Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Job Summary: 

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator, as part of the counseling department, is responsible for developing and implementing work-based learning programs that bridge the gap between academic education and real-world workplace experiences.  The WBL Coordinator combines and coordinates efforts of many individuals, assuring that work-based learning experiences effectively and efficiently help students develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and work habits to move successfully into the workforce. WBL Coordinator collaborates with:

• Industry Partners
• Career Development Agencies
• Career Advisors
• CTE Instructors
• Core Content Instructors
• Post-Secondary Institutions
• Students, and
• Administrators

 to facilitate internships, apprenticeships, job shadows, paid-work, volunteer service and business tours.

The Coordinator delivers instructional and leadership services to empower students with related academic critical thinking, workplace readiness, work based learning practices, and technical skills essential to pursuing career pathways.

Essential Functions: 

The Work-Based Learning Coordinator will facilitate the implementation and ongoing management of Work-Based Learning (through Act 77) including, but not limited to:

• Develop the work-based learning program to align with Springfield High School’s established goals and objectives.
• Curate an awareness and availability of work-based learning opportunities for students, families, and teachers.
• Work with Flexible Pathways Coordinator to align work-based learning experiences with content teachers to ensure proficiencies and credits are achieved.
• Partnership Building:
  • Establish and maintain relationships with outside organizations to support career development (Department of Labor, Hireability, VABIR, Work Investment Board, etc.)
  • Collaborate with Post-Secondary Institutions and industry partners to develop curriculum and learning experiences that meet industry, as well as proficiency, standards.
  • Collaborate with counseling, administration, and students’ educational support teams to guide students in accessing work-based learning experiences and building related employability skills.
• Student Engagement:
  • Organize and facilitate events to enrich exposure to various career paths, including job/career fairs, guest speakers, business tours and visits, etc.
  • Facilitate placement of students in internships and/or job shadows. This includes arranging placements, facilitating needed meetings and paperwork, conducting site visits, evaluating students at work sites, etc.
  • Guide students through the work-based learning process, providing support and resources to enhance their learning experiences.
  • Conduct orientation sessions and workshops to prepare students for work-based learning opportunities and future careers, including resume building, interview preparation, and other career-readiness activities.
  • Support WBL opportunities for middle school students.
• Monitor & Evaluate:
  • Design the program to include continued improvement and re-evaluation.
  • Conduct regular site visits to monitor and evaluate student performance.
  • Conduct regular site visits to monitor and evaluate appropriateness of placement(s) to ensure the experience meets the needs of the program and track the appropriateness of workplace conditions.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards governing work-based learning programs, including labor laws.
  • Maintain and submit accurate records of student placements and evaluations, employer partnerships, and program outcomes as required.
• Communication:
  • Foster effective communication and collaboration between students, educators, and employers.
  • Develop marketing materials and promotional strategies to raise awareness of work-based learning opportunities.
  • Communicate with the media to promote and sustain the program.
  • Communicate program success and highlights to the school board on a regular basis.
  • Coordinate recognition for employers and students who participate in the program.
• Other duties as assigned and deemed necessary by the SHS administration

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of BA; MA preferred
• Minimum of 5 years in school counseling and/or college/career counseling
• Counseling License with a Work-Based Learning Endorsement

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong student support and public relations skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Time management, organizational, prioritization, and problem-recognition skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with all people including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to understand both written and oral instructions.
• Ability to make independent judgments.
• Ability to promote and follow AOE and Board of Education policies as well as district building and department procedures.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job in accordance with federal, state, and Springfield School District requirements (FERPA).

Tools/Technology Requirements: 

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and data base software, along with district e-mail system, calendar/appointment management system, and the Internet.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, scanner, printer, and fax machine.

Physical Effort and Stress:  Employee must have the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above, in addition to the following (Frequency Codes described below):

** With proper lifting and carrying techniques or assistance, to include but not limited to job aids and/or accommodations.

Working Conditions/Environmental Factors:  All conditions common to an education environment, but not limited to, the following (Frequency Codes described above.)  Work is normally performed in a climate controlled office/building environment, with limited exposure to extreme heat/cold, poor ventilation, fumes, and gasses. Noise level is moderate and includes sounds of normal office equipment (computers, telephones, etc.), student learning, etc. Additionally, the role entails frequent visits to employment sites and businesses, where conditions may vary.  No known environmental hazards are encountered in normal performance of job duties.