Black River Technical College is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Career Coach, based at the Lawrence County School District in Walnut Ridge. This is a full-time, 10-month, grant-funded position working under the supervision of the BRTC Career Coach Supervisor. The Career Coach will provide college and career planning services, with particular emphasis on students who are most in need of support. Travel within the region and occasional evening work will be required.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Career Coach serves as a college and career planning resource for students within the assigned school district, with particular emphasis on students who are most in need of career planning services. The position works collaboratively with school administrators, counselors, educators, families, postsecondary institutions, business and industry partners, and community organizations to help students identify and successfully pursue education, training, and career opportunities. The Career Coach is employed by Black River Technical College and assigned to serve the Lawrence County School District in accordance with the requirements and objectives of the Arkansas Career Coach Program.

JOB SUMMARY

The Career Coach provides individualized and group-based college and career guidance designed to help students make informed decisions regarding education, training, and employment. Responsibilities include career exploration and assessment, postsecondary planning, financial aid awareness, connecting students with academic and support resources, coordinating career and work-based learning opportunities, facilitating college and career activities, and maintaining required program documentation and data. The Career Coach works independently within assigned schools while maintaining regular communication and coordination with the BRTC Career Coach Supervisor and participating school personnel.

The College is committed to a quality work environment and experience by providing the following benefits in addition to compensation:

• COLA and/or bonuses are provided whenever fiscally responsible
• Eight hours of sick leave monthly after fulfilling all work hours in a pay period
• Eight hours of vacation leave monthly after fulfilling all work hours in a pay period
• Vacation leave increases according to years of service schedule
• Eight hours per calendar year of education leave
• A portion of health insurance premium paid by BRTC
• $20,000 life insurance policy with premium paid by BRTC
• 14% minimum retirement contribution from BRTC each pay period
• 11 paid State Holidays per calendar year if employed full time during the date of those holidays
• Tuition Waiver for employee and dependents to BRTC

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide early outreach to students, particularly those from underserved and high-priority populations, regarding the importance of postsecondary education and how to prepare, apply, and pay for education or training.
• Provide career interest inventories and skills assessments to assist students in making informed educational and career decisions.
• Assist students with the development and revision of individual college and career plans and portfolios.
• Provide information and guidance regarding careers, career pathways, educational requirements, postsecondary education and training opportunities, and financial aid.
• Coordinate or connect students with career-awareness and work-based learning opportunities, including job shadowing, mentoring, internships, business and industry visits, and similar activities.
• Connect students with support services, bridge programs, academic enrichment, tutoring, study-skills resources, and other services that support successful transitions to postsecondary education or training.
• Provide a continuum of college and career guidance that supports students' transition from middle school through high school, postsecondary education or training, and ultimately the workforce.
• Accurately and consistently collect, maintain, and report required Arkansas Career Coach Program data and documentation in accordance with established deadlines.
• Plan, coordinate, attend, and support required Career Coach Program activities and events, including college application, financial aid, college and career exploration, and related initiatives.
• Perform other duties related to the mission, goals, and allowable activities of the Arkansas Career Coach Program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of college and university programs, career and technical education, workforce training, and other postsecondary education and training opportunities.
• Knowledge of college admissions, academic placement, financial aid, scholarships, and other resources available to assist students with postsecondary education and training.
• Knowledge of career pathways, career clusters, and current and emerging workforce needs and employment trends within the region and state.
• Ability to assist students in identifying educational and career goals and locating appropriate resources and opportunities to achieve those goals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents and guardians, school personnel, postsecondary institutions, business and industry representatives, and community partners.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet established deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information to individuals and groups.
• Strong technology skills and the ability to effectively utilize computer applications, online career-planning resources, and program data-management systems.
• Ability to accurately maintain records, collect and report program data, and handle student information in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and approach problems creatively and proactively.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and facilitate student programs, workshops, events, and activities.
• Ability to travel within the assigned service area and work occasional evenings as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required. Experience in higher education, K–12 education, or a related educational setting is preferred.
• Facilitating Career Development (FCD) Credential required or ability to obtain the credential within one year of employment. Grant funding will cover the cost of required FCD training.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, verbal, and public presentation skills.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.

To be considered in the first round of interviews, applications should be submitted by September 10, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, State application, copies of transcripts, and three references to:

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Julie Edington, Executive Director of Human Resources
P.O. Box 468
Pocahontas, AR 72455
Telephone (870) 248-4000, Ext. 4032

BRTC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
BRTC is a Tobacco Free Campus