated support strategies for coaches and counselors using the American School Counselors (ASCA) implementation plan.
• Conduct monthly workshops to inform and prepare students in grades 9-12 for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Coordinate comprehensive workshops for students to complete the What’s Next IL Guideway.
• Organize job shadow, career speaker, and career service events that promote college and career preparation.
• Support the recruitment of students for Career and Technical Education (CTE) citywide academies.
• Recruit students for CTE internships and support employment opportunities.
• Coordinate with CTE teachers and counselors to ensure students complete soft-skills requirements for work readiness.
• Organize and conduct college tours for students in grades 9-12.
• Conduct workshops focused on ACT/SAT test preparation, writing, time management, and study skills.
• Attend monthly DCCP Coach professional development meetings.
• Participate in scheduled planning sessions to develop key tools and strategies promoting the department’s work.
• Organize college and career fairs.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a minimum bachelor’s degree in a related field, supplemented by three years of relevant work experience.
• Must have a car, valid driver’s license, and availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Skills

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of academic and career development.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, parents, school personnel, and representatives from universities, businesses, government, and community-based organizations.
• Proficiency in Windows Operating System and MS Office; strong internet skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships and good relationships.
• Must be a team player.

Qualifications

Possess a BA degree with 3-4 years of youth development and programming experience.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents with multiple medical plan options.
• Pharmacy, dental, and vision benefits.
• Behavioral health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee Wellness Program.

Financial Security

• Basic Life Insurance.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Pension Plans.
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Spot Pet Insurance.

Work-Life Balance

• Paid Leave.
• Sick Leave.
• Vacation Days.
• Parental Leave.
• Short-Term Disability.
• Religious Holidays.

Pay

Salary range: $41,700.00 to $58,400.00.

Schedule

Primary location: South Side - 6220 South Stony Island Avenue (Hyde Park Career Academy). Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends required.