College & Career Specialist - Central Office - North Region, GA (ADM)

Job Summary:

The College and Career Specialist is a vital member of the Department of Juvenile Justice’s education and reentry team, focused on helping justice-involved youth prepare for and transition into successful futures through education, career readiness, and personal development. This role requires weekly travel to Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) and transitional facilities within the assigned region to support in-facility programs and assist the Reentry Department in providing education and job placement services for up to 60 days post-release. The specialist facilitates and supports Graduate Programming, including Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI), Career Safe (OSHA 10, employability skills, career readiness modules), and ECore programs offered through the University System of Georgia, and is a key implementer of the Graduate Program’s 5-Point Programmatic Pillars.

Location: North Region (Assigned Regions: Marth K. Glaze, Gainesville, Metro, Rockdale, Dekalb, Dalton, Bob Richards, Wilkes, and Marietta RYDCs ) – Weekly Travel Required

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Regional Program Support and Travel

· Conduct weekly site visits to RYDCs and transitional facilities within the assigned region.

· Serve as the primary regional liaison for college and career readiness services.

· Collaborate with facility leadership and educational staff to ensure consistent delivery of graduate programming.

· Customize and facilitate courses for college and career readiness courses

2. Post-Release Transitional Support

· Coordinate with the reintegration into community ensuring youth build foundational academic skills while detained and provide support on continued learning to include:

·        Educational Development (SAT/ACT prep, FAFSA completion, high school, GED, vocational, post-secondary)

·        Career Readiness (career exploration assessments to identify interest, strengths, and career goals), exposure to different career fields (healthcare, constructions, IT, culinary arts, and automotive)

·        Work-Based Learning (simulated work environments or on-site facility jobs (library, kitchen, facility detail), and pre-apprenticeship programs

3. Graduate and High School Program Facilitation

· Support and facilitate implementation of the Graduate Program’s core offerings, including:

·        Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI): trauma-informed life coaching and goal setting

·        Career Safe: OSHA 10, employability skills, and workforce readiness modules

·        ECore: assistance with applications to University System of Georgia colleges

· Guide students through FAFSA completion, including guardian communication for required parental data.

4. Instructor and Facility Support

· Collaborate with Connections Graduate Instructors at YDCs in the region.

· Assist RY instructors in delivering program content, tracking student progress, and aligning instruction with programmatic goals.

5. 5-Point Pillar Program Implementation

Implement and support programming aligned with the Graduate Program’s 5-Point Programmatic Pillars:

6. Educational Development – post-secondary readiness, dual enrollment, credential pathways

7. Employability Development – job readiness, resume building, job placement support

8. Leadership Development – youth leadership activities, mentoring opportunities

9. Life Skills & Enrichment Development – personal goal setting, financial literacy, social-emotional learning

10. Wellness Development – mental health resources, self-care strategies, community connection

6. Data Tracking and Reporting

· Track student’s at RYDCs and Transitional Centers engagement, program participation, and outcome milestones (e.g., certifications earned, FAFSA completed, job placements, course records).

· Maintain accurate records and submit regional reports to CGP Coordinator as required by state and agency guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum: High school diploma/GED and four (4) years of program management experience.

• Or two (2) years of experience required at the lower-level Education Prgm Spec 1 (EDP030) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or a related field required

• Minimum 3 years of post-secondary support experience in education, youth development, workforce development, or related field

• Experience with justice-involved or at-risk youth strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of college access, career readiness, workforce training, and post-secondary pathways

• Strong understanding of college and career readiness and wraparound supports for youth

• Experience with FAFSA application processes and communicating with parents/guardians

• Excellent organizational and communication skills

• Ability to facilitate trauma-informed, youth-centered programming

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and virtual communication tools

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage a flexible travel schedule

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Must pass background check and meet all DJJ clearance requirements

• Willingness to travel weekly within the assigned region (minimum 3-days traveled weekly)

Work Environment:

• Position includes on-site work in secure juvenile facilities, transitional programs, and community-based locations

• Frequent regional travel required (on average 3-days per week)

• Flexible hours may be necessary to meet program or facility needs

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Juvenile Justice is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We are a qualified employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

For more information, visit https://djj.georgia.gov/Online-Applications/employee-benefits

THIS IS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION.

THE SELECTED APPLICANT FOR THE POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A REFERENCE CHECK AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK, WHERE APPLICABLE

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL RELEVANT JOB INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION.

ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PRESCREENED.

DJJ IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER