College and Career Specialist

Job Description:

College and Career Specialist

Description

Under the general direction of a high school principal or designee and in close coordination with site Counselors, the College and Career Specialist provides support to the instructional program with specific responsibilities for providing students with information on post high school educational opportunities and work careers/job opportunities; administers and interprets career assessment tools; plans on-site presentations by college and/or career representatives; and assists in the support and implementation of ongoing department programs.

The incumbents in this classification provide the school community with academic and career information support which directly supports student learning and achievement.

The following alphabetical list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification.

Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assists students (e.g., applications for financial aid, college materials, applications, online registration, scholarships, career assessment tests) in supporting activities necessary for pursuing and securing post-secondary academic and/or vocational and career opportunities.
• Conducts workshops and/or presentations that provide student with information regarding occupational programs, the college application process, and/or other career opportunities following high school graduation.
• Coordinates on-campus site visits by college/university, career and/or military recruiters, ensuring availability of facilities and enhancing students' access to educational and career opportunities.
• Directs student workers and volunteers to ensure that work functions are completed correctly and within specific timeframes.
• Maintains a variety of confidential and non-confidential manual and electronic lists and records (e.g., inventory of college catalogues, applications, and web site locations); makes them available for use and distribution to students, counselors, and teachers as required.
• Monitors student activities in the College and Career Center for the purpose of providing a safe and positive environment.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops, and committees (e.g., university/college conferences, class visits, community service group meetings) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions; remains knowledgeable about with program guidelines.
• Performs a variety of clerical activities (e.g., copying, filing, collating, answering phones) for the purpose of supporting the students and staff.
• Prepares a variety of documents, reports, and written materials (e.g., individual awards, invitations, event programs, bulletins, reports) for the purpose of communicating information to parents, staff; provides written support, developing recommendations, and/or conveying information.
• Researches educational and/or career opportunities for the purpose of providing students with information to investigate and successfully pursue personal career goals and educational objectives and opportunities.
• Schedules career and/or vocational assessments of students' interests and abilities to assist them in evaluating career options.
• Solicits information and/or materials from colleges and other organizations (e.g., college, trade/technical schools, college videos, local companies) for the purpose of enhancing the Career Center reference collection and providing additional resource for students and parents.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the District, including various mandatory District trainings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

(At time of application)

Knowledge of:

• Assessment methodology and analysis
• Research-based career and youth development strategies
• Work and career funded programs, objectives, and regulations
• Community resources
• College interest requirements
• Forms, processes, procedures, and strategies for completing and submitting college and financial aid applications
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Basic computer knowledge including, but not limited to, internet applications, email, word processing, spreadsheet, District information system and other software pertaining to current position
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary

Skills and Abilities to:

• Operate standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications
• Prepare and maintain accurate records
• Plan and manage projects; meet deadlines and timelines
• Communicate, understand, and follow both oral and written directions effectively
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to career development and college application and readiness
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people
• Organize information and materials
• Facilitate site guidance team planning
• Analyze student assessment information and effectively communicate information to family, students, and school staff
• Work as a member of the guidance team
• Work independently with little direction
• Plan, prioritize and complete work despite many interruptions
• Learn new or updated computer systems and programs to apply to career and college readiness activities and tasks
• Communicate using patience and courtesy in a manner that reflects positively on the District
• Actively participate in meeting District goals and outcomes
• Apply integrity and trust in all situations
• Learn District organization, operations, policies, objectives, and goals
  
  

RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to affect the organization's services.

(At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above.)

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Associate's degree, with significant coursework in psychology, sociology, social work, or business. Bachelor's degree in one of these fields is preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Two (2) years of experience working in a business or career development setting that included expertise in technology and at least six (6) months working with students or teenagers.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:

• Valid, current California Driver's License to drive to trainings and conferences.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:

• Pass the District's applicable proficiency exam for the job class with a satisfactory score
• After offer of employment, obtain:
  • Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint Clearance
  • Negative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years)
  • Pre-employment physical exam B through District's provider

SALARY SCHEDULE:

Classified Salary Range: 19

Work Calendar: 201 Days

Work Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm (8 hours/day)

Work Location: Madera High School

*Materials Required:*

1. Completed application

2. Resume

3. Copy of official college transcript indicating the completion of an Associate's degree, with significant coursework in psychology, sociology, social work, or business, or a higher degree earned.

*PC RULES 5.2.1.2 -5.2.1.2 - In-house employees will have first consideration for the position. If sufficient candidates are not available to complete the three ranks, the Personnel Commission will move to include outside candidates.

The examination process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. No additional information will be accepted from applicants once the application has been submitted. Only the most qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review will be invited to the examination process.

The examination process will include a competency assessment (50% weight). Those achieving a passing score on the competency assessment will be invitedto the oral interview assessment (50% weight).Those candidates achieving a passing overall score of 70% out of 100% on both assessments will be placed on the Eligibility List. The Eligibility List is valid for one (1) year from the certified date. The top three (3) ranks will be forwarded to the Hiring Authority for final interview and selection. This Eligibility list will be used to fill future College & Career Specialist vacancies.

INITIAL TESTING TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED AS FOLLOWS:

COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT: FEBRUARY 04, 2026

ORAL INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT: FEBRUARY 11, 2026

PASSING THE EXAMINATION AND BEING PLACED ON THE ELIGIBILITY LIST DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT

To move forward in the selection process, you must complete an online application through this website. Resumes may be uploaded, but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION: ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE REVISIONS TO YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS.

When completing the application, please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields, including the name and contact information of your supervisors. The experience that is included in the resume but not in the Work Experience section of the application may not be considered for the purpose of determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

All required documents must be submitted by the applicant. Personnel Commission staff will not upload your documents for you. The examination process/examination date is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email to the email address listed on your application.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Personnel Specialist Alejandra Venegas-Chaves at (559) 675-4500 Ext 294 or email alejandravenegaschav@maderausd.org.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation in the selection process must inform the Madera Unified School District Personnel Commission Department in writing no later than the filing date stated on the announcement. Those applicants needing such accommodations should document this request, including an explanation as to the type and extent of accommodation needed to participate in the selection process.

The Governing Board desires to provide a positive work environment where employees and job applicants are assured of equal access and opportunities and are free from harassment in accordance with the law. The Board prohibits district employees from discriminating against or harassing any other district employees and job applicant on the basis of the person's actual or perceived race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation. The following person is designated as the Title IX Coordinator:

Prince Marshall

Executive Director of Student and Family Support Services

1820 Howard Road, Madera, CA 93637

559-416-5826

Closing Date/Time: Mon, 26 Jan 2026

Salary:

19.54 - 25.25 Hourly