] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → CAREER PATHWAYS SPECIALIST

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Career Pathways Specialist

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Career Pathways Specialist CODE: 5176 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Career Pathways Specialist GRADE: 23 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the career pathways manager, Office of Human Resources and Development (OHRD), the career pathways specialist (CPS) provides support and guidance to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) support professional employees who have an interest in short-term career advancement and/or wish to pursue long-term career goals involving more complex steps, planning and professional development. The CPS engages in proactive, systematic outreach to MCPS support professionals to solicit and develop employee interest in advancing their careers at MCPS; serve as a guide, support and resource in the identification of career objectives; the development of career advancement and professional development plans; and assisting with the steps necessary to attain to the employee's vocational goals. The CPS assists in identifying internal professional development opportunities available through MCPS, while also collaborating with the higher education partnerships liaison to help employees identify higher educational opportunities in alignment with their career objectives. Works with support professionals, regardless of their background and current professional development status, in setting reasonable goals and timelines for achieving their career objectives. Once an employee begins working toward their career objective, the CPS checks in periodically with the employee to monitor their progress; meets with them periodically; and offers ongoing coaching, mentoring and support, particularly to employees who identify obstacles in achieving successful career advancement. Work in this class requires considerable, independent judgement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of MCPS organizational structure, supporting services structure, job grades/classifications, salary structures, current MCPS career pathways, career opportunities and hiring processes. A general knowledge of supporting services job requirements, rate and of turnover, hard to fill positions and ongoing vacancy rates. A working knowledge of the supporting services core competencies and how they relate to career advancement, including commitment to students, professionalism, interpersonal, communication (oral, written and electronic), and a working knowledge of the collective bargaining agreement between MCPS and SEIU Local 500. Ability to effectively and empathetically communicate, and interact with others from diverse cultures, backgrounds and demographics with sensitivity, respect and confidentiality. Research, investigative and problem solving skills required. Ability to mentor adults in navigating MCPS career planning and professional development opportunities. Working knowledge of the operation of a computer desktop computers, printers and standard software, such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and cloud-based applications such as Google G-Suite used to access and utilize data files. Working knowledge of data analysis techniques and strategies are preferred.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: High school diploma/GED required. Bachelor's degree preferred, with considerable experience in a human resources-related field, career development, employee training or job coaching. Experience job coaching, mentoring and working with adults required. Experience using MCPS/PDO training preferred. Experience participating in special projects in a variety of settings is desirable. Other combinations of applicable education and training and other relevant experience(s) which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) The position requires availability for long and irregular work hours, as needed.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or ability associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the core job elements.)

1. Engages in one-on-one outreach to MCPS support professionals to promote engagement in career pathways planning and engagement.

2. Conducts one-on-one meetings with support professionals to help identify MCPS career opportunities that are consistent with their professional interests and potential, as well as those in alignment with MCPS operational needs.

3. Works individually with career pathways participants to identify both internal and external professional development opportunities necessary to meet their career goals and pursue advancement opportunities.

4. Where appropriate, participates as pathways advocate at MCPS meetings, new employee orientations and professional development gatherings to promote career pathways participation.

5. Participates in marketing activities and outreach to promote career pathway and training opportunities and services available to support professional employees.

6. Participates in opportunities to advocate support for career pathways with administrators and supervisors.

7. Tracks MCPS vacancies and turnover rates for support professional positions to inform focus of work and target positions as needed.

8. Works one-on-one with career pathways participants to assist in developing their professional growth goals and timelines to be able to successfully compete for MCPS positions consistent with their career objectives.

9. Monitors the progress of pathways participants in achieving their professional development objectives, including one-on-one meetings and/or electronic communications as necessary.

10. Establishes and maintains a tracking system in order to determine program participation and success and to serve as a source for data reports and program improvements. Informs office leadership regarding areas of customer service/need for improvement.

11. Maintains communication with supervisors and administrators on the career pathways efforts of their employees, including meetings and electronic communication as may be necessary.

12. Works one on one with career pathways participants in in designing quality resumes, interview skills, as well as feedback from hiring supervisors, received by participants following an interview.

13. Helps to design, plan and participate in MCPS job fairs.

14. Maintains knowledge of MCPS position/organizational structure, application and hiring processes, external job market trends, career development and coaching strategies.

15. When directed to do so, meets with MCPS students groups to promote careers in education with MCPS, including potential early career opportunities while still in college and/or other career training.

16. Collaborates with stakeholders, including supervisors, administrators, employees, professional growth specialists, staffing specialists, OHRD staff members, schools, departments and offices, SEIU Local 500 leaders and representatives, as well as other stakeholders which may be identified from time to time.

17. Prepares ongoing reports to the career pathways manager and other stakeholders as appropriate.

18. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
Class Established: 7/2017
Date(s) Revised: 4/2022
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.