Adult and Workforce Education Career Pathways Advisor
About The Position
The Adult and Workforce Education Career Pathways Advisor provides comprehensive advising, case management, career development, and student support services to help Adult Education and WIOA Youth participants navigate education, training, and employment pathways. The Advisor helps learners identify career goals, overcome barriers, and develop individualized plans leading to postsecondary education, industry-recognized credentials, employment, and career advancement. The Advisor coordinates academic, career, and supportive services and collaborates with faculty, college departments, workforce partners, employers, community organizations, and funding agencies to connect learners with education, work-based learning, employment, and community resources. The position also supports grant compliance through accurate documentation, case management, and performance reporting.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Human Services, or a related field.
- At least 2 years of experience in case management, advising, workforce development, adult education, or social services.
- Experience working with diverse adult populations, including economically disadvantaged individuals, English language learners, immigrants, or people facing employment barriers.
- Strong understanding of career pathways, workforce systems, and postsecondary transitions.
- Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and cooperatively and maintain confidentiality.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain detailed documentation.
- Availability to work one evening per week as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Counseling, Education, Human Services, Social Work, or a related field.
- Experience administering WIOA-funded programs.
- Knowledge of the Illinois Workforce Development System (IWDS).
- Experience working in Adult Education.
- Experience developing employer partnerships.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Career development certification such as GCDF, CCSP, NCDA, or similar.
- Experience with grant-funded programs and performance reporting.
Responsibilities
- Provide individualized advising and intensive case management to Adult Education and WIOA Youth participants.
- Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized education and career plans required by funding sources.
- Assess students’ strengths, interests, goals, and barriers, and connect them with college, workforce, and community resources.
- Coordinate supportive services that promote persistence, completion, and transitions to postsecondary education, training, apprenticeships, and employment.
- Maintain regular student contact to monitor progress, encourage engagement, and provide coaching.
- Deliver individual and group career development services, including career exploration, resume preparation, interview coaching, job search strategies, workplace readiness, and financial literacy.
- Plan and facilitate workshops on college success, employability skills, career pathways, and workforce readiness.
- Develop and maintain employer, workforce agency, and community partnerships to expand work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
- Connect students with career services, workforce resources, occupational training, and job placement opportunities.
- Determine participant eligibility and complete enrollment activities for grant-funded programs, as applicable.
- Maintain accurate student records, case notes, and required documentation in institutional and grant management systems, including IWDS.
- Track participant outcomes, educational progress, credential attainment, employment placement, and other required performance measures.
- Prepare reports and ensure compliance with institutional policies and grant requirements.
- Collaborate with faculty, navigators, advisors, workforce partners, and community agencies to coordinate student support services.
- Assist with recruitment, orientation, retention, and transition activities for Adult and Workforce Education programs.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, employer events, and community outreach activities.
- Promote an inclusive, welcoming environment that supports learners from diverse backgrounds.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Generous time off.
- Low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Secure pension plan through SURS.
- 14 paid holidays, including winter and Thanksgiving breaks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
