People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Cooperative Education/Student Employment Specialist

  • Title: Cooperative Education/Student Employment Specialist
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 3

Nature and Scope of Work

The Cooperative Education/Student Employment Specialist is responsible for working with students to provide campus-based employment services and/or cooperative education placement. Services may include evaluating student cooperative education needs, conducting classroom instruction, developing learning plans, advising students on job search skills, employment and/or workplace issues and evaluating student learning. The Specialist markets the program to area employers and develops worksite opportunities for students. They are the link between the College and business, industry, the public and non-profit employers. Incumbents in this job classification make independent decisions regarding how to provide these services based on student and program needs.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following)

  1. Instructs classes and workshops for students on subjects such as job readiness, career development, resume writing, job search skills, portfolio development, interviewing and networking. Develops curriculum and lesson plans and revises as current market trends dictate. Reviews and updates Course Content Guides and provides services to instructional areas relating to job search and career exploration or work-based learning.
  2. Develops learning objectives, incorporating input from students, faculty and employers and ensures objectives are tied to education/major; and/or interviews students and assesses skills and qualifications, matching job-seeking students with employers using a variety of professional job placement skills.
  3. Markets Cooperative Education Program and/or student employment services both internally and externally. Develops a working knowledge of specific industries, including duties, requirements, wages and benefits, career paths, and work environments. Develops and fosters professional working relationships with employers, temporary services, employment agencies and industry representatives to ensure consistent contact for job leads within the community. May initiate cold calls and make presentations to employers within the community in order to place students at training sites and/or promote employment services.
  4. Advises and guides students in developing career and/or employment goals. Provides individual support and encouragement to students. Advocates for students with other College services as needed.
  5. Conducts employer worksite visits to assess skill requirements, employer expectations and/or evaluates student learning for college credit.
  6. May organize career fairs and other on-campus events and participate in off-campus career fairs.
  7. Participates in identifying, researching, and implementing new and innovative programs. Works with various professional/technical and transfer programs in developing new curriculum. Trains faculty coordinators on new programs and approved curriculum.
  8. Maintains a thorough and current understanding of program curriculum. Addresses issues with faculty and administration such as labor market trends, industry skill requirements, student recruitment and retention, and program marketing.
  9. Develops and fosters professional work relationships with college faculty and administration to ensure department services meet student and college needs. May participate with faculty in program Advisory Committees and SAC’s.
  10. May track statistics, which may relate directly to academic and professional-technical program needs and grant requirements, including student placement and wages.
  11. Represents the college, campus, or department on local, regional and state education and employment related committees.
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office environment. Incumbents may drive to business/job sites, meetings or career fairs, which requires the use of a personal vehicle. Student training site visits may require evening or weekend work.

Physical Requirements

Physical exertion is not a normal requirement of the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Communications or related field. Experience performing the duties of this job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Demonstrated experience in an educational setting working with or instructing/advising students or experience in a business setting performing employment, selection, placement or related function.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Knowledge of educational institutions, curriculum development and non-traditional instruction methods.
  • Knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity laws and other local, state, and federal laws pertaining to employment.
  • Knowledge of current labor market trends.
  • Knowledge of effective training techniques and adult learning theory.
  • Knowledge of marketing techniques.
Skills in:
  • Skill in instruction and curriculum development.
  • Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages and a variety of office equipment.
  • Skill in effective group facilitation.
Ability to:
  • Ability to work with a diverse student population.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects or to quickly change priorities
  • Ability to make public presentations in a small or large group setting.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.

Review: 12/2018

  • Revised: 12/2003
  • Replaces: Cooperative Education Placement Specialist/Student Employment Specialist-11/2001