Career Counselor at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington

Job Description:

The Career Counselor operates within a dynamic team of professionals and student peer advisors in the Career Services Center, working under general supervision. Tasked with assisting a diverse range of students and alumni, the Career Counselor guides students and alumni in the formulation of career goals through career exploration and assessment, as well as the utilization of a wide variety of career tools and resources. They tailor career plans to align with individual interests, skills, and values, while identifying and addressing any barriers to student success.

Recognizing the significance of both academic and extracurricular experiences, the Career Counselor adopts a strengths-based, student-centered approach, guiding students to leverage their diverse backgrounds effectively. In additional to individual appointments, they deliver presentations on career-related topics to classes, clubs and other campus partners, and curate educational content for online learning management systems within the CSC.

The Career Counselor also undertakes various career-focused projects, supporting institutional initiatives, and participates in required Advising & Registration sessions for newly admitted WWU students throughout the academic year and over the summer. Some occasional evening and weekend commitments are also required to fulfill the demands of the role.

The Career Counselor uses technical systems to track data and ensures strict confidentiality of protected information and safeguards the integrity of data. Professional development is integral, and ongoing, to ensure up to date skills in career planning, pathways, and industry trends.

​

Job Duties

The Career Counselor works under general supervision within a team of professionals and student peer career advisors, at the CSC at WWU. The duties of this position include the following:

Direct Student Advising

The Career Counselor engages with students and alumni to support them in developing critical thinking, problem solving and independent learning skills throughout the career exploration and job search process. The Career Counselor will help individuals to:

·       Identify potential majors and career paths through individual career counseling sessions, including interpretation of career assessments (e.g., MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory)

·       Explore career fields and job market conditions by assisting individuals in navigating online career resources.

·       Develop effective strategies for identifying internship and career opportunities.

·       Master essential aspects of the internship/job search and application process, including networking, cover letter and resume writing, interviewing, and job offer evaluation/salary negotiation.

Group Instruction and Workshops

·       Design, develop, and deliver in-person, virtual and hybrid workshops, special events, and programming in collaboration with academic departments and campus programs, covering a range of topics such as resume preparation, understanding the job market, job & internship search strategies, career-related technology (e.g., LinkedIn, Handshake, SkillsFirst), interviewing, experiential learning opportunities, salary negotiation, career exploration, and choosing a major.

·       Define clear expectations and learning outcomes for each session and assess their effectiveness to gauge success.

·       Create accessible, engaging visual aids, handouts, and presentation materials to enhance the learning experience.

Administrative Functions and Professional Development

·       Attend Career Counselor team meetings, student peer advisor meetings, CSC staff meetings, and other committee meetings, as assigned.

·       Document student advising appointments and activities.

·       Utilize various online tools and technologies including, but not limited to: Handshake, EAB Navigate, SkillsFirst, Canvas, Zoom, Banner, and Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, OneNote, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).

·       Pursue professional development opportunities that advance one's knowledge of changing job markets, emerging industries and careers, student demographics, and best practices in career planning with a particular focus on access, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

·       Serve as an advisor in the mandatory Advising & Registration (A&R) sessions for new students admitted to WWU throughout the academic year and over the summer.

·       Support and assist with career fair planning, outreach, promotion, implementation, and improvement.

·       Serve on college-wide committees and task forces, as approved by supervisor as time permits.

·       Other duties as assigned.

Development and Management of Online Career Tools and Learning Management Systems

·       Develop online career content and announcements (e.g. CSC website, Seniors and First year Canvas Sites, SkillsFirst, Handshake, and other systems as needed).

·       Track activity metrics to measure and gain insights into program performance and identify opportunities to enhance program objectives.

Conduct Targeted Outreach Efforts

·       Conduct outreach campaigns that strategically and intentionally support the needs of uniquely identified student groups.

·       Engage in outreach activities with academic departments, other student service offices, and student groups to promote integrated career planning, to foster inclusivity, and to provide support towards student success.

​

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (must be complete by the time of the start date)

Minimum of one year experience providing career coaching, advising, and/or counseling to clients/students, or related higher education experience.

Demonstrated experience supporting diverse, traditionally underrepresented or under-served, first-generation, low-socioeconomic, or non-traditional populations.

Demonstrated experience in using career assessment and job search resources and tools with clients/students (successful incumbent will be supported in completing Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory certifications).

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.

Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and faculty as a contributing team member.

High degree of professionalism.

Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to give effective presentations, provide individual advising and conduct outreach to targeted groups.

Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive information/materials in a confidential manner. 

High level of proficiency in navigating web-based applications and resources, as well as utilizing various technology and software tools such as Microsoft 365, Teams, Zoom, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration, Education, Counseling, School Counseling, or a related field. 

Previous relevant employment experience in a higher education setting.

Experience using the EAB Navigate platform, Canvas, and/or Handshake. 

Certified in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and/or the Strong Interest Inventory.

Fluent in two or more languages.

Conditions of Employment

All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

Salary

The hiring range for this position is $51,218 - $58,901/year, depending on qualifications and experience. Through longevity position tops out at $66,584/year.

Benefits Information

Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position.

Application Instructions

Application materials should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.

A complete application includes the following:

(1)   A cover letter (not to exceed 3 pages) and resume addressing your experience related to the position responsibilities and each of the required and preferred qualifications.

(2)   An Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) statement: ADEI are core values at Western Washington University. Attach a statement (500 words max) that includes examples of your demonstration and commitment to ADEI and how you will contribute to further implementation of these values at Western through your work as a Career Counselor.

(3)   The names and contact information of 3 professional references. 

Apply here – https://wwu.edu/careers-staff?job=501768

Closing Date Notes  

​Application review begins June 10, 2024; position is open until filled. 

Additional Info:

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3303 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services at vpsa.office@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.