High School & Career Technical Education Student Advocate in Immokalee, Florida at The Immokalee Foundation Inc

Position Overview

The High School Student – Career Technical Education Advocate provides academic, career, social, and emotional support to high school students, ensuring they have access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities needed to achieve success in school, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and postsecondary pursuits. Serving as a liaison among students, parents, teachers, Career Pathway Coordinators, school administrators, and community partners, this position advocates for student achievement while promoting career readiness, workforce development, and successful transitions to college, technical training, apprenticeships, military service, or employment.

The High School Student – Career Technical Advocate monitors student progress, provides individualized interventions, connects students with academic and community resources, and supports participation in internships, work-based learning, industry certifications, and career exploration opportunities. Success in this role is measured by student engagement, academic achievement, career pathway completion, postsecondary readiness, and the overall effectiveness of advocacy efforts that empower students to reach their educational and career goals.

Responsibilities and Duties

Daily attendance and punctuality are an important responsibility of all Immokalee Foundation employees and therefore considered an essential function for all positions.

Essential Functions:

Student Support and Advocacy:

• Serve as a connection between students, teachers, administrators, and parents to support student success.
• Serve as the primary advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and High School students, ensuring they remain engaged, informed, and on track to meet program requirements.
• Advocate for and ensure students have access to necessary resources, such as tutoring, or counseling.
• Maintain ongoing communication with Career Pathway Coordinator and other department leaders to ensure seamless student success.
• Meet with students on assigned caseload a minimum of once an academic quarter.
• Ensure students are on track with program criteria and academic progress.
• Collaborate with various departments to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing student needs and enhancing their overall experience.
• Collaborate with Career and Technical Coordinator and Career Pathway Coordinators, instructors, school counselors, and administrators to address academic, behavioral, attendance, or personal barriers impacting student success.

Academic Counseling:

• Guide students in selecting coursework that aligns with their career interests, graduation requirements, and post-secondary goals.
• Provide guidance on course selection, study strategies, and time management to help students reach their academic goals.
• Offer mentorship and advice on future educational and career pathways, including college applications, vocational training, or employment opportunities.
• Conduct weekly grade checks.
• Organize and facilitate class meetings, selecting topics based on the needs of each grade level.
• Monitor academic progress and intervene when students are struggling, offering strategies and creating an academic success plan.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with students' families, keeping them informed about their child's progress, challenges, and successes.
• Organize and lead parent meetings or workshops to promote parental involvement in their child’s education and self-care.
• Address concerns raised by parents and collaborate to find solutions for student success.

Community Resources:

• Connect students and families with external community resources.
• Provide guidance on scholarships, financial aid, and other resources to support educational attainment through quarterly meetings.
• Contact community partners to assist families in need.
• Work with CTE Coordinator to develop partnerships with local businesses, colleges, technical schools, and community organizations to increase access to internships, job shadowing, mentorships, scholarships, and career exploration opportunities.
• Coordinate with employers and community partners to facilitate meaningful work-based learning experiences for students.

Program Development:

• Support the execution of program logistics to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Coordinate and promote programs designed to support student achievement, and personal development.
• Develop initiatives that encourage student leadership, engagement, and community involvement.
• Plan and coordinate guest speakers for class topics.
• Send invitations via text, email, or phone calls for community events geared toward students.
• Ensure attendance at meetings by sending multiple reminders via email or text.
• Assist in planning and coordinating special events for students.
• Assist with organizing events such as Junior Class college tour.
• Aid in the execution of Career Pathway Summer programs.

Non-Essential Functions:

Student Volunteering:

• Assist the Student Volunteer Lead in promoting volunteer opportunities for students.

Other duties as assigned by management

Education Level:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Vocational education degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in student advocacy, counseling, or educational support preferred.
• Experience working with high school students and community engagement is a plus.
• Knowledge of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, vocational programs, and career pathway development is a plus.

Specific Skills:

• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to track and analyze student progress data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and student management systems.
• Knowledge of available community and educational resources.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Valid Driver’s License in good standing.

Physical Abilities/Working Conditions:

• Occasional standing, sitting, and lifting (up to 25 lbs).
• Ability to work in an office and school environment with frequent student interaction.
• Occasional travel (including overnight).
• Occasional student meetings and community events on evenings and weekends.