iJAG FT Substitute Career Education Specialist

EVERY STUDENT, NO MATTER WHAT

For 25 years, iJAG has been dedicated to empowering Iowa’s youth to succeed, thrive, and become future-ready leaders. At iJAG, our mission is to ensure a future Iowa where every youth is resilient and well-prepared with the skills, purpose, and opportunities they need. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative approaches, we bridge the gap between education and employment, building strong communities and unlocking the potential of every student—no matter what!

Our team of Career Education Specialists plays a crucial role in helping students thrive by developing essential employability skills through project-based learning in small classes. We also partner with employers throughout the school year to provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities. Our ultimate goal is to equip all students with the skills and experiences necessary for lasting success.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact and committed to helping young people reach their full potential, we want you on our team! Are you ready to be part of something transformative?

This is a temporary, one-year position to cover a leave of absence, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs.

Position Overview

The Substitute Career Education Specialist at iJAG serves as an essential support for the iJAG program, stepping in to guide iJAG students toward academic, personal, and career success. This role ensures the continuity of program objectives by facilitating project-based learning (PBL), providing individual mentoring, and maintaining key aspects of work-based learning initiatives. While temporarily filling in, this role fosters a positive and engaging learning environment, collaborates with students, and supports ongoing connections with iJAG leadership and school partners to help prepare students for their futures.

Essential Functions

Student Recruitment and Engagement:

• Assist in sustaining an engaged student cohort by continuing established strategies to promote the iJAG program within the school community.
• Collaborate with school administration to identify and select students fitting program criteria, ensuring seamless progression from district feeder programs.
• Continue outreach efforts and informational sessions for prospective students, their parents/guardians, and school partners to explain the benefits and opportunities provided by the iJAG program, increasing awareness and interest.

Instructional Delivery and Classroom Management:

• Deliver lessons using established project-based learning (PBL) plans, ensuring alignment with iJAG’s competency-based framework.
• Champions student empowerment and autonomy, cultivating an inclusive learning environment that encourages teamwork and community building.
• Provide guidance and support to ensure students complete their work on time and to a high standard, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and self-discipline.
• Maintain a positive, structured learning environment that promotes student engagement and participation through effective classroom management strategies, adaptation of techniques to meet learners' diverse needs, and equitable access to learning opportunities.
• Implement effective behavior management plans and conflict resolution strategies to cultivate a safe, respectful classroom culture.

Data Management and Analysis:

• Maintains accurate student records, systematically tracking essential metrics, including attendance, academic performance, and program participation, to monitor and enhance student progress effectively.
• Skillfully analyzes data to evaluate the impact of the iJAG program on student outcomes, utilizing insights to identify areas needing targeted interventions or additional support.
• Utilize existing data and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to support student progress and tailor learning strategies.

Community and Employer Engagement:

• Follow the comprehensive work-based learning programs that integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences.
• Coordinates student placements in work-based learning settings, including internships and apprenticeships, ensuring a match between student interest and employer needs, and provides ongoing support to students and employers to maximize learning outcomes and workplace success.
• Maintain relationships with various employers, securing career exploration and skill development opportunities that align with student interests and market demands.

Professional Development and Support:

• Engages with the program supervisor and school administration, leveraging collective expertise to drive the program's success and ensure it effectively meets educational standards and student needs.
• Participate in iJAG and school district professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and continuously enhance skills and knowledge.
• Supports graduating seniors by providing resources and personalized guidance tailored to their post-graduation aspirations, facilitating a smooth transition into further education, military, training, or employment opportunities.
• Upon the return of the Career Education Specialist, provide a summary that includes student attendance, lesson-plan progress, disciplinary actions, and positive developments

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated proficiency in delivering content to diverse audiences and adapting teaching styles to meet the varied needs of students.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Skilled in leveraging data analytics to refine instructional approaches and enhance student achievement.
• Flexibility to adapt to diverse classroom situations.
• Skilled in building supportive relationships while upholding professional standards.
• Tech-savviness with Microsoft Office/Google applications.
• Ability to learn new software systems.
• Ability to travel regularly (primarily day travel).

Education, Experience, and Other Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in social sciences, counseling, education, or a closely related discipline is essential, with a master's degree strongly preferred.
• Relevant experience in secondary or post-secondary education environments, demonstrating a deep understanding of academic support systems.
• Current possession of an active Iowa teacher license or ability to obtain an iJAG authorization.
• Expectation to secure a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Supervisor authorization within the first six months of employment.
• Commitment to iJAG’s mission and flexibility to perform diverse program roles.

This is a temporary, one-year position to cover a leave of absence, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $47,740.00 - $51,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Iowa City, IA 52246: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person