JAG Specialist

Under the direction of the JAG Manager, the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) In-School Specialist is responsible for serving multiple cohorts of 30-35 high school students that have been identified as needing additional support and guidance to stay on-track, graduate on-time and successfully transition into the workforce and/or post-secondary education upon graduation. The Specialist will work with partner high schools in South Los Angeles to enroll cohorts of 30-35 students, potentially from multiple grade levels, in the Jobs for Los Angeles Graduates (JLAG) program and provide them with high touch case management support, academic guidance, engaging career and college readiness curriculum, leadership development opportunities, and community engagement initiatives throughout the school year. The Specialist will deliver regular classroom instruction on the topics that adheres to the JAG National high school competencies (37 to 81 depending on the number of years of enrollment in the program) with the goal of students gaining mastery of these competencies upon graduation. The Specialist will also be responsible for building relationships with local employment and post-secondary partners to offer post-graduation education for JLAG students. Upon graduation, the Specialist is responsible for following up and continuing to support students to successful outcomes over a 12-month period.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct classroom instruction and comprehensive support to a diverse group of students from South Los Angeles that are impacted by significant systemic barriers, such as lack of social mobility, undocumented parents, profiling by law enforcement, system-involvement (child-welfare and justice), housing instability and lack of access to healthcare.
• Establishes a positive and meaningful relationship with students, families, school administrators and faculty to support the successful implementation of the JLAG in-school program.
• Delivers engaging classroom-based curriculum to students to achieve mastery of JAG high school competencies through a variety of methods including lecture, hands-on activities, peer-to-peer learning, and project-based learning.
• Builds meaningful rapport and confidence with each student to inform an ongoing individual development plan to meet education and career development goals.
• 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.
• Conducts comprehensive intake and barrier assessment with each student to inform case management strategy and resources needed. Provide consistent case management support to remove or mitigate identified barriers.
• Administers required JAG pre-/post-tests and other identified tests to measure student progress.
• Coordinate’s student engagement opportunities through hands-on activities, guest speakers, industry and college tours, and workshops.
• 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 relevant meetings, and speaks to various community groups.
• Builds appreciation for teamwork, sense of belonging, and commitment to community service among JLAG students by organizing and serving as advisor to a JLAG Professional Association.
• Complies with mandatory school policies such as mandated reporting, discipline, and attendance, etc.
• Complies with all JAG documentation and data entry requirements in a timely fashion including contacts and activities involving students, employers, and other groups.
• Participates in regular supervision and program planning meetings.
• Develops and maintains a well-organized filing system.
• Assists 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, state-wide meetings, staff development activities
• Upholds CRCD’s Mission Statement and 5 Year Strategic Plan.

• 1-2 years related work experience and bachelor’s degree
• Experience working with high school age youth with significant barriers.
• Some knowledge of child development theory and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to establish appropriate boundaries while developing and nurturing supportive relationships with students.
• Ability to educate a variety of constituencies and interested parties by developing ongoing relationships and conducting formal presentations.
• Ability to develop curriculum and educational opportunities consistent with the JAG Model.
• Strong ability to utilize multiple software platforms on an ongoing basis.
• Ability to track students served, services delivered, and outcomes achieved using a web-based data management system.
• Reliable, flexible team player who works well with minimal supervision, and who has a strong work ethic.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, career pathways and post-secondary programs.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English highly desirable
• Member of the target population a plus
• Experience working with high school age youth with significant barriers
• Ability to develop curriculum and educational opportunities
• Working knowledge of MS Office
• Basic proficiency in data tracking systems and tools (e.g. MIS)
• Working knowledge in data tracking systems and tools
• Strong organizational skills to manage large caseload, data, and reporting duties
• Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving
• Reliable transportation: valid driver's license, and car insurance as required by law, as appropriate.

BENEFITS

CRCD is in the top 10% for excellent benefits for non-profits with an array of benefits available including:

• 14 Paid Holidays
• On-Demand training memberships to bolster professional development
• Dental/Vision/ 85% employer-paid & 45% dependent paid Medical Insurance
• 401k eligibility from day one & up to 3% matching after one year
• 529 Educational Savings Plan from Principle
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Accident & Hospital Indemnity
• Whole life insurance with cash benefits
• Identity Theft Protection and Legal Services
• Discount pet insurance through ASPCA
• Generous work/life balance

SALARY RANGE

$45,000-$52,000 annually

All candidates are subject to a criminal history check and meet CRCD’s criteria regarding criminal history and must pass background check conducted by LA County. CRCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the EEO/ADA Coordinator. EEO /ADA Coordinator contact: Stacey Cabling (213) 743-6193.