FT ABE Education and Career Advisor

Somerville Public Schools•Somerville, MA

About The Position

The Education and Career Advisor (ECA) advises adult learners enrolled in SCALE programming and maintains an assigned student caseload. The ECA supports learners in setting education and career goals and developing transition plans, including completing a high school credential, building digital skills, pursuing postsecondary education or training, developing work-readiness skills, and preparing to enter the workforce. The role provides comprehensive advising from intake and goal setting through college and career transition planning. The ECA monitors student progress and persistence, helps address barriers to learning, facilitates career and transition programming, connects learners with resources and supportive services, and collaborates with instructional staff, administrators, and community partners. The position reports to the Director of Continuing Education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Social Work, or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience in adult education, guidance counseling, career advising, or community outreach.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Competency with MS Office, Google Workspace, remote learning tools, and career search databases.
Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to educational equity, trauma-informed practices, and supporting diverse learner populations.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent walking, standing, and stair navigation; lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying 10–30 pounds; bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching; and remaining stationary for long periods.
Ability to obtain MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance and complete fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or ABE/Counseling certification.
Experience working with diverse adult populations and youth or young adults ages 16–21.
Fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish.
Familiarity with MAPT assessment.

Responsibilities

Maintain an assigned caseload of adult learners and advise them on educational goals, career pathways, and workforce preparation.
Conduct student intake, assessment, orientation, and placement to support appropriate class enrollment and retention.
Help students formulate individualized education and career transition plans.
Monitor student progress, attendance, and persistence, and address academic and non-academic barriers.
Facilitate workshops on job readiness, career exploration, résumé and interview preparation, and college or training program applications.
Connect students with digital skills tools, career development databases, and workforce resources.
Organize informational presentations with guest speakers, employer partners, and higher education institutions on career pathways, immigration, rights and safety, and community resources.
Maintain current information about college transition programs, vocational training, internships, and job opportunities.
Serve as a liaison among learners, instructional staff, program administrators, and external community partners.
Make targeted referrals for supportive services, such as housing, mental health, and economic support.
Maintain accurate student records and support data-tracking compliance, including DESE/LACES systems.
Participate in department meetings, curriculum-planning projects, and required professional development, including SABES New Staff Orientation.