Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Career and College Resources, the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Specialist will lead in the organization, promotion, implementation, recruitment, training and monitoring of WBL opportunities for students as a part of the Humboldt County Office of Education, high school district and charter school programs.  The WBL Specialist will align student experiences with the skills needed by industry and postsecondary pathways.  The WBL Specialist will work directly with CTE faculty and staff, TPP/Workability program staff, community partners, local businesses and post-secondary institutions to identify and develop a WBL model, aligned with CTE pathway courses and the College and Career Indicators, which can be replicated across the region.  This is a 12-month position.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The WBL Specialist works with a variety of staff and faculty representing K-12 and higher education, as well as members of our community and local industry partners. This is a specialist level position which requires working on a variety of projects under minimal supervision. The position involves networking with business, industry and professional organizations, postsecondary institutions and others to support students in their transition from high school to employment and/or postsecondary education.

Supervision Received And Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the Director of Career and College Resources.

Examples of Essential Job Functions (Duties & Responsiblities)

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

*Illustrative only

• Establish and implement student work-based learning experiences for K-12 students, with a primary focus on students enrolled in Career Technical Education, TPP/Workability programs or other career pathway programs.
• Network with business, industry and professional organizations, postsecondary institutions and other agencies to establish WBL opportunities including: guest speakers, worksite tours/field trips, college and career fairs, student-run enterprises, job shadowing, career mentoring, community service, mock interviews, work experience, internships and service learning.
• Assist student service providers and industry partners in understanding labor laws as they relate to minors and the required paperwork/permissions required for a WBL placement.
• Assist student service providers in preparing students for workplace readiness and placement, as well as assisting employers with WBL program development and support.
• Work with regional industry representatives to create and implement meaningful industry certifications.
• Conduct sexual harassment prevention and workplace safety trainings for youth enrolled in a WBL program.
• Follow the California Standards for Career Ready Practices to develop experiences that engage and prepare students for future employment.
• Develop and maintain WBL protocols and tools that can be accessed online/digitally.
• Participate in HCOE and district CTE advisory committees.
• Create and maintain a digital badging system for career ready practices.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor that support the goals of the Career and College Resources Department.

Qualifications (Employment Standards)

Knowledge of

• The California Standards for Career Ready Practices.
• The broad spectrum of issues related to college and career readiness.
• Understanding of workforce development issues and procedures for employment of high school age youth and articulation to post-secondary institutions.
• Individual, group and business resources available in Humboldt County, including knowledge of starting, operating and/or managing a small business.
• Federal and State labor laws as they apply to minors.
• Typical computer word processing and data file management programs.

Ability to

• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with business, industry and professional organizations and post-secondary education institutions, as well as students, parents, program personnel, K-12 districts, charter schools and community partners.
• Prepare presentations and present to small and large groups with poise, confidence and clarity.
• Use a computer for producing written correspondence and maintaining data files.
• Take initiative and work independently with appropriate support and guidance.
• Communicate with tact, confidentiality, courtesy and sensitivity.
• Problem-solve with groups and facilitate/conduct meetings.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Adapt to changing work demands, including adjustments to work schedule, based upon program needs.
• Travel around the county to visit business partners, schools and students on the job.
• Manage task priorities to meet deadlines.
• Work effectively under varying degrees of stress.
• Work successfully and design services that meet the needs of a diverse student population, their families and program partners.
• Read and comprehend fine print and technical/legal language in contracts, spreadsheets and text files.
• Communicate effectively via telephone, modem and in person.
• Lift/move materials generally weighing less than 25 pounds.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required:  Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

• Bachelors’ Degree preferred; OR
• AA Degree in Business Administration, Communication, Human Resources or related field and at least two years’ experience supporting others in preparation for career and/or college.

Experience

• Previous experience in human resources or career/vocational counseling is preferred.
• Previous experience working with high school age youth.

Working Conditions (Work Environment):

• This position will require a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend work, to observe students at their worksite.
• The primary work location will be in the Career and College Resources Department office however, traveling around the county to visit business partners, schools and students at work will be required.
• This position may require transportation of students, depending upon program needs.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be required to:

• Stand, sit and/or move about for sustained periods.
• Move about in non-traditional instructional environments; i.e., areas of the community.
• Travel to multiple locations in a given day or during the work week.
• Participate in daily oral and written communication.
• Operate a computer, calculator, copier and other equipment that involve repetitive arm and hand movements and hand-eye-arm and finger dexterity.

Other Requirements:

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California Driver’s License, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Classification Range: 12 | PC Approved: 6/13/2023