What are the responsibilities and job description for the FT ABE Education and Career Advisor position at Somerville Public Schools?
Position Summary
The Education and Career Advisor will report to the Director of Continuing Education and will advise adult learners enrolled in SCALE programming. The ECA will maintain a caseload of students; advises and supports students in the formulation of education and career goals and transition plans; attainment of a high school credential, development of digital skills, enrollment in postsecondary education, identification of postsecondary education and work readiness skills education, and preparation for the workforce.
The Education and Career Advisor (ECA) plays a crucial role in empowering adult learners to achieve their educational and career aspirations. The ECA provides comprehensive advising, from initial intake and goal setting to college/career transition planning, supporting adult students as they work toward completing high school credentials, building digital skills, enrolled in postsecondary education, and successfully entering the workforce.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position
Student Advising & Caseload Management
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance
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The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
The Education and Career Advisor will report to the Director of Continuing Education and will advise adult learners enrolled in SCALE programming. The ECA will maintain a caseload of students; advises and supports students in the formulation of education and career goals and transition plans; attainment of a high school credential, development of digital skills, enrollment in postsecondary education, identification of postsecondary education and work readiness skills education, and preparation for the workforce.
The Education and Career Advisor (ECA) plays a crucial role in empowering adult learners to achieve their educational and career aspirations. The ECA provides comprehensive advising, from initial intake and goal setting to college/career transition planning, supporting adult students as they work toward completing high school credentials, building digital skills, enrolled in postsecondary education, and successfully entering the workforce.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position
Student Advising & Caseload Management
- Maintain an assigned caseload of adult learners, advising them on educational goals, career pathways, and workforce preparation.
- Conduct student intake, assessment, orientation, and placement to ensure appropriate class enrollment and retention.
- Assist students in formulating individualized education and career transition plans.
- Monitor student progress, attendance, and persistence; address academic and non-academic barriers.
- Facilitate workshops sessions covering job readiness, career exploration, resume/interview prep, and college/training program applications.
- Connect students with digital skills tools, career development databases, and workforce resources.
- Organize informational presentations with guest speakers, employer partners, and higher education institutions on career pathways, immigration, rights/safety, and community resources.
- Supervise and maintain up-to-date information regarding college transition programs, vocational training, internships, and job opportunities.
- Serve as a liaison between learners, instructional staff, program administrators, and external community partners.
- Make targeted referrals for supportive services (e.g., housing, mental health, economic support) to remove barriers to student learning.
- Maintain accurate student records and support data tracking compliance (e.g., DESE/LACES systems).
- Participate in department meetings, curriculum planning projects, and required professional development (e.g., SABES New Staff Orientation).
- Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Social Work, or a related field (Master’s degree or ABE/Counseling certification preferred).
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in adult education, guidance counseling, career advising, or community outreach. Experience working with diverse adult populations and youth/young adults (ages 16–21) preferred.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Bilingual fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish is strongly preferred.
- Competency with MS Office, Google Workspace, remote learning tools, and career search databases; familiarity with MAPT assessment is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to educational equity, trauma-informed practices, and supporting diverse learner populations.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
- Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
- 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.
- Position Reports to: The Director of Continuing Education
- Position Type: Full Time
- FLSA Classification: Exempt
- Union Status: SEU, Unit D
- Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit D collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.
MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance
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The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.