Educational Advisor

Job Description

Job Description

Educational Advisor

Burlington, VT

Are you passionate about education, connection, and helping people reach goals they once thought were out of reach? Join Vermont Adult Learning and make a meaningful difference in the lives of adult learners as they build confidence, strengthen their English skills, earn their high school credential, and create pathways to college and careers.

Vermont Adult Learning Job Title: Educational Advisor

Employment Classification: Full Time, Hourly.

Reports To: Regional Director

Primary Work Site: Chittenden Learning Center (Hybrid - 2 days in office/3 days remote)

Compensation: $25 per hour

Location Requirement: The position requires working in the Chittenden Learning Center, in a warm and supportive educational community.

Vermont Adult Learning: Vermont Adult Learning (VAL) is a private nonprofit and a member of Vermont’s Adult Education and Literacy System. Working closely with other nonprofits, state agencies, and schools, we serve seven of Vermont’s 14 counties. We provide instruction in basic academic skills, work readiness, and English language skills; high school completion and GED prep; and transition to college and career services. Our programs are free to Vermont residents, age 16 and older, who need a high school credential or the equivalent skills.

Purpose of the Job: The Educational Advisor works closely with adult students (ages 16 and up), families, local high schools, and community partners to develop Adult Learning Plans (ALPs) that will help students reach their educational and career goals. This position will be focused on working with Multi Language Learners whose goals may include improving English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, earning their high school diploma, or furthering their education and/or career pathways. Advisors build positive relationships with students to support and encourage them along the journey mapped out in their ALPs. This position requires a commitment to student opportunity and equity along with a dedication to continual reflection and improvement.

Advisors work closely with other VAL staff to create a dynamic, effective learning environment in which all students find success. Advisors are committed to providing high-quality services to our students and are expected to create engaging plans based on each student's interests, goals, and background. Advisors also play a critical role in creating a welcoming, supportive environment for all students. This position demands a commitment to exceptional performance as well as working successfully within a team environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative, creativity, and flexibility in their own work and be able to coach students in developing these same skills.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Student Advising:

• Provides high-quality educational advising including regular communication and individual meetings with students to discuss goals, academic progress, and to connect to various community resources as needed

• Works with students to develop a learning plan that addresses the needs & interests of the student while also satisfying graduation requirements.

• Monitors and facilitates the students’ progress along their Adult Learning Plans

• Works closely with VAL instructional team to ensure classes, tutoring, and other instruction meet the needs and goals of the students

• Work with students and other staff to enroll students in classes and facilitate educational options

Record Keeping

• Ongoing and meticulous management of student records

• Completes required paperwork, documentation, and data entry (LACES) in a timely and accurate manner

• Creates and maintains Adult Learning Plans, Graduation Agreements, and other documents as needed

Assessing students

• Administer appropriate baseline and progress assessments, reviews result with student, uses results to determine relevant education plan

• Monitor student hours and participation and plan timely progress assessments

Community Resources

• Maintains positive working relationships with local high schools

• Connect with other statewide Vermont Adult Learning staff and Adult Education and Literacy partners.

• Initiates, develops, and coordinates positive working relationships with community partners to connect students with a wide variety of learning experiences and wraparound services

• Participates in statewide and organizational-level professional development, including Advisor collaborative meetings

• Maintains professional standards of confidentiality

Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills:

• MA TESOL is preferred, but will consider an appropriate certificate in ELL/ESOL/TESL.

• Strong technology skills and ability to leverage these skills to enhance student learning.

• Must possess strong interpersonal, oral, and written English communication skills.

• Requires the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Familiarity with BestPlus, CASAS, and TABE assessments is a plus.

• Requires a creative thinker who is knowledgeable of and able to coordinate with available community resources.

• Requires the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Strong organizational skills and computer competency are needed for administrative and communication tasks.

• Have demonstrated experience successfully supporting diverse students, including students of color, English Language Learners, and LGBTQ students.

• Experience preferred with alternative educational systems, and adult educational practices.