Gorham High School 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 Gorham High School, Gorham, ME (Cumberland County) for our next JMG Specialist. 

Summary of Responsibilities:  The Specialist will lead the JMG program at their site, helping students develop and demonstrate essential competencies for career readiness and postsecondary success through utilization of the JMG Maine Career Exploration Model

Essential Functions:

1. Provides tailored curriculum and instruction to ensure students achieve specific JMG competencies, utilizing diverse teaching methods such as lectures, hands-on activities, and real-world experiences. Develops individualized intervention strategies to meet each student's unique needs through the JMG Maine Career Exploration Model. Students will have the opportunity to earn Micro-credentials and Credentials based on a framework of JMG's 30 Competencies.
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. Promotes teamwork and belonging among JMG students by organizing and advising a student leadership group. Creates training opportunities through hands-on activities, presentations, guest speakers, and workshops; facilitates civic and social events.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Assists students in finding and maintaining quality employment and/or post-secondary educational programs upon graduation; works closely with students and employers for 12 months after the end of the school year to ensure a satisfactory employment outcome; develops a plan for contacts with non-graduates to ensure an effective transition to employment or additional education. 
11. Participates in professional development activities, including staff, regional, and statewide meetings, to stay current with best practices in education, workforce development, and the JMG model.

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.

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 July 2025

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

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.
• Gym membership reimbursement and additional wellness benefits.