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SalaryPosition Description
Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History What began in 1921 and the years following as a collection of small libraries housed in stores, post offices and private homes has grown into a system of 26 branch buildings, 2 technology service centers, and 2 partner locations offering collection/circulation services. HCPL operates branches in unincorporated parts of Harris County and cities which do not have their own library systems.
Library Specialist II - College and Career (Administrative Office)Overview: The College and Career Specialist will be responsible for executing a strategy to boost enrollment among students, young adults, and returning adults in persuading their postsecondary education and Career enhancement and direction. Duties will encompass active engagement in community agencies such as social service organizations, high schools, halfway houses, agency visits, and public presentations. Development of educational and Career pathways, financial aid guidance, and mentorship to aspiring students.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with Coordinators in executing the strategic plan to evaluate and improve the program's recruitment and outreach strategies, materials, and overall effectiveness.
- Provide one-on-one guidance to participants, assessing their educational and Career needs, goals, and barriers and monitoring their progress.
- Assist participants at individual and group sessions with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), verification forms, scholarship applications, and other institutional and financial aid forms.
- Utilize technology for participant registration, onboarding, engagement, and facilitating connections with location-specific resources.
- Monitor participant progress on their success roadmap and provide targeted support through the application for those requiring additional or specialized assistance.
- Proactively steering participants along their designated pathways, using personalized roadmaps to ensure they align closely with their aspirations and program goals.
- Conduct recruitment and outreach activities to identify and connect with individuals who are eligible for the benefits of education and available career programs.
- Collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and other relevant institutions to spread awareness of the program and its benefits.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners to ensure consistent referrals and participant engagement.
- Organize and facilitate workshops, seminars, and events to provide information on educational opportunities, financial aid, admissions, career planning, and other related topics.
- Stay abreast of the changes in educational policies, financial aid regulations, and Career development trends to provide accurate and current information to participants.
- Prepare regular reports on recruitment and outreach efforts, participant engagement, and program impact for program administrators and stakeholders.
- Assist the department in achieving the annual outreach and recruitment goals.
- Participate in staff development training programs as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
UNOFFICIAL COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION
Education & Experience:- Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, social work or related field from an accredited college or university.
- Two (2) years of verifiable experience advising or counseling individuals toward entering an institution of postsecondary education or re-entering a career educational service program.
- Two (2) years of verifiable experience working with non-traditional students, economically and academically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.
- Associate's degree in education, psychology, social work, or related field from an accredited college or university.
- Four (4) years of verifiable experience advising or counseling individuals toward entering an institution of postsecondary education or re-entering a career educational service program.
- Four (4) years of verifiable experience working with non-traditional students, economically and academically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.
- Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties
- Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with program participants and community partners.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Passion for promoting education as a means of empowerment and socio-economic advancement.
- Work effectively with various cultural and ethnic groups, demonstrating discretion and sensitivity.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present information effectively in group settings and one-on-one interactions.
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the challenges faced by individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Ability to apply interviewing techniques and methods for obtaining and communicating information.
- Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of individuals and individuals with disabilities.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
- Collaborate well with the public and staff members.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate programs effectively.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and modern technology.
- Must use personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process.
NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Experience:
- Experience in a library or public sector environment management (preferred)
- Bilingual (preferred)
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-time | Regular – 40 hours a week
- Typical shifts are Day, Evening, Nights, Weekends, etc.
- May require attending meetings, council sessions, or after-hours events and off-site meetings.
- $24.28 Per Hour
- Paid Biweekly
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- This job typically operates in a professional office environment with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.
- Daily use of a computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell).
- Daily use of software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and GPS.
- At times, work may be performed in an outdoor environment and may have possible exposure to inclement weather or various temperature changes.
- Driving: Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
- Sitting for long periods; light physical activity that may include walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying.
- Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds.
- Reports To Position: Division Director of Program, Partnerships, and Outreach
- Supervises Positions: None
Work Location:
Administrative Offices – 5749 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77033
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular(full-time) positions:
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
- Accrual rates increase based on years of service
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
- Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedule (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://benefitsathctx.com/
