Part-Time Career Counselor

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Washington College of Law

Time Type:

Part time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Union:

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description:

Summary:

The Part-Time Career Counselor provides individualized and group law student advising, identifies and develops resources for students and alumni, and designs and presents educational programs and events. Each Career Counselor also assists with other counseling and programming initiatives of the Washington College of Law (WCL) Office of Career & Professional Development (OCPD), including serving as the liaison between the office and assigned WCL programs, institutes, student groups, and other internal and external organizations and associations.  The Career Counselor may also develop additional specialties as needed, such as sector- or practice area-specific expertise. The Career Counselor will work closely with a team that includes counselors, recruiting professionals, and administrative employees.    

Essential Functions: 

1.) Career Advising

• Advise law students on all aspects of career planning and job search methods, including self-assessment, resumes, cover letters, interviewing and networking to aid students in their job searches and career development.  

2.) Programming

• Develop and facilitate job search skill development workshops and other educational programs and initiatives. Identify content areas and coordinate seminars, panel discussions, and other resources that meet the needs of students interested in a broad range of employment sectors and practice areas.   

3.) Industry Analysis and Engagement

• Analyze legal trends and develop employer networks based on student and office needs. Use employer contacts to gather information about job and hiring trends and inquire about internships and employment possibilities. Use knowledge gained to educate other members of the OCPD staff and incorporate knowledge during individual counseling sessions with students. Work with OCPD’s recruiting team members to conduct outreach and create interactive opportunities between OCPD and employers.  

4.) Professional Development

• Participate in professional organizations related to career counseling and legal employment. Review publications to keep abreast of job market trends including the National Law Journal/Legal Times and in-house counsel publications.

5.) Other Tasks

• Assist the Senior Director and other team members with counseling, programming, outreach, and engagement as directed. Work closely with fellow counselors to ensure consistent messaging under the guidance of the Senior Director. Complete projects as tasked to assist with the overall goals of the office.  

Supervisory Responsibility:

• May supervise student and/or administrative staff.

Competencies:

• Championing Customer Needs. 

• Developing Plans.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.   

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas. 

• Building and Supporting Teams.   

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.

• 27 hours per week.

• Some evening and weekend hours are required.  

Salary Range:

• $35.00 - $40.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor or equivalent.

• 2 - 4 years of relevant experience, which may include legal experience, recruiting experience and/or counseling experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

•  Juris Doctor. 

•  3 - 5 years of relevant experience. 

Travel Required:

• Periodic travel for professional conferences is required. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• We strongly encourage applicants to submit a resume and cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position.

• Must possess excellent interpersonal, organizational and oral, and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of job search, career/ employment services, recruiting, interviewing and staffing principles and practices. 

• Must have a broad understanding of career counseling techniques with specific knowledge of legal market trends and job search strategies. 

• Ability to assess individual needs, motivators and differences in abilities and career interests, including those in the public and private sectors.

• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and marketing the Washington College of Law to employers.

Other Duties: 

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Benefits

Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.