Ycs Links (Linking Knowledgeable Students With Industry Needs) Program Coordinator

Job Description Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to oversee and lead the Yadkin LINKS Program. The program is designed to support high at-risk students through the development of a close mentoring relationship while students are able to complete their high school graduation requirements and a CPT (Certified Production Technician) certification through Surry Community College.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Yadkin LINKS Program Coordinator will facilitate all aspects of the LINKS program. This will include collaborating with our high schools to identify potential students for the program and overseeing the application process. The Program Coordinator will collaborate with the high school counselors and will develop relationships with students and parents in order to guide students to the successful completion of their high school diploma and subsequent employment. The Program Coordinator will develop relationships with industries in Yadkin and surrounding counties to establish a job awareness program that includes site visits and job shadowing opportunities or internships upon completion of the CPT Certification. The Program Coordinator will also develop partnerships with Surry-Yadkin Works and other local agencies to provide life-skills development opportunities for students. The Program Director will oversee the project to ensure the creation of a successful and sustainable model of the program. They will be responsible for the management of the current Golden LEAF Foundation grant which could include grant writing for future funding.
The Program Director provides leadership, management, and supervision for all aspects of the Yadkin LINKS program.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledgeable of high school graduation requirements
• Knowledgeable of business and Industry Needs
• Ability to facilitate and coordinate individual, small group, and large group meetings with minimal assistance; business meetings, advisory meetings, and student/parent meetings
• Ability to balance the responsibilities between the high schools, the community college, and industry partners.
• Skilled in developing relationships and partnerships with multiple stakeholder groups
• Ability to supervise students and support online learning

Effective Communication

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common business correspondence and reports
• Ability to articulate professional responses to common inquiries and/or complaints from students, faculty, staff, or the public at-large
• Ability to write using proper grammar and punctuation
• Ability to effectively present information to management, students, faculty, staff, and the public at-large

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to independently and effectively organize and manage projects
• Ability to maintain discretion with confidential information

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field, and/or
• Bachelor's Degree in Education
• Strong organizational skills and a self-starter with the ability to take initiative

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Business Administration or related field
• Master's Degree in School Administration with related experience
• Experience in career development and a working knowledge of business/Industry Needs

Summary of Yadkin LINKS
Executive Summary:
The proposed project aims to establish a pathway for high at-risk students to complete their high school diploma while also earning CPT certification through Surry Community College that will prepare them for the workforce. This work is to be accomplished through the development of a strong mentoring relationship and collaboration with local industries and community resources to develop employability skills. Yadkin LINKS has three key components: classroom instruction, Certified Production Technician certification, and exposure to career opportunities and development of soft skills.
Part 1: The program will allow students to complete two credits towards graduation (typically English and Math) at their home school. These classes would take place during first and second periods and students would have lunch before traveling to the YCS Career Development and Training Center for the remainder of the day.
Part 2: The CPT course consists of online units throughout the week and two days of in-person instruction with the Surry Community College teacher. The CPT program consists of four separate credentials that, upon successful completion, lead to certification. Upon completion of the certification program, students who have not graduated may be able to obtain an opportunity for job shadowing or an internship once those industry partnerships are established. If students are scheduled to graduate when the CPT certification is received, students will receive support in seeking employment prior to graduation.
Part 3: Students will travel to various industries for exposure to possible job opportunities. There will be a focus on the development of soft skills and life skills that increase employability through approved curriculum, guest speakers, and local resources. Students who need to complete credit recovery for a prior course or take an online course for graduation would have the necessary support from the LINKS Program Coordinator. All of this is founded on a strong mentoring focus that is based on building relationships with the students and parents and developing local partnerships.