26-27 FT Workforce Education and Career Advisor

Position Summary

The Workforce Education and Career Advisor will report to the Director of Continuing Education and will advise adult learners enrolled in SCALE workforce programming. The Workforce ECA will maintain a caseload of students; advises and supports students in the formulation of education and career goals and transition plans; attainment of industry-recognized credential, development of digital skills, identification of postsecondary education and work readiness skills education, and preparation for the workforce. The Workforce Education and Career Advisor in the Adult Basic Education Department at SCALE has a key role in ensuring that SCALE meets our goals for learners and for the program as a whole.

Essential Functions & 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.
• Cook 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.
• Serve 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.
• Under the guidance of the Director, initiate and contribute to work on projects in curriculum development, operations, funding proposals, and/or community relations.
• Aid 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.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or related field; ABE certification or Masters/Counseling certification preferred
• 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
• Oral and aural fluency in Haitian Creole, Portuguese or Spanish a plus
• 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
• 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

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance
• Fingerprints