Description

TITLE: Student Pathways & Postsecondary Readiness Specialist 

DEPARTMENT:  Counseling / Student Support Services 

REPORTS TO:  District Superintendent, 6-8 Building Principal, 9-12 Building Principal, K-12 School Counselor

THE MARY WALKER PROMISE (Why We Exist): We, as a community, make a collective commitment to develop confident, well-rounded and sought-after graduates prepared for the future

Position Summary – Student Pathways & Postsecondary Readiness Specialist: The Student Pathways & Postsecondary Readiness Specialist serves as a key support position within the district counseling program, working collaboratively with the K–12 School Counselor, administrators, staff, students, families, and community partners to strengthen college, career, and life readiness systems. This position focuses primarily on students in grades 6–12 and supports the development, implementation, and monitoring of High School and Beyond Plans (HSBP), graduation progress, postsecondary planning, financial aid completion, scholarships, career exploration, and workforce readiness opportunities.

The Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring every student graduates with a clear and actionable plan for their future while increasing access to college, career, military, apprenticeship, and workforce pathways.

Requirements

Qualifications – Student Pathways & Postsecondary Readiness Specialist 

Successful candidates are student-centered professionals who are passionate about helping students identify, pursue, and achieve their goals for college, career, military service, apprenticeship programs, and life beyond high school. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong relationship-building skills, organizational abilities, and a commitment to supporting all students in developing meaningful pathways toward future success. 

Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred in education, counseling, social work, human services, communications, business, career and technical education, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with middle school and/or high school students preferred
Experience in education, counseling support, student services, workforce development, college access programs, youth development, or related fields preferred
Demonstrated understanding of High School and Beyond Plan requirements and Washington State graduation requirements, or willingness to obtain necessary training
Knowledge of college admissions processes, financial aid programs, FAFSA/WASFA completion, scholarship opportunities, apprenticeships, military pathways, workforce training, and postsecondary education systems preferred
Experience supporting student engagement, attendance, intervention, mentoring, and academic success initiatives
Understanding of adolescent development, including the academic, behavioral, career, and social-emotional needs of students in grades 6–12
Demonstrated commitment to building authentic partnerships with students, families, community organizations, businesses, higher education institutions, and workforce partners
Strong understanding of tribal sovereignty, tribal history, and culturally responsive educational practices, with a commitment to building meaningful partnerships with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and supporting tribal student success
Ability to work collaboratively with tribal leaders, tribal families, students, and community partners while honoring and respecting cultural traditions and perspectives
Experience coordinating events, workshops, meetings, college visits, career fairs, or student programs preferred
Ability to collect, analyze, organize, and utilize student data to support graduation monitoring, program development, continuous improvement, and student outcomes
Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities, deadlines, events, and student support systems simultaneously
Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, student information systems, spreadsheets, databases, and data reporting tools
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, staff, families, tribal representatives, community members, and external partners
Experience supporting implementation of college and career readiness programs, student leadership opportunities, advisory programs, or student engagement initiatives preferred
Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and continuous improvement processes preferred
Ability to maintain confidentiality, comply with FERPA requirements, and exercise sound professional judgment
Demonstrated professionalism, dependability, initiative, and commitment to serving students and families
Evidence of ongoing professional learning and growth related to student support services, college and career readiness, or postsecondary planning
Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license and ability to travel for college visits, career events, professional development, and partnership activities
Successful completion of Washington State Patrol and FBI background clearance requirements
Other duties as assigned by the School Counselor, Principal, Superintendent, or designee