Career Transition Specialist [Monday - Thursday 7am - 5:30pm]

Career Systems Development Corporation; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

PTO

Job summary

Career Systems Development Corporation in Ottumwa, IA is seeking a Career Services Counselor to help 16-24 year-olds prepare for career transitions, job searches, and placements. You will guide students through readiness, connect them with opportunities, and support retention and success after placement.

Responsibilities include workshops, mock interviews, employer partnerships, and maintaining student records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, counseling, education, social science, business, communications, or closely related field; or Associates Degree in those fields and two years related experience.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Must obtain and maintain valid CPR/FA certification.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Good organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Coach and interview students entering the Career Transition phase, sharpening their job search strategies and career focus.
• Manage an active caseload, maintaining consistent follow-up and support through regular communication.
• Lead workshops and classroom visits on employability skills, career preparation, job search techniques, and retention strategies.
• Coordinate mock interviews, career days, and job fairs to prepare students for real hiring experiences.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with employers, military programs, workforce agencies, and community resources.
• Source job leads, connect students to opportunities, and help arrange interviews, transportation, and support services.
• Ensure students are fully prepared for employment by securing required documents (licenses, transcripts, certifications, etc.)
• Maintain accurate student records and track outcomes to support ongoing success.
• Identify and connect students with support services, including relocation assistance when needed.
• Facilitate Career Assessment Panels and contribute to student success planning.
• Stay connected with graduates, offering guidance and support as they enter the workforce.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

CPR/FA certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Associates Degree with related experience

Job description

Interested in making a difference in young adults’ lives between the ages of 16-24? If so we may have the perfect job for you.

Job Corps is a government-funded, no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps socioeconomically disadvantaged youth. We strive to fulfill this mission by following our Core Values of Safety, Individual Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Growth and Commitment.

Come and surround yourself with talented and professional individuals who have also taken the next step of making a difference in someone’s life.

You would not only have a great and dedicated team to work with, but you may also be eligible to take advantage of a comprehensive benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), legal and PTO.

Schedule

Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm

Job Summary

Responsible for counseling students in all aspects of career transition readiness, job search skills, job, military, educational or other placement, job retention, and Job Corps student exit processes. Responsible for identifying transitioned students who are no longer employed or in school and ensure a reconnection with another placement or school.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Coach and interview students entering the Career Transition phase, sharpening their job search strategies and career focus
• Manage an active caseload, maintaining consistent follow-up and support through regular communication
• Lead workshops and classroom visits on employability skills, career preparation, job search techniques, and retention strategies
• Coordinate mock interviews, career days, and job fairs to prepare students for real hiring experiences
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with employers, military programs, workforce agencies, and community resources
• Source job leads, connect students to opportunities, and help arrange interviews, transportation, and support services
• Ensure students are fully prepared for employment by securing required documents (licenses, transcripts, certifications, etc.)
• Maintain accurate student records and track outcomes to support ongoing success
• Identify and connect students with support services, including relocation assistance when needed
• Facilitate Career Assessment Panels and contribute to student success planning
• Stay connected with graduates, offering guidance and support as they enter the workforce
• Perform other duties as assigned

Why This Role Matters

You’ll play a direct role in launching careers—empowering students with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed in today’s workforce.

Requirements

Minimum

Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, counseling, education, social science, business, communications, or closely related field; or Associates Degree in human services, psychology, counseling, education, social science, business, communications, or closely related field and two years related experience.

Preferred

Minimum plus previous Job Corps experience.

Knowledge

Sound knowledge of case management, career counseling, employment counseling and job search, job preparation and development techniques. Must be able to effectively communicate with culturally disadvantaged and minority youth. Must possess a valid state driver’s license. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Must obtain and maintain valid CPR/FA certification. Good organizational skills. Ability to inspire and motivate students.