Description

Under the direct supervision of the Placement Supervisor, help cadets develop skills, explore careers and/or choose an educational program that will lead to a career. Teaches in the following areas: career planning, job placement, financial literacy, independent living, substance abuse, crisis, stress/anxiety, grief/loss, and anger management through individual and group settings.

Job Responsibilities

1. Conduct character development lessons in a group setting and incorporate those concepts in individual guided sessions to advise those exhibiting problems with adjustment and growth, during the residential phase at Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy. Advise cadets individually and in groups to facilitate behavioral changes regarding errors in thinking that include, but are not limited to: conflict resolution, substance abuse, and interpersonal relationships for the purpose of developing sound character and post-residential success. Works with the Cadre Department to provide direction, purpose, assist as directed and motivate the cadets to reinforce the Eight Core Components

2. Assist cadets in the preparation of placement plans through the use of the Life Plan (Post Residential Action Plan), interest inventory profiles and academic abilities. Communicate with parents, mentors, school officials, social services, and prospective employers to facilitate post-residential success. Document individual cadet’s progress and placement plans, to include applications to institutions of higher learning, job placement and military enlistment.

3. Consult with other staff members, weekly, via the quad regarding the cadets’ progress. Provide timely and accurate reporting to the Deputy Director of Programs of the collaborative efforts of the quad to assist the cadet in developing positive resolutions and understanding of errors in thinking regarding social, emotional, educational and behavioral development.

4. Administer standardized tests to meet specific core component as established by the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. Conduct classes pertaining to goal-setting, decision-making, interpersonal relationships, and general life skills. Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and is willing and able to work nights and weekends as deemed necessary by the Academy’s mission. Participate in further professional development through workshops and other training opportunities as needed or required.

5. Perform job skills training to include developing career paths, researching career paths, teaching resume writing, reference sheets, cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, job search techniques and networking

6. Tracks mentor/mentee relationships to ensure progress throughout the resident and post-resident phase. . Performs crisis management in regards to the mentoring relationship when required.

7. Performs career counseling and mentee training for cadets during the resident phase and provides assistance for any specific challenges’ cadets may encounter upon graduation. Follows established guidelines for the authorization of cadet graduate allowance payments if applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with at-risk youth, their guardians, and mentors using a high degree of tact, patience, empathy, and insight.
• Requires knowledge of giving guidance to individuals, groups, families, and agencies.
• Requires knowledge of career planning and resources for advising cadets with post-secondary vocational and educational planning.
• Requires ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.
• Requires knowledge of record keeping procedures and requirements.

Physical Requirements

NONE

Employment Conditions

In order to be qualified for employment at LCA, final candidates must comply with the vaccination requirements or receive an approved exemption.

Education

Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent course work in Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, Social Arts, or Liberal Arts, and one-year professional experience.