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Job Description
POSITION TITLE
PACE
CAREER COUNSELOR REPORTS TO
BUILDING
PRINCIPAL OVER-TIME STATUS
EXEMPT
PAY GRADE
: 710,711,712,713,250
JOB SUMMARY:
The Portsmouth Advanced Career Education (PACE) Center seeks a dynamic, equity-driven, and student-centered Career Counselor to support learners in developing clear, actionable pathways to high-demand careers. This role is integral to advancing the PACE Center's mission of preparing students for college, career, and life through immersive, industry-aligned experiences in programs such as healthcare, skilled trades, and cybersecurity. The Career Counselor will lead efforts to ensure all students graduate with a personalized postsecondary plan, industry exposure, and the employability skills necessary to thrive in a competitive workforce. Performs difficult professional work advising, assisting and counseling students; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the School Principal.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Career Development & Student Planning Guide students through structured self-assessment processes to identify strengths, interests, values, and career goals using research-based tools (e.g., interest inventories, career assessments). Facilitate career exploration aligned to PACE program pathways, including labor market trends, industry certifications, and regional workforce needs. Support students in developing individualized Academic and Career Plans (ACPs) that include postsecondary education, training, and/or direct-to-workforce options. Provide ongoing coaching in goal setting, decision-making, and resilience to ensure student persistence and success. Collaborate with instructional staff to embed career readiness competencies within technical programs. Work-Based Learning & Industry Engagement Develop, coordinate, and sustain high-quality work-based learning experiences, including internships, apprenticeships, clinicals, and job shadowing aligned to PACE programs. Build and maintain partnerships with local employers, industry leaders, and community organizations to expand student opportunities. Coordinate career fairs, industry panels, guest speakers, and recruitment events that connect students to real-world experiences. College, Career & Workforce Readiness Provide targeted support for postsecondary transitions, including college and trade school applications, FAFSA completion, scholarships, and industry certification testing. Lead workshops on resume development, interview skills, professional communication, and job search strategies. Integrate and connect career readiness with community engagement and service-based learning opportunities. Program Coordination & Outreach Track and monitor student progress toward career readiness benchmarks, credentials, and postsecondary placements; provide data reports to the school leadership team. Promote PACE programs, student successes, and career opportunities through social media and digital platforms. Represent the PACE Center at community events, school meetings, and workforce development initiatives. Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment between counseling, instruction, and workforce partnerships.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of career counseling; general knowledge of community agencies available to serve and assist students; general knowledge of casework methods and procedures; ability to conduct interviews and counseling sessions effectively and to analyze attitudes and problems objectively; ability to counsel students and parents on sensitive problems and to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and administration. This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects, and some light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Counseling, Human Services, Education, or a related field Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills Experience using digital tools such as Google Workspace, Canva, Zoom, and social media platforms Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (mileage stipend eligible) Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree in Counseling, Career Development, or related field Minimum of 2 years experience advising secondary or postsecondary students Experience in career and technical education (CTE), workforce development, or college and career access programming Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and career planning platforms
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applicants must submit an online application along with supporting documentation. Impact Statement At the PACE Center, the Career Counselor plays a critical role in transforming students' aspirations into attainable futures. By bridging education and industry, this position ensures that every student is not only prepared to graduate but equipped to lead, serve, and succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.
