Academic Career Advisor

Destiny Arts Center•Oakland, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Destiny Arts Center’s Academic Career Advisor connects the organization’s creative youth development work with practical support for education, postsecondary pathways, employment, and family advocacy. As part of Destiny’s Care team, the Advisor partners closely with the Youth and Family Support Specialist and Case Manager to integrate academic and career support into a broader, strengths-based wraparound service model that recognizes the connection between academic achievement and young people’s social, emotional, cultural, and creative well-being. The role primarily serves high school students ages 13–18 and young adults ages 18–24 as they work toward graduation, navigate college or trade programs, and build stability in the workforce. It also provides lighter academic support and referrals for children ages 5–12 and maintains relationships with families. The Advisor develops individualized roadmaps with students, helps them navigate graduation and postsecondary processes, prepares them for employment, provides financial-literacy guidance, and advocates alongside families in institutional settings. The position also includes case documentation, grant reporting, and coordination with Destiny staff and community partners. This is an exempt, salaried position based on-site at Destiny Arts Center in Oakland. The Advisor exercises independent judgment in managing a varied caseload, prioritizing needs, developing workshops, and representing Destiny in community and institutional settings. Some evenings or weekends may be required for workshops, performances, or family events, with flexibility to manage time and workload. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation under the FLSA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 2 years of experience working directly with young people in youth development, case management, school counseling, or a related setting.
Working knowledge of California A-G requirements, college and financial-aid systems, and IEP processes.
Comfort facilitating groups and leading workshops.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, manage a varied caseload, and prioritize competing needs with minimal direct supervision.
Culturally responsive communication style.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Guide students through California A-G requirements, credit recovery options, and graduation pathways.
Support applications to community colleges, UC, CSU, and private institutions.
Help young adults complete GEDs or re-enroll in school after time away.
Track grades and academic standing for students in Destiny performance companies, coordinating with schools and partners and providing additional support as needed.
Guide students through financial aid, including FAFSA, Cal Grant, the California Dream Act, and WIOA/WIA workforce grants; explain award letters, degree costs, scholarships, and work-study options.
Provide younger students ages 5–12 with light academic mentorship focused on study habits, executive functioning, and a love of learning.
Support families navigating IEP processes and school accommodations, acting as a liaison among Destiny, school personnel, and caregivers without replacing special education services.
Help students and families recognize and use skills developed through dance, martial arts, and theater in academic, employment, and creative-career settings.
Develop and lead workshops on resumes, LinkedIn, interviews, and workplace dynamics.
Connect participants with internships, job shadows, apprenticeships, and vocational programs.
Handle youth-employment administration, including work permits, labor-law basics, I-9s, and W-4s.
Support hiring and onboarding for Destiny youth staff and camp counselors.
Co-develop workforce-readiness workshops with the Youth and Family Support Specialist and external partners, covering transferable skills such as goal setting, professional communication, and time management.
Provide practical financial-literacy guidance related to college costs and aid, workforce budgeting and pay, taxes and banking, and financial considerations for young artists.
Develop periodic financial-literacy workshops with the Youth and Family Support Specialist and outside experts.
Advocate alongside parents and caregivers in institutional meetings, including IEP and financial-aid meetings.
Host workshops to help families understand their entitlements and how to advocate for them.
Stay connected with young people and families experiencing housing instability, system involvement, or other barriers.
Communicate in a culturally responsive, affirming, and community-rooted manner.
Maintain accurate case notes and records tied to student goals.
Collect data and write narratives for grant reports.
Coordinate with teaching artists and outside partners to support continuity across programs.
Partner with the Case Manager to integrate academic support into Destiny’s wraparound service model.
Manage a varied caseload, prioritize competing family and program needs, develop workshop content, and represent Destiny in institutional and community settings.