For the 2025-26 school year

Full time position

Posting Period: Open until filled

Fair Labor Act Status: Exempt

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Qualifications:

• Valid Washington State Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate in Career Guidance Specialist or ability to obtain such certification by having:
  • Three years of full-time paid occupational experience (of which two years must have been in the last six years) dealing with employment, personnel and placement and evaluation of workers or career guidance support
  • Two years of CTE teaching experience
  • ESA Counseling Certificate
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning; Master’s degree preferred
• Valid Washington State Career and Technical Education Certificate in Work-Based Learning and Diversified Occupations, preferred
• Demonstrated successful teaching and/or guidance experience with high school students, preferred
• Demonstrated leadership and coordination of career-related programs
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods of effective instruction and understanding of state content standards as defined by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
• Experience working in collaborative groups
• Experience in designing an educational career guidance program based on identified career guidance components, graduation requirements, post-secondary options, workforce trends, and student interest
• Experience in coordinating, administering, and interpreting career aptitude and interest assessments
• Experience in technology including software and internet programs that support career guidance
• Experience in developing and teaching mini-units on self-esteem, assessing one's values, interests, and skills
• Ability to teach a variety of developmental levels, and provide guidance and support for all students and all post-secondary options, grades 9-12
• Possession of or ability to earn and maintain a First Aid/CPR Card
• Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
• Advanced ability to use technology as an effective communication, planning and instructional tool
Willingness to participate in professional development courses aligned with school and district initiatives

Essential Functions:

• Serve all students grades 9-12 in identifying a career pathway and in choosing post high school options as well as other identified core competencies for career guidance
• Assist in the development and integration of the online Career Cruising portfolio for all students
• Work with the administration and counseling staff to deliver a comprehensive career guidance program integrated into the classroom curriculum
• Operate the career center to support student pathways exploration and post-secondary education exploration
• Ability to provide education and training information to students in both a one-to-one and group basis
• Receptive to innovation and risk taking
• Actively develop and maintain business and post-secondary partnerships
• Foster the blending of career guidance curriculum into the classroom with the collaboration of counselors and all instructional staff
• Implement a process for helping all students develop an electronic education and career plan utilizing career guidance resources
• Assist middle school counselors and instructors to integrate career guidance awareness activities including a career interest assessment
• Provide assistance to school counselors in helping students select post-high school education and training opportunities
• Maintain informational materials on colleges, professional technical training programs, military options, apprenticeship programs, and financial aid
• Stay abreast of current and future employment trends
• Write newsletters on career and education topics to communicate with parents and classroom instructors
• Organize career fairs, seminars, and guest speakers
• Organize resources to be used by a classroom instructor for job shadows, field trips, and guest speakers
• Organize and post scholarship opportunities for students
• Coordinate the Cascadia Technical Academy Program at the high school for interested students
• Lead the application and campus candidacy for the development of the International Baccalaureate Career Related Pathway Diploma Program
• Advise students in academic courses suited to the IB Full Diploma, Career Related Diploma and IB Course Candidate status
• Establish community partners in STEM and Entrepreneurial fields that will enable Personal and Professional Skills, Language Development, Service Learning and opportunities for potential Reflective Project(s)
• Works as an enthusiastic part of a learning-centered environment believing that each student can learn
• Works collaboratively within the professional learning community to improve instruction, learning, and assessment
• Maintains effective, positive classroom management
• Cooperates as a professional team member, accepts faculty responsibilities, and represents the best interests of the school
• Provides a safe environment
• Actively engage students in using technology in individual and collaborative learning activities
• Works in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serves as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance and hours of operation as set by the assigned building/location and the Comprehensive Professional Agreement to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements
Other duties as assigned

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.

SOC Code:

Benefits/Compensation:

Additional Compensation: Certificated positions may have additional pay provisions above what is represented on the salary range such as, but not limited to TRI professional learning, extended year days, extra appendix E supplemental days and professional development reimbursement. Detailed information, including eligibility criteria, can be found in the VEA CBA .
Benefits: Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits.
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Retirement: Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE.
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• Time Off: Includes paid time off, sick, personal, religious, military and bereavement leave.
  • Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part-time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE).
  • Personal Leave: 3 days per school year
  • Detailed information, including accrual criteria can be found in the VEA CBA .