USD 417 has an opening for a College and Career Counselor for the 2025-2026 school year. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicant must currently hold or expect to hold a Kansas teaching license.
TO APPLY USE THIS LINK: https://www.applitrack.com/usd417/onlineapp/
Purpose Statement:
To support, expand, and enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the district by ensuring regulatory compliance, managing Perkins and other grant funds, developing industry partnerships, and creating robust work-based learning and career readiness opportunities. This role also collaborates with K-12 campuses to expose students to diverse career pathways and coordinates high school testing efforts (including ACT, WorkKeys, State Assessments, ASVAB, CTE Certifications, and other relevant exams). This position will also support the other counselors and students in the SEL arena.
This job reports to the Director of Student Learning.
Essential Functions:
Program Growth & Improvement:
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and industry partners to enhance and expand CTE programs.
Research and implement best practices in career and technical education.
Develop new pathways aligned with industry needs and evolving workforce trends.
Compliance & Reporting:
Ensure all CTE programs meet state and federal regulations.
Prepare and submit required reports for Perkins funding and other grants.
Maintain thorough records and documentation for accountability and audits.
Funding & Resource Management:
Manage Perkins Grant funds and other financial resources related to CTE initiatives.
Assist in the development and submission of grant proposals.
Collaborate with district leadership to allocate resources effectively.
Work-Based Learning & Internships:
Develop and oversee internship, apprenticeship, and job-shadowing opportunities for students.
Establish and maintain relationships with local businesses and community partners.
Student Support & Career Readiness:
Connect students with scholarship opportunities and career-related funding.
Provide guidance on industry certifications and post-secondary options.
Organize career fairs, guest speaker events, and job-readiness workshops.
K-12 Career Awareness & Exploration:
Work with all district buildings (K-12) to introduce and integrate career pathways and post-secondary options.
Implement age-appropriate career awareness activities, particularly in elementary and middle schools.
Coordinate district-wide career days, field trips, and industry engagement initiatives.
High School Testing Coordination & Support:
Assist in coordinating and administering high school assessments, including ACT, WorkKeys, State Assessments, ASVAB, CTE Certifications, and other relevant exams.
Ensure compliance with testing procedures and regulations.
Organize testing logistics and provide students with necessary preparatory resources.
Collaboration & Outreach:
Serve as the liaison between the school district and local workforce development boards, businesses, and higher education institutions.
Attend industry and CTE advisory committee meetings.
Promote CTE programs through various district communication channels.
Social Emotional Learning:
Support the SEL Counselor in designing and teaching SEL lessons.
When needed, support students with social-emotional issues
Other Functions:
Perform additional duties and projects as assigned by the Director of Student Learning to support district initiatives related to CTE and career readiness.
Job Requirements (Minimum Qualifications):
Education & Experience:
Bachelors degree in Education, Career & Technical Education, Business, Counseling or a related field.
Experience in career and technical education, workforce development, school administration, or testing coordination is preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
In-depth knowledge of Perkins Grant management and CTE compliance requirements.
Ability to build effective relationships with businesses, post-secondary institutions, and community organizations.
Proven experience in developing student career pathways, internship programs, and managing high school testing protocols.
Responsibilities:
Develop and enhance district CTE programs in alignment with industry needs and educational best practices.
Ensure program compliance with state and federal guidelines, and manage all related documentation.
Oversee the effective management of Perkins and additional grant funds to support CTE initiatives.
Create and maintain partnerships with local businesses to facilitate work-based learning and internship opportunities.
Coordinate comprehensive career readiness programs, including career fairs and job-readiness workshops.
Organize and support high school testing events and ensure adherence to all testing standards.
Act as the key liaison for career awareness initiatives across all K-12 campuses.
Work Environment:
Primarily an office setting with regular travel to school sites, community businesses, and industry events.
Occasional evening or weekend events may be required.
Required Testing and Certifications:
Complete and maintain any required training or certifications related to Perkins Grant management, CTE compliance, and testing coordination as mandated by state and district guidelines.
