Classification Description
TITLE: Cooperative Education/Student Employment Specialist
CLASS: Academic Professional
EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt
LEVEL: 3
NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK
The Cooperative Education/Student Employment Specialist is responsible for working with students to provide campus-based employment services and/or cooperative education placement. Services may include evaluating student cooperative education needs, conducting classroom instruction, developing learning plans, advising students on job search skills, employment and/or workplace issues and evaluating student learning. The Specialist markets the program to area employers and develops worksite opportunities for students. He/she is the link between the College and business, industry, the public and non-profit employers. Incumbents in this job classification make independent decisions regarding how to provide these services based on student and program needs.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: (Includes some or all of the following)
1. Instructs classes and workshops for students on subjects such as job readiness, career development, resume writing, job search skills, portfolio development, interviewing and networking. Develops curriculum and lesson plans and revises as current market trends dictate. Reviews and update Course Content Guides and provides services to instructional areas relating to job search and career exploration or work-based learning.
2. Develops learning objectives, incorporating input from student, faculty and
employer and ensures objectives are tied to education/major; and/or interviews
students and assess skills and qualifications, matching job-seeking students with
employers using a variety of professional job placement skills.
3. Markets Cooperative Education Program and/or student employment services both internally and externally. Develops a working knowledge of specific
industries, including duties, requirements, wages and benefits, career paths, and
work environments. Develops and fosters professional working relationships with
employers, temporary services, employment agencies and industry representatives
to ensure consistent contact for job leads within the community. May initiate cold
calls and make presentations to employers within the community in order to place
students at training sites and/or promote employment services.
4. Advises and guides students in developing career and/or employment goals. Provides individual support and encouragement to students. Advocates for students as liaison with other College services as needed.
5. Conducts employer worksite visits to assess skill requirements, employer
expectations and/or evaluates student learning for college credit.
6. May organize career fairs and other on campus events and participate in off
campus career fairs.
7. Participates in identifying, researching, and implementing new and innovative
programs. Works with various professional/technical and transfer programs in
developing new curriculum. Trains faculty coordinators on new programs and
approved curriculum.
8. Maintains a thorough and current understanding of program curriculum.
Addresses with faculty and administration issues such as labor market trends,
industry skill requirements, student recruitment and retention, and program
marketing.
9. Develops and fosters professional work relationships with college faculty and
administration to ensure department services meet student and college needs.
May participate with faculty in program Advisory Committees and SAC's.
10. May track statistics, which may relate directly to academic and
professional-technical programs needs and grant requirements, including student
placement and wages.
11. Represents the college, campus, or department on local, regional and state
education and employment related committees.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is typically performed in an office environment. Incumbents may drive to business/job sites, meetings or career fairs, which requires the use of a personal vehicle. Student training site visits may require evening or weekend work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical exertion is not a normal requirement of the job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Education, Business Administration, Human Resource
Management, Communications or related field. Experience performing the duties of
this job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.
Demonstrated experience in an educational setting working with or instructing/advising
students or experience in a business setting performing employment, selection,
placement or related function.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of educational institutions, curriculum development and non-traditional instruction methods.
Knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity laws and other local, state, and federal laws pertaining to employment.
Knowledge of current labor market trends.
Knowledge of effective training techniques and adult learning theory.
Knowledge of marketing techniques.
Skill in instruction and curriculum development.
Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages and a variety of office equipment.
Skill in effective group facilitation.
Ability to work with a diverse student population.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects or to quickly change priorities
Ability to make public presentations in a small or large group setting.
Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.