Career Preparation Specialist, Grant Service Specialist III (NCS) - mayor's Office of Employment Development

ABOUT THE ROLE The Career Preparation Specialist works under the direction of the Work-Based Learning Manager at Baltimore City Public Schools, in the Office of Secondary Success and Innovation (SS&I), in partnership with the Blueprint Sr. Program Manager. This role is responsible for student support, preparation, and oversight in the implementation of Work-Based Learning (WBL) programming. The specialist builds relationships with school-based staff, students, and parents to ensure students experience and complete high-quality WBL programs, including apprenticeships and internships. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Serve as the primary contact for students and school-based teams to support the logistics of their participation in WBL opportunities. - Work closely with students and school-based teams to vet and match students to relevant WBL opportunities based on their Career Exploration Portfolio. - Monitor and maintain oversight of work experience opportunities for all students enrolled in WBL, Apprenticeship, and Internship courses. - Oversee coordinated strategy with Career Coaches to prepare students for WBL opportunities, including resume and interview prep and career fair workshops. - Maintain all student legal forms and documents in Google Drive and Schoolinks. - Host student and parent engagement events focused on work-based learning awareness. - Collect data and prepare reports for submission to the Office of Secondary Success and Innovation. - Leverage employer networks to plan and execute WBL events, including career fairs, guest speaker engagements, and company tours or job shadows. - Coordinate and collaborate with BCCI Career Coaches and WBL Specialists under the direction of the Work-Based Learning Manager. - Perform other duties as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a relevant field preferred. - Experience: Two years of directly related experience working with young people. - Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted, provided it directly relates to the essential duties and responsibilities. Preference is given to candidates with demonstrated understanding and/or certification in youth development practices. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds. - Strong analytical writing and oral communication skills. - Ability to develop and conduct presentations and information sessions. - Understanding of the Apprenticeship Maryland Program and/or Competency-Based Registered Apprenticeship, and the ability to communicate the program to all stakeholders. - Strong data and project management skills. - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and school-based teams. - Knowledge of personal computer applications (word processing, spreadsheet, database) in a Google Drive environment. - Note: Grant positions are not eligible for retirement benefits. SELECTION PROCESS - Eligible candidates under final consideration will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprinting, which must be successfully completed. - All selected persons, including current City employees, must complete a mandatory six-month probation. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via the City of Baltimore careers portal using Job Requisition ID: R0018947. - The application period ends on November 24, 2026. - Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Do not attach accommodation requests to the application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Mayor's Office of Employment Development / Baltimore City Public Schools (Office of Secondary Success and Innovation) - Work Location: Charles L. Benton, Jr. Building (Hybrid work environment with frequent travel to and between schools required) - Job Type: Full-Time - Position Type: Non-Civil Service (Grant Position) - Equal Opportunity: Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination on any legally protected basis.