The Internship and Service Learning Coordinator will cultivate and coordinate partnerships with community businesses and organizations to create a successful internship program and to enhance existing service learning opportunities for UACHS students.
The internship program will provide students with real, marketable skills and an understanding of what possible careers are available to them. Service learning projects are intended to develop students’ awareness of issues in their community and give them the opportunity to address such issues and/or raise awareness about them. The Internship and Service Learning Coordinator will be responsible for establishing and cultivating partnerships, collaborating with school administrators and teachers, mentoring and supporting students, and building and managing a strong and sustainable program.
This job description is meant to provide an outline for the many and varied responsibilities of the position. There may be additional responsibilities as the program develops and needs arise.
The Internship and Service Learning Coordinator reports to the Dean/Principal and works closely with the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction and Director of Guidance and Support Services. The Internship and Service Learning Coordinator position is a 10-month, full-time (40 hours per week) role.
Position Qualifications:
A. Required Qualifications: Experience in working with school-to-work programs. Valid NJ teaching (not substitute) or support services credential. Must live in or be planning to move to NJ.
B. Desired Qualifications: Career and technical education teaching experience; work supervision experience
C. Special Requirements: Excellent writing and public speaking and interpersonal speaking skills, outstanding organizational and planning skills, ability to work with individuals and groups of varying backgrounds, ability to develop effective partnerships between educators and businesses and community, desire to serve as a team player, ability to facilitate groups, outstanding problem solving and conflict resolution skills, excellent leadership skills. Willingness to work a flexible schedule in order to meet the needs of businesses and students.
In the following areas the Internship Coordinator will…
Curriculum and Student Support
- Develop the curriculum and provide the necessary scaffolding and skills for students embarking on internships and considering career paths.
- Provide students with individualized mentoring and job coaching throughout the internship designed to foster success in the internship and long-term career planning.
- Support students with foundational work skills important for job obtainment and success in a variety of work settings (e.g., how to dress for success, build a resume, interview, answer the phone, communicate with one’s supervisor).
- Recruit students to participate in the program and ensure that they clearly understand the expectations.
- Get to know students individually to understand students: their interests and goals (short and long-term).
- Provide accountability by checking up on attendance and punctuality and following up with students as needed.
- Provide detailed and timely feedback regarding coursework and the quality of work that was performed at the internship.
Internships/Partnerships
- Cultivate partnerships and identify internship sites aligned with student interests and post-high school plans.
- Develop a handbook and program materials for partner organizations.
- Communicate regularly with each supervisor to answer questions and address concerns.
- Conduct site visits to observe internship sites while students are working.
- Collaborate and work with the Guidance Counseling office on priorities related to current partnerships, senior intern placements, and alumni programming as needed.
Assessment/Compliance/Program Management
- Communicate with and provide updates to parents of students in the internship program.
- Develop a handbook for students and parents that clearly outlines expectations and policies.
- Develop and manage the application process for interns.
- Keep and maintain time logs for students at their assigned internship sites.
- Ensure quality of internship placements and intervene early with any concerns.
- Regularly make reports to the admin team and board of trustees on student and program progress.
Other Professional Responsibilities
- Be on time for classes, duties, planning sessions, team meetings, and professional development activities.
- Communicate about and plan for absences in advance with teaching partners and the Dean/Principal.
- Seek to resolve any conflicts with colleagues as soon as they arise. Seek support from the Dean/Principal when needed.