26-27 FT Workforce Education and Career Advisor

Somerville Public Schools•Somerville, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Workforce Education and Career Advisor (ECA) will report to the Director of Continuing Education and will advise adult learners enrolled in SCALE workforce programming. The ECA will maintain a caseload of students, advising and supporting them in the formulation of education and career goals and transition plans. This includes supporting students in the attainment of industry-recognized credentials, development of digital skills, identification of postsecondary education and work readiness skills education, and preparation for the workforce. The ECA plays a key role in ensuring that SCALE meets its goals for learners and for the program as a whole. The ECA is responsible for recruitment, conducting information sessions, intake, and placement of students into workforce classes. They provide support with basic academic and survival counseling and referrals, monitor learner progress, and handle student issues that arise both in and outside of classes. The ECA works with all students to identify academic and career goals and supports teachers in implementing the job readiness portion of the curriculum and applying for employment upon completion of the program and attainment of credentials.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or related field
Two years successful and relevant counseling experience in adult education
Experience working with adult learner population as well as the 16-21 year old adult population
Experience working with trauma victims
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to effectively collaborate with students, teachers, and administrators
Excellent organizational, time management, oral and written communication skills in English
Excellent computer skills, including MS Office suite, internet/email, and career development databases
Professionalism in all areas of practice and all interactions with students and staff
Commitment to the mission of SCALE
Proven history of successful collaboration
Flexible & adaptable
Possess and model high standards for self and student work
Solutions-based approach to dealing with identified needs, problems and or conflict
Willingness to take initiative and succeed in a fast-paced classroom/school environment while remaining calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges
Commitment to embrace the ideals of diversity and inclusiveness
MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance
Fingerprints

Nice To Haves

ABE certification or Masters/Counseling certification preferred
Oral and aural fluency in Haitian Creole, Portuguese or Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Coordinate recruitment, information sessions, intake, testing, and orientation of new learners.
Place students appropriately so that classes are fully enrolled. Maintain full enrollment whenever possible.
Provide academic, basic survival and limited personal counseling for current students.
Make referrals for psychological, economic, and other learner needs that present barriers to persistence and success.
Maintain learner records, including waitlists, attendance, intake assessment results, evaluations, and progress.
Coordinate with program administrator in the creation and implementation of department counseling activities and procedures.
Work with individual students and classes to create education and career plans that articulate each student’s academic and career goals with an action plan to attain those goals.
Use Internet applications to support and deliver career exploration and job search services.
Deliver advising workshops to inform and assist students with planning education and career activities, including job readiness skills, career exploration, and job search; college and training program research, selection, and application.
Organize and facilitate appropriate informational presentations for students about colleges, careers, immigration, health care, workers’ rights/safety, and a variety of other topics.
Supervise the acquisition, maintenance, and dissemination of information regarding college transition programs, training programs, career fields, employment opportunities, and specific employers for fulltime, part-time, internship, and work-study opportunities.
Act as a liaison between learners and teachers, and between SCALE and outside agencies/providers, particularly community partners.
Work on learner retention and conduct follow-up as mandated by DESE/LACES system.
Participate in department meetings and appropriate professional development activities.
Communicate effectively with other counselor(s), teachers, and program administrator(s) on student and program issues.
Initiate and contribute to work on projects in curriculum development, operations, funding proposals, and/or community relations.
Assist in establishing and maintaining the goals, philosophy, and policies of SCALE.
Perform other miscellaneous department and/or SCALE duties as deemed appropriate by the Director.