(Formerly: Career Resource Assistant)

       NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Career Centre Assistant (CCA) supports and promotes the delivery of Career Education and assists students in researching career and post-secondary information.  The CCA participates as a member of the Career Education Department and works in a team environment within the School’s Career Resource Centre.

The CCA provides students with detailed career information and educational requirements to assist in making career planning decisions. The Career Centre Assistant's work also requires frequent interactions with school and district personnel, parents and the community.

The duties and responsibilities of the Career Centre Assistant (CCA) are varied and include demonstrating, assisting, and monitoring individual student's or small groups of students use of career exploration computer programs - setting up, organizing, updating and maintaining the school Career Resource Centre and providing clerical support for the career education department under the direction of a Career Education Facilitator and the School Administrator.

The CCA may be required to work with students before school, during lunch hour and after school.

The Career Centre Assistant performs data searches, compiles and checks clerical records, provides information and answers enquiries.  Duties involve the operation of computers, including software applications, and the use of general office equipment.

The CCA may work without close supervision. The position requires the use of independent judgment in dealing with a wide variety of assignments and situations. An example may include providing entrance requirement information for specific District Career Programs or Post-Secondary Program information to individual or small groups of students.

The CCA delivers computerized career programs to students. These programs may include Choices, Bridges, and/or other current career programs identified by the School District’s Career Education Department.

The CCA provides assistance and direction in a computerized classroom to a wide variety of students including those supported by Learner Support Teams, as well as BASES, Alternate and Low Incidence (intellectually and physically disabled) students. Consultation with the classroom teacher may be required to discuss the students’ disabilities resulting in the adaptation of the career program to better meet student’s needs.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include accessing and remaining current on post-secondary entrance requirements information for the purposes of informing students, teachers and parents.  The CCA assists with organizing post-secondary events (i.e. Post-Secondary  Afternoon /  Post-Secondary Showcase).

Provides students with an overview of the various Career Development Programs / Initiatives, work experience opportunities, Co-op Programs, Secondary School Apprenticeship and other Career Education initiatives.

Performs duties related to advertising and marketing career programs (i.e. creating and distributing program brochures, newsletters, PA and TV monitor announcements within the school).

Scheduling small group presentations relating to computerized career programs, volunteer opportunities, work experience initiatives / programs.

The Career Centre Assistant organizes, promotes and facilitates events such as Noon Hour Guest Speaker presentations.

Schedules students for appointments at the Career Resource Centre, monitors and assists students to input completed profile information into the computer and provides printouts and other information on requested occupations/education.

Assists students with completion of resumes, cover letters and job interview skills.

Assists with the organization and implementation of mock interviews, career fairs, career days, Take Our Kids To Work days, post-secondary presentations and guest speakers.

Works with students to improve communication and social skills, and to help them conduct themselves in a business environment.

Maintains the Career Resource Centre and attends to Career Education Department clerical duties.

Receives and compiles career and educational information by contacting employers, post-secondary institutions, professional and government organizations, etc.

Performs related duties, as required.

       JOB REQUIREMENTS

       KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Communication skills:

    Demonstrated ability to continually gather, understand, utilize and explain varied and extensive information such as post-secondary entry / program requirements, so as to be able to reliably and fully advise students of education and career paths.

    Demonstrated ability to communicate and relate well with students, staff, parents and members of the community.

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, including proficient knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Knowledge of a life/work competency program such as the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs.

Ability to design and produce promotional items such as brochures and newsletters.

Knowledge and skills in performing general office and business procedures.

Ability to use general office equipment, and to utilize computer software applications (i.e. SIS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, CPIM) and the internet.

Ability to use specialized career resource computer programs, such as Choices and Career Cruising.

Ability to work as a member of a cohesive and collaborative work unit.

Ability to plan and work independently with minimal supervision in a team environment.

Flexibility to work on multiple tasks and the ability to work with students, one-on-one or with several students simultaneously.

Performs related duties, as required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of grade 12 or equivalent, plus successful completion of the Career Centre Assistant Certificate program, Career Practitioner Training or equivalent training.

One year previous business experience in a computerized office environment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

       LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS