Adult Education Advisor

About the role

If you’re looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you. Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay. We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.

Job Functions

Provide educational support for MM residents and community clients pursuing professional credentials and job training. The Adult Education Advisor supports clients by providing orientation, registration, academic skills enhancement, and career exploration services.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide clients with advice on career path options, educational options, and goal setting.
• Develop a detailed education plan with clients.
• Attend the Family Transfer Staffing (FTS) meetings, Community Based Program (CBP) meetings, and any other necessary meetings to provide updates on Adult Education Clients.
• Collaborate with the MM Accounting Department to complete purchases of tuition, materials, transportation assistance, and/or supplies.
• Collaborate with MM staff to advocate for the client’s education plan.
• Meet regularly with clients to encourage, mentor, tutor, and monitor the client’s progress.
• Advise the client of any changes to their education plan.
• Keep current and thorough notes in Clarity during the duration of assistance to the client.
• Demonstrate flexibility in work schedule to ensure client/program needs are met.
• Participate in Metropolitan Ministries' holiday efforts, Bridge Builders, and other fundraising events when needed.
• Provide tours of the facilities and speak on behalf of Metropolitan Ministries as needed.
• Keep confidential records in accordance with the Ethical Boundaries for Those That Serve. Maintain professional boundaries.
• Support the team, Program Manager, and Director in other tasks as assigned.
• Meet personal goals and actively contribute to achieving team and organizational targets/goals as stated in the KPIs and the strategic plan.

Requirements

• A minimum of a BA degree in Academic or Career Counseling, Student Affairs, Social Work, Secondary or Post-secondary Education, or similar fields with 1-3 years of experience in teaching adults, reentry advising, case management, or mentoring.
• Knowledge and experience in Teaching, Tutoring, Academic Advising, and Non-traditional education preferred.
• Must be familiar with local institutions' standard concepts, practices, procedures, and degree programs.
• Must be knowledgeable about homeless issues and the State Statute 1009.25 (Florida Homeless Education Waiver), with experience working with individuals with educational challenges and/or be willing to seek continuing education related to the homeless population and/or a higher degree.

Skills

• Must work effectively with clients, representing and communicating their status and progress to small groups and professionals within a network of the Hillsborough County School District, Metropolitan Ministries service providers, and applicable and related providers in the surrounding community.
• Must be able to work within a multi-disciplinary team framework; strong interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills; strong listening skills, dependability, and ability to think creatively; demonstrates maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients served; ability to handle job-related matters in a professional, diplomatic, and confidential manner; willing to work with minimal supervision, yet be able to accept direction;
• Well organized and detail-oriented.
• Familiarity with learning styles and some understanding of Trauma-Informed Care.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Suite required.
• Requires understanding of poverty, a high degree of maturity and the ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crises in a professional and diplomatic manner.
• Requires heart for ministry and comfort working with poor and homeless families and individuals.
• Knowledge of community resources available to the homeless population.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking ability, which allows for effective oral communication;
• Physical and emotional stamina to handle job-related issues and stress effectively.

Other

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
• We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities.
• People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.
• Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 813-209-1083 or via email at Daryl.Belluccia@Metromin.org