Student Career Services Specialist

We are seeking a dedicated Student Career Services Specialist who will be instrumental in guiding our students through their career development journey. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive career counseling, job search support, and professional development services specifically tailored to the skilled trades sector. This role involves direct engagement with students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners to ensure our graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and achieve their post-graduation career goals in the welding and machining industries.

Responsibilities

• Provide job placement assistance to all eligible graduates and document the results to demonstrate clear and positive outcomes from the training.
• Maintain placement records, along with supporting documentation that is verifiable in an orderly, comprehensive, and accurate manner for all graduates.
• Ensure each program meets a placement benchmark of 70% placement for each program.
• Ensure placement data includes sufficient information for regularly calculating the percentage of training-related job placements in a prescribed format and time frame.
• Offer individual and group career counseling sessions to help students understand their career options, identify their strengths and interests, and develop actionable career plans tailored to the welding and machining trades.
• Assist students and alumni in all aspects of the job search process, including resume and cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, and networking strategies specific to the skilled trades industry.
• Actively develop and maintain relationships with employers in the welding and machining sectors to create internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities for students and graduates.
• Design and deliver workshops and seminars on career development topics relevant to the trades, such as portfolio development, certification pathways, and industry trends.
• Organize and host career fairs, employer info sessions, and networking events that connect students with industry professionals and potential employers.
• Curate a comprehensive suite of career resources, including job listings, industry contacts, and educational materials that are specifically beneficial for students pursuing careers in welding and machining.
• Maintain accurate records of student engagements, placement rates, and other metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the career services program. Report findings to school administration and use data to inform future services.
• Develop strategies to engage alumni, including creating networking opportunities and mentorship programs that benefit current students and recent graduates.
• Stay informed about industry trends, labor market data, and best practices in career services through continuous professional development and networking with professionals in the field.
• Work closely with faculty and other school departments to integrate career development into the academic experience and ensure that curriculum and training programs align with industry needs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in career counseling, education, human resources, or a related field is preferred, or any similar combination of education and experience.
• Experience in career services, counseling, or a related area, within a technical, vocational, or trade school setting is desired.
• Familiarity with the welding and machining industries and understanding of the career pathways within these trades is a plus.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills to effectively engage with employers, industry associations, and alumni.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of motivating and advising students and graduates.
• Proficient in utilizing career services software, job search platforms, and office productivity tools.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively, handling multiple tasks and projects with attention to detail.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong working ability of Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Superior organizational skills including attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to establish and nurture collaborative relationships at all levels, and identify needs and deliver solutions that achieve employee, team, and school goals and satisfaction.

Pay

The range of pay for this California-based position is $27.00-$31.00 per hour/annually. The actual compensation offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Schedule

This is a full-time hourly (non-exempt) position (40+ hours/week).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits available the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Medical (50% employer contribution), dental and vision coverage (100% employer contribution).
• 401k program with employer match.
• 8 paid holidays.
• Flexible work hours (position dependent).
• Paid time off.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Regularly required to push, move, lift or otherwise bear 10-30 lbs.
• Repetitive work using a computer keyboard, mouse, and headphones while sitting and/or standing at an assigned work desk area.

Work Environment

The employee works in an office/administration building in an urban industrial neighborhood. Other areas within the school are mixed use such as classrooms, welding, and machining areas. Employee may have additional environmental hazards such as chemical, electrical, flammable, or mechanical in nature.