The Program Specialist for Career Exploration will manage career-focused programming at Queens Technical High School and Aviation High School, supporting students in grades 9–12 as they explore potential career paths. This role involves coordinating job readiness workshops, career exposure activities, and internships. The Program Specialist for Career Exploration will work closely with the Program Specialist for College Access to integrate career exploration into post-secondary planning for all participants.
This is a full-time, in-person role.
Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) is a multi-service settlement house located in Western Queens. Our Youth and Family Services department offers a full day pre-kindergarten, a variety of after-school and community services for youth in grades K – 12, as well as high school, job readiness, and college readiness programming for high school youth.
Responsibilities
Program Management
- Design and implement career exploration activities, including job shadowing, career panels, workplace visits, and internships.
- Develop and deliver job readiness soft skill workshops covering resume building, interview skills, and professional etiquette.
- Facilitate industry exposure and career day events, connecting students with professionals in various fields to broaden their career awareness.
- Develop individualized career plans for students in grades 9-12, helping them explore a range of post-secondary options.
Collaboration and Supervision
- Collaborate with the Program Specialist for College Access to create a unified post-secondary planning approach for students, integrating both college and career readiness components.
- Supervise career program staff, facilitators, and the coordinator to ensure high-quality delivery of career exploration activities at both high school sites.
- Monitor program effectiveness through regular evaluations and feedback loops, adjusting strategies as needed.
Student and Family Engagement
- Provide individualized support to students in developing career plans, including helping them identify interests, strengths, and potential career pathways.
- Organize workshops for families on career opportunities and the job market, highlighting the importance of career exploration from an early stage.
- Build and maintain partnerships with local businesses, industry professionals, and community organizations to secure internship placements and career exploration opportunities.
Data and Reporting
- Track and analyze student engagement and outcomes in career exploration activities using program metrics and data systems.
- Submit regular reports on program progress, participant outcomes, and key insights to the Deputy Director of High School Programs.
- Assist in the preparation of grant applications and reporting by providing data on career exploration initiatives and participant success.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
- At least 2 years of experience in career exploration programming or youth workforce development, with a focus on high school students.
- Familiarity with job readiness training, internship coordination, and industry partnership development.
- Proven supervisory experience and the ability to manage programming across multiple sites.
- Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Capacity to work collaboratively with school administration, community partners, and families.
Location: Queens Technical High School and Aviation High School, Long Island City, NY
Department: High School Programs Unit
Reports to: Deputy Director of High School Programs
Salary: $55,000 – $58,000
SCS offers an Excellent Benefits Package:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Flexible spending account and transit checks
Employee Assistance Program
Annually 26 PTO days of varying categories, 12 paid sick days, 10 paid holidays
Life insurance and long-term disability
How to Apply
If you would like to join our team, please forward a cover letter and resume to Donald Lubin, Deputy Director, at dlubin@scsny.org. Please indicate “Program Specialist for Career Exploration” in the email subject line.
All positions at Sunnyside Community Services are filled without regard to race/color, religion/creed, national origin, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy-related condition or lactation, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, height, weight, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/ sex offenses, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration or citizenship status, prior arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, pre-employment marijuana testing, union affiliation/activity, or for reporting or opposing discrimination on these bases or for reporting or opposing violations of workplace health and safety, pay equity or practices, or for participating in any internal o any legally protected status listed in the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). All are encouraged to apply. Sunnyside Community Services strives to address, explore, and educate all our stakeholders about the diversity of human experience and to advance and integrate racial equity and social justice into all organizational policies and programs. We believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization, should feel equally involved and supported. Sunnyside Community Services represents a commitment to considering the whole person and how systemic barriers and access to opportunities can affect their well-being.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer