] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → COLLEGE AND CAREER NAVIGATOR

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College and Career Navigator

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: College and Career Navigator CODE: 6772 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: College and Career Navigator GRADE: 20 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION; PHYSICAL DEMANDS; AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of central service directors over career advising and the counseling units, and in collaboration with the high school principal, the College and Career Navigator (CCN) serves students in Grades 8-12 as the primary resource for college and career planning, including military service, and employment opportunities, and acts as the main point of contact for WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) Career Advising Coaches (CAC) assigned to the high school. The CCN actively participates and contributes to the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of the district-wide college, career, and community strategic plan, while assessing the unique demographics of the assigned school to create a customized program and resource center tailored to student needs. The CCN collaborates with the CACs to support the work of career advising, including articulating Grade 8 students. The CCN provides support and guidance on college and career planning, including, engaging students and their parents through outreach methods such as presentations, workshops, field trips, and facilitating visits from college representatives. In addition, the CCN assists students with all aspects of their college and career planning. This includes researching programs, colleges and workforce opportunities, supporting them through the application process, testing, financial aid, and scholarship applications, as well as guiding them on graduation requirements in conjunction with school counselors and supporting summer work-based learning options such as Summer RISE. The CCN liaises with Career Advising teams, college and career readiness staff, and other relevant stakeholders engaged in college and career work. The CCN develops and leads outreach initiatives for the Financial Assistance Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Maryland Student Financial Aid Application (MSFAA), aimed at educating students and families on completing these applications. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Ability to lift/move material and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds required for presentations and informational materials. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Some after school, weekend, and/or evening events.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Thorough knowledge of the college selection, testing, application and admission process; knowledge of Post College and Career Readiness (CCR) Pathways, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB), Dual Enrollment and CTE. Thorough knowledge of postsecondary programs and admissions processes for colleges, military and other programs. Thorough knowledge of relevant Board of Education policies and MCPS regulations, systems, and structures, as needed to support the Career Advising Coaches. Considerable knowledge of College and Career Exploration tools (e.g. College Board Big Futures) and other college/career related technology and test software, including SAT, PSAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER prep tools, college application software, and financial aid systems, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge; skilled in data collection, analysis and reporting. Ability to research, acquire and effectively disseminate information electronically, manually and through in-person and virtual presentations. Knowledge of the business and employment principles and practices of private industry, local, state, and federal governments; knowledge of a variety of occupations and their associated terminology; knowledge of state of Maryland labor regulations for minors; knowledge of high school courses/programs and graduation requirements, ACT, PSAT, SAT ASVAB, Accuplacer, AP testing and other tests relevant to college preparation and entry requirements. Knowledge of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation Pillar 3 and thorough understanding of the Montgomery County Career Advising Program. Highly skilled in oral and written communication, human relations and able to clearly present information to diverse audiences with equity and cultural proficiency. Able to deal courteously and effectively with colleagues and all who use the center; ability to develop and maintain effective career information programs; ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in completing duties. Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn and apply the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of three years of experience in college/career planning or a related field; experience in project planning/management or program development and implementation; experience with secondary level students highly preferred. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principle job elements.)In alignment with the School Counseling Services Unit college/career strategies, develops a customized college/career planning and support program, as well as an information/resource center to meet the specific interests and needs of the assigned high school. Collaborates with Career Advising Coaches for articulating Grade 8 students.Collaborates with Career Advising Coach to create and implement plans to increase effective student engagement, awareness and interest in college and career opportunities, high school college and career readiness programs, and disseminate relevant information, with focused efforts to equitably engage and support historically marginalized students. Plans should include individual meetings, group presentations (both in-person and virtual), summer workshops, and proactive outreach strategies. During the summer, works closely with Career Advising Coach to plan monthly activities for the upcoming school year and college and career readiness team to support Summer RISE.Actively participates in the organization and implementation of all district-wide college, career, and job fairs for students. Ex. HBCU, Hispanic College Fair, NACAC, etc., Attends the day and evening fairs/events. Advertises events to the school community. Collaborates with Resource Counselor and other school staff to inform students and families about events and arrange bus transportation when needed.In order to comply with the Maryland Higher Education Commission FAFSA completion mandate for all high schools to provide FAFSA completion outreach, the CCN oversees FAFSA completion efforts at the school. The CCN: creates an Equity-Focused FAFSA Action Plan and school team; develops a Timeline for Outreach Events for Students and Caregivers; utilizes FAFSA Resources and Toolkit; engages in state and local FAFSA professional development; meets regularly with the College and Career Readiness team, which is recommended to include CCNs, counselors and teachers, to monitor and assess progress toward the FAFSA action plan goal.Develops and improves engagement and relationships with partners, colleges/universities and local businesses and community groups to expand job, career, mentoring, internship and learning opportunities for students, and obtain information and resources to share with the school community.Maintains current knowledge and provides ongoing support/information to students and parents/guardians about college entry requirements, applications, financial aid and scholarship processes and timelines. Assists with completing college applications, financial aid paperwork, essays and scholarships.Actively manages the college and career information center by obtaining, organizing, filing, and displaying current materials related to college and career exploration, college assessments, financial aid, and scholarships, Career Technical Education opportunities, and local resources for students; collaborates with school administration and resource counselor to develop a schedule for the center to be open and available to students and their parents; coordinates and supervises student aides/volunteers in the Career Center.Collects, reviews, disseminates and provides students with resources and guidance on testing information, including schedules, applications, testing procedures, requirements, study materials and understanding test results for tests/assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Accuplacer, AP and TOEFL; coordinates registration for MCPS approved SAT preparation courses.Works with the school testing team to provide support and ensure that students are properly identified and scheduled for the correct tests, relative to their chosen pathCollects, analyzes and reports data obtained from the College and Career Online platform, relative to students’ college interests, applications, acceptances and other data points of interest to school administration and MCPS leadership. Makes ongoing process and program improvements based on data collected.Supports and provides general and individual guidance to students on creating a plan to maximize gap year opportunities between graduation and college attendance.Serves as a liaison and works collaboratively with Career Advising Team, Dual Enrollment, and other teams and staff, in accordance with assigned roles and responsibilities.Collects, maintains, and disseminates job information (part time, summer, and full time) to students, staff, and the school community.Serves as an active, informed committee member for the school’s graduation validation process and Career Advising School Team.Plans, coordinates, and promotes college, career and military representative visits, guest speakers, field trips relevant to college and career exploration, including career/employment fairs and college visits and additional college and career experiences in collaboration with Career Advising team. Arranges for chaperones as needed. Serves on planning committees for all college fairs.Attends central office meetings, staff meetings and school counseling department meetings, relating to college/career resources; career advising team meetings; attends evening and afterschool college/career-related events.Maintains current knowledge of college/career planning strategies, methods, related technology and software; participates in professional development workshops, and in-service training; attends college/career seminars (as directed by supervisor/principal).Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

This description may be changed at any time.