College and Career Specialist

Description

Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is the largest locally based, independent youth services agency in Chicago, annually serving nearly 5,000 young people ages 3 to 19, more than half of whom live below the poverty level.  
 
CYC was founded to serve in Chicago neighborhoods where kids need us most, a mission that continues today at CYC neighborhood centers and Head Start sites throughout the Chicago area, as well as at CYC’s youth and family services center and CYC-Camp Rosenthal, an overnight summer camp in Dowagiac, Michigan.  
 
We are currently seeking a FullTime College and Career Specialist for our Elliott Donnelley location. The work schedule is 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM.
 
Job Purpose: 
The College and Career Specialist is responsible for planning and implementing the college and career readiness component of the Positive Youth Development curriculum. Develop and maintain the college and career center.  
 
Major Accountabilities: 
Responsible for planning and implementation of the College and Career Readiness component for school age, teen, and parent groups; develop and implement lessons and activities in accordance with Chicago Youth Centers’ Positive Youth Development model; comply with Gear Up and other contract/grant requirements as applicable. 
 
Responsible for assessing youths’ career and college interest as well as providing youth assistance in identifying their personal goals; assist youth to develop individual education plans based on their needs and interests; provide support such as access to tutors as well as homework help to ensure student achievement of academic goals. 
 
Responsible for developing relationships with local colleges, technical schools, trade schools, and related training programs for admissions purposes as well as to arrange related field trips and activities. 
 
Responsible for the involvement of parents and families; ensure consistent communication with parents of youth members; develop parent and families activities/workshops on various CCR topics. 
 
Responsible for ensuring that recordkeeping and reporting systems are maintained in an up to date and accurate manner, and consistent with agency standards; track and record academic progress of youth consistent with CYC’s outcomes matrix, COTS data base and in full compliance with CCR contracts. 
 
Responsible for participating in CCR team meetings, and youth worker meetings/trainings; work with Master Youth Worker and CCR Coordinator on developing best practices for working with youth; participate in center and agency program evaluation activities as assigned, including periodic supervision and staff meetings, peer reviews, satisfaction surveys, and quality improvement teams; implement recommendations for improvements as required. 
 
Responsible for providing counseling to students on college admissions requirements; provide guidance and direction on the completion of the college application process, personal statements, and financial aid paperwork; ensure that students complete everything accurately and on time.  
 

 
 
 EOE/MFDV

Mandatory Job Qualifications

Qualifications: 
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field; must have a minimum of six semester hours of college credit in education, child development, or related field. 
 
Advancing Youth Development Certificate (may take at first opportunity). 
 
Work experience in college admissions, advising, and counseling. 
 
Demonstrated knowledge of college research resources and of the college admissions environment. 
 
Knowledge of and experience with financial aid, student loans, and available scholarships. 
 
Demonstrated ability to counsel and advise students on college and career options. 
 
Strong communication skills (verbal and written) 
 
Computer expertise (MS Word, Excel, Access, use of search engines as research tools etc.) 
 
Extensive background and experience coordinating the use of computer labs 
 
Energetic and outgoing personality 
 
Cultural competence in working with diverse populations. 
 
Please forward your cover letter and resume for consideration.  The salary range $27,463 - $34,000 based on experience.
 
Americans with Disability Specifications 
 
The physical demands described here is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, climb onto rooftops, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crawl under fixtures of buildings, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move greater than 25 pounds. 
 
Work Environment 
 
Work environment characteristics described here is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the person assigned to this position. This description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification. 
 
MWF/EOE