ADULT TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL ADVISOR

Salary: $95,727.00 - $132,228.00 Annually
Location : Downtown Campus - 1101 South Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-018
Department: High School/Basic Ed
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


SUMMARY

Job Summary The Bates Technical College THS/Adult Counselor is primarily responsible for providing career counseling, and for informing and advising both adult and high school students about educational pathways and career training programs offered at the college. This position is responsible for determining student eligibility and offering guidance to support the successful completion of educational and career goals.
The counselor will also coordinate proactive outreach and recruitment efforts with educational service districts, community partners, and other agencies. Additionally, the position provides retention services and individualized support for currently enrolled students across all programs. This is a non-tenure track position.

Position Open until filled.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & OTHER DUTIES

Essential Functions

Outreach and Recruitment

• Work cooperatively with local school counselors and community partners to expand K-12 and adult education partnerships each year to increase involvement with Bates Technical College.
• Collaborate with private schools, homeschool networks, and community-based organizations to expand outreach and increase enrollment in both high school and adult programs.
• Actively engage with the high school, middle school, and broader community to build relationships with counselors, educators, and service providers to promote awareness of Bates Technical College programs, including Technical High School, Running Start, Adult Basic Education, and career training pathways for traditional and non-traditional learners.
• Market programs for both THS and adults, highlighting transferable credit options, career training, and college pathways available through Bates Technical College.
• Participate in student recruitment efforts such as career fairs, open houses, orientation sessions, and community events, providing information about college programs and enrollment opportunities for all age groups.
• Communicate with prospective high school and adult students to provide accurate information on high school diploma requirements, adult education pathways, career training programs, and potential career outcomes.
• Plan, develop, and present information sessions and orientations for prospective students across all programs, including both high school and adult learners.
• Assist in updating advertising and recruiting informational materials to ensure accuracy and inclusivity across all target audiences.

Admission and Counseling

• Provide initial information regarding Bates Technical College programs, including Technical High School options, adult education, and career training opportunities.
• Collaborate with local school districts and community organizations for the admission and transfer process documentation for both high school and adult learners, including Running Start students.
• Work with the High School Records Specialist and Enrollment Services to determine eligibility and complete admissions requirements for all incoming students.
• Meet with prospective high school and adult students to guide them through the registration and onboarding process.
• Review and evaluate prior transcripts or equivalent credentials to assess high school diploma completion, transfer credits, and career program placement for both youth and adults.
• Provide quarterly and ongoing intrusive advice to support student success in high school diploma completion, career training programs, and other educational goals.
• Advise both THS and adult students on individualized educational plans, potential career pathways, and program completion timelines.
• Use the Academic Advisement Requirements (AAR) platform in ctcLink to create pathways for students to complete credentials in a timely manner.
• Communicate with parents or guardians of underage students regarding academic progress, support needs, and goal setting, while ensuring appropriate FERPA practices are followed.

Student Services

• Provide holistic support services to both Technical High School and adult students to promote retention, academic success, and goal completion.
• Assist students in accessing campus and community resources, including housing, transportation, mental health services, and food assistance.
• Support students in understanding financial aid, scholarships, and emergency funding opportunities.
• Maintain regular communication with students to monitor academic progress, address barriers to success, and encourage persistence through graduation or program completion.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure students receive timely interventions and appropriate accommodation.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to refer students to tutoring, career services, advising, and personal support resources.
• Conduct check-ins and follow-up meetings to ensure both high school and adult learners stay on track with academic and career goals.
• Provide culturally responsive and inclusive support to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Non-Essential / Other Functions

• Participate in professional development activities to remain current on best practices in student advising and support services for both high school and adult learners.
• Assist in college-wide events such as orientations, open houses, and career fairs.
• Serve on internal committees or workgroups assigned to support institutional goals.
• Support data collection and reporting efforts related to student engagement, retention, and success.
• Contribute to program development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide translation or language support services when applicable.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall mission
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Required Education- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or related flied from an accredited college or university
• Required Experience - Experience advising students in vocational programs

Allowable Substitution
If necessary, alternative combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by Human Resources for comparability.
Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, social work, psychology or related discipline
• Experience working with high school students
• Five (5) years' experience counseling students at high school or public two-year institutions of higher education

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in its programs and activities in accordance with college policy, and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. Bates publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Disability Support Services Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Inquiries regarding Bates' non-discriminatory policies, including Title IX and ADA, should be directed to: For student matters, the Dean of Student Services at View phone number on click.appcast.io, Downtown Campus A211. For employee matters, the Executive Director of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io, Downtown Campus A326.
Available Benefits to Eligible Employees

As a higher education employee, you and your qualified family members are eligible for a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement, long-term disability, as well as other optional benefits.

Medical/Dental Plans

Employees pay a portion of their medical care cost through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and coverage for eligible dependents.
Bates provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:

• Uniform Dental Plan - Preferred Provider Organization
• DeltaCare - Managed Care Plan
• Willamette Dental - Managed Care Plan

Bates provides vision coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:

• Davis Vision by MetLife
• EyeMed
• MetLife Vision

Retirement Plans
Faculty and Exempt Positions
Faculty have to choose between either the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), also known as TIAA or Plan 3 of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS). Click to compare the two plans.

Exempt have to choose between either the SBRP or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.

SBRP (TIAA) is a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:

• Employee Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary
• Employer Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary

TRS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:

• Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
• Employer Contribution: 9.53 of gross salary

PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:

• Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
• Employer Contribution: 9.03% of gross salary

Classified Positions
Classified employees have to choose between either the Plan 2 or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.

PERS Plan 2 is a defined benefits plan with the following contribution rates:

• Employee Contribution: 6.36% of gross salary
• Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salary

PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:

• Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
• Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salary

Employee and employer contributions to applicable retirement plans are mandatory. The amount of the deduction and contribution are dependent upon the retirement plan chosen and may vary by current contribution rates in effect.
Bates provides $35,000 basic life insurance for death from any cause and $5,000 basic accidental death and dismemberment at no cost to the employee. Employees can enroll in additional low cost life insurance for themselves and dependents.
Bates provides a basic LTD insurance plan at no cost to employees. The basic plan pays a maximum of
$240 per month after 90 days of total disability. The optional LTD plan pays 60% of the first $10,000 of monthly salary, reduced by any deductible income such as social security or retirement benefits.
Employee cost is dependent upon benefit waiting period chosen.

Other Optional Benefits
Leaves and Holidays
Vacation
Eligible exempt and classified employees accrue annual leave at rates determined by their employee status, ranging from 7 to 16 hours per month when eligible.

Sick Leave
Eligible classified, faculty, and exempt staff accrue sick leave monthly. Employees represented by a bargaining unit should refer to their negotiated agreement for sick leave rules and accrual rates.

Holidays
Bates observes the following holidays/non-work days:
Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth

Personal Leave/Family Leave
In addition to vacation and sick leave, eligible employees receive personal and family leave each fiscal year at rates determined by their employee status

Please Note: All information above is subject to change based on, but not limited to, employment status, legislative mandates, or College policy changes
01


Do you have the minimum qualifications for this position? (BA and other relevant experience)

• Yes
• No

02


If you have any preferred qualifications, please list them here, and briefly explain how they are relevant. If none, type N/A
Required Question