Career Coach

Description

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you'll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students' lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You'll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key-you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What's Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A Career in IPS Offers...

Purpose and Impact:

• Essential Contributions: In every non-teaching and non-leadership role, your work directly supports the success of IPS students and schools. Whether you're maintaining facilities, providing student services, or managing administrative operations, you play a key part in ensuring an equitable and high-quality educational environment.
• Belonging and Community: IPS is a place where every employee is valued. You'll join a supportive community that promotes respect, teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving students and families.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Training and Development Opportunities: IPS offers a variety of training programs to help staff build new skills and grow professionally. This includes access to development opportunities for administrative, technical, and operational roles, as well as pathways to becoming a certified teacher.
• Skill Enhancement: Whether you're new to your role or seeking to deepen your expertise, IPS provides resources and support for continuous improvement.

Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits:

• Fair Compensation: IPS ensures competitive wages and regularly reviews pay structures to maintain equity.
• Extensive Benefits Package: Employees enjoy comprehensive health coverage, dental and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plans. Additional financial benefits include flexible spending accounts and eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Generous Leave Policies: IPS offers vacation, personal, and sick leave, along with paid holidays. Twelve-month employees benefit from floating holidays, and unused personal leave rolls into the sick leave balance.
• Wellness Programs: IPS prioritizes staff well-being with access to wellness initiatives, including health screenings and an employee assistance program for confidential support and counseling.

What We Expect:

• Professionalism and Reliability: Every role at IPS is vital to the district's success. We expect staff to demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to providing excellent service to students, educators, and families.
• Collaboration and Communication: IPS values teamwork. Working collaboratively with your colleagues ensures a supportive environment for all. Clear communication and mutual respect are key to maintaining this culture.
• Flexibility and Problem-Solving: As a large, dynamic district, IPS needs staff who are adaptable and proactive in solving problems to meet the ever-changing needs of students and schools.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it's a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What's Possible - in your career and in your school. If you're ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

12-Month Position

Location: High School Future Center (AT, CA, GW, SHS - 1 Coach per building)

Reports to: Career-Connected Learning Coordinator

The Career Coach is a key member of the school's Future Center team, responsible for guiding students through their career exploration journey and connecting them with high-quality work-based learning experiences. This role supports students in identifying career interests, building professional skills, completing required training plans, and maintaining part-time jobs, internships, and immersive WBL opportunities. The Career Coach collaborates closely with teachers, counselors, families, and district staff to expand opportunities and prepare students for life after graduation.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

A DAY IN THE LIFE

As a Career Coach, you might:

• Review student appointments in the Future Center and prep for one-on-one coaching sessions.

• Meet with students preparing to graduate to discuss career interests, update their Xello/CCR profiles, and support them in applying for full/part-time jobs or immersive WBL placements.

• Collaborate with intermediaries to host Career Discovery Meetings with employers/organizations.

• Help a student polish a résumé and cover letter for a job application

• Track WBL hour submissions and placement information for local and state data reporting purposes

• Coordinate with intermediaries to host a career fair for high schools students

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Career Coaching & Advising

• Provide individualized support to students as they explore career interests and pathways.

• Guide students (whole and small group) in using Xello to develop and update career development plans.

• Assist students in securing part-time jobs, internships, mentorships, and immersive experiences aligned to their goals.

• Annually recruit and coordinate a school-wide ambassador program that supports PSR events throughout the year.

Work-Based Learning Planning & Support

• Develop and maintain individualized training plans for students in immersive WBL experiences.

• Monitor student progress, WBL hour completion, competencies, and employer feedback.

• Serve as the point of contact for employer partners regarding student placement and progress.

• Assist the building Career Academy Coordinator/IB Career-Related Studies Coordinator with CTE pathway Advisory Board meetings.

Career Events & Industry Engagement

• Coordinate and support schoolwide career events, including Career Discovery Meetings, Career Fairs, industry tours, and guest speakers.

• Collaborate with CTE teachers to align career events with program needs.

Postsecondary Planning & Transition Support

• Coach students on professional skills (résumés, interviews, job readiness).

• Assist with employment and postsecondary transition planning, including apprenticeships, technical training programs, and/or college admissions.

• Support seniors in securing post-graduation employment or postsecondary placement.

Data, Documentation & Reporting

• Track student meetings, WBL hours, training plans, and outcomes using Xello and district systems.

• Maintain accurate records and provide updates to building and district leadership.

• Ensure compliance with district and state WBL expectations.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, workforce development, human services, or related field required.

• Experience working with high school students and families, preferably in CTE, WBL, career coaching, or youth development setting.

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.

• Knowledge of career pathways, labor market needs, and workplace readiness.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate data.

• Technology proficiency, including Xello, Microsoft Office/Google Suite, and district data systems.

• A passion for helping young people discover their potential and take steps toward their future.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This is a 12-month position.

• Work is based in the Future Center within the assigned high school.

• Occasional travel to work sites, employer partners, and industry events is required.

Some evening/weekend availability may be needed for career events or partner

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, workforce development, human services, or related field required.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Not eligible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.

Benefits

For benefits information, please see: