Nokomis Middle School JMG Specialist

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of Maine students? Join the JMG team and help shape the future for Maine youth!

JMG is looking to fill our opening at Nokomis Regional Middle School, Newport, ME (Penobscot County) for our next JMG Specialist. 

The Middle School JMG Specialist will lead the implementation of the JMG Maine Career Exploration Model at their school site. They guide students through an engaging, skill-based curriculum that lays the groundwork for success in high school, postsecondary education, and future careers. A Middle School Specialist will foster student growth in essential areas such as communication, leadership, digital literacy, and teamwork while building relationships with educators, families, and community partners.

This is a rewarding, full-time role for an individual who is dedicated, collaborative, and passionate about empowering students and working with school and community partners.

Essential Functions: 

1. Deliver tailored instruction aligned with JMG’s 30 career-readiness competencies, using engaging, developmentally appropriate methods.
2. Recruits a full roster of students by obtaining referrals from an Advisory Committee, school personnel, and parents; holding interviews with prospective candidates and those making referrals to determine, using JMG guidelines, the appropriateness of the prospective student for the program.
3. Demonstrates effective communication and active listening with students, parents, and school personnel, ensuring clear, supportive, and constructive exchanges to promote student engagement and progress.
4. Demonstrates problem-solving skills by adapting lessons and strategies to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that each student receives the support required for success.
5. Ensures positive perceptions of the JMG program within schools by developing and maintaining positive, effective working relationships with school personnel, including teachers, administrators, students, and members of the Advisory Committee.
6. Builds and maintains strong relationships with local business leaders, employers, and community partners to develop and expand career development opportunities, ensuring that students can participate in meaningful, career-building experiences aligned with their individual goals and interests. Facilitates these connections to help students gain hands-on, real-world exposure to various career fields.
7. Organize and advise a student leadership group to promote civic engagement and student voice.
8. Coordinate guest speakers, workshops, hands-on activities, and community events.
9. Provides guidance and support within appropriate boundaries; refers students to additional support services as needed. Adheres to school policies, including mandated reporting, discipline, and attendance.
10. Maintains timely and accurate documentation of contacts and activities involving students, employers, and other stakeholders in the JMG database; ensures all information is entered accurately and promptly, and develops and maintains an organized filing system.
11. Support students through their transition to high school by providing guidance and intervention.
12. Participates in JMG committees, state-wide meetings, and staff development activities.

Additional Responsibilities:

1.         Participates in various school-related functions such as lunch duty or school committees

2.         Participates in field trips and student events

3.         Completes special projects and other projects/duties as assigned by the Regional Director.         

Job Qualifications:

1. Must have Maine CHRC approval (or be eligible for Maine CHRC)
2. Bachelor's Degree required.
3. Experience working with youth, accompanied by knowledge of child development.          
4. Skills in human relations, classroom management, and motivational techniques.
5. Ability to work 12 months per year.
6. Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
7. Ability to establish appropriate boundaries while developing and nurturing supportive relationships with students.
8. Ability to develop curriculum and educational opportunities consistent with the JMG model, including the JMG Maine Career Exploration Model and its 30 competencies.
9. Ability to educate a variety of constituencies and interested parties about the program by developing ongoing relationships with local business leaders, employers, and community partners.
10. Proficiency in basic computer applications, including word processing, and familiarity with using technology tools for classroom instruction and student support

The position will begin ASAP

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary: $43,750 per year, with additional performance-based bonuses.
• Paid Time Off: Includes school vacation weeks in December, February, and April, plus 15 additional vacation days.
• Sick Leave: 3 weeks of sick time and 1 week of Covid time

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes: 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid disability and life insurance.
• Voluntary life insurance options.
• 403(b) plan with employer match after two years of service.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.