Job Summary
The JMG Specialist is responsible for instructing, facilitating, and providing activities related to the operation of the Jobs for Michigan Graduates program. The JMG Specialist is responsible for coaching and helping students deemed to have a high degree of difficulty of being promoted into the next grade level or achieving graduation stay in school through graduation and providing work-based learning experiences in a classroom setting that leads to career advancement opportunities and/or assists them in enrolling in postsecondary education/training.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides appropriate curriculum and ensures students achieve specific JAG competencies through classroom instruction; collaborates with teachers through a variety of methods including lecture, hands-on activities, and team teaching; tailors the program and teaching methods for the needs of each specific student, and implements an intervention strategy for each individual.
- Ensures an appropriate pool of students by directly recruiting students, and obtaining referrals from an Advisory Committee, school personnel, and parents; holds interviews with prospective candidates and those making referrals to determine, using JAG guidelines, the appropriateness of the prospective student for the program.
- Administers testing programs including pre-/post-tests and career interest surveys. Establishes and implements an Individual Career Development Plan for all enrolled students and a student-led Career Association.
- Participates with staff as a guide and organizer on all outside of the classroom events and activities, working in collaboration with school staff to ensure student participation on outside JMG events and activities, including Talent Tours, Leadership Day, Legislative Day, Career Development Conference, etc.
- Ensures positive perceptions of the JMG program within schools by developing and maintaining positive, effective working relationships with school personnel including teachers, administrators, students, and members of the Advisory Committee.
- Advocates for the program and develops a pool of effective community support resources by working with employers, parents, civic groups, and legislators to build awareness of and support for the program; develops job opportunities, participates in public relations activities, attends meetings and speaks to various community groups.
- Builds appreciation for teamwork, sense of belonging, and commitment to community service among JMG students by organizing and serving as advisor to a JMG Career Association; creates training opportunities through hands-on activities, film presentations, guest speakers, and workshops; assists with civic and social opportunities.
- Provides students with guidance, counseling, and support within appropriate limits; refers students to additional support services on an as-needed basis; takes responsibility for learning and complying with school policies such as mandated reporting, discipline, attendance, and the like.
- Develops and maintains a well-organized filing system, complies with all JAG documentation requirements in a timely fashion including, but not limited to: the electronic – National Data Management System (e-NDMS), conducting follow-up services for past students, monitoring, evaluating, and recording program activities and program effectiveness.
- Ensures that all students meet performance standards and supports students in finding and maintaining quality employment and/or post-secondary educational programs upon graduation; works closely with students and employers for 12 months after the end of the school year to ensure a satisfactory employment outcome; develops a plan for contacts with non-graduates to ensure effective transition to employment or additional education.
- Participates in staff, regional, and state-wide meetings, and staff development activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Qualifications
All SEMCA team members are expected to be technically competent and committed to continuous development of their skills. The following skills, knowledge and education or certifications are specifically required for this position:
- Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social service, business, or a related discipline is preferred. Highly qualified designation with accompanying education degree may be required, depending on placement. Equivalent combination of training, education, and experience may be considered.
- Experience working with youth, assisting students in the areas of academic achievement, knowledge of child, personal/social, and career development.
- Skills in human relations, leadership, supervision, and motivational techniques.
- Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, work independently and in a team environment, while maintaining confidentiality.
- Ability to establish the appropriate boundaries while developing and nurturing supportive relationships with students.
- Ability to educate a variety of constituencies and interested parties about the program by developing ongoing relationships and making formal presentations.
- Ability to develop curriculum and educational opportunities consistent with the JAG model.
- Working knowledge of basic computer applications such as word processing.
