Education and Career Counselor

Job Title: Education and Career Counselor 

Location: Virginia Community Center, Alexandria, VA 22312

Reports To: Program Director

Employment Type: Full-Time, In-Person

About Women for Afghan Women (WAW)

Women for Afghan Women (WAW) is a grassroots, civil society organization dedicated to securing and protecting the rights of disenfranchised Afghan women and girls in Afghanistan and the United States, particularly their rights to develop their individual potential, to self-determination, and to be represented in all areas of life: political, social, cultural, and economic. WAW advocates for women’s rights and challenges the norms that underpin gender-based violence wherever opportunities arise to influence attitudes and bring about change. 

Position Summary:

The Education and Career Counselor will collaborate with the RCP Job Placement Coordinator to design and facilitate workshops, trainings, and other learning opportunities that strengthen clients’ workforce readiness. In addition to supporting established programming, this role leaves room for creative development of new and innovative educational initiatives tailored to the evolving needs of our community members. The Counselor will also assist with in-house ESL classes, including enrollment, testing, tracking student progress, and helping participants transition from English learning to job training or employment pathways, with the flexibility to pilot new approaches and integrate emerging best practices to enhance language and career readiness outcomes.

This role also oversees the Youth Leadership Program by developing curricula, supporting the Youth Program Facilitator, and ensuring program deliverables are met, with opportunities to reimagine youth engagement and introduce fresh, community-centered initiatives that promote leadership and personal growth. Additionally, the Education and Career Counselor will build partnerships with local organizations, schools, and workforce development centers to expand access to adult education, GED, ESL, and certification programs, while also guiding clients through higher education exploration, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. This includes space for creative partnership-building and the exploration of new resource pathways that broaden educational opportunities for clients.

Finally, the Education and Career Counselor will work closely with the Mental Health Counselor to plan and develop Monthly Women’s Circles—safe, confidential support groups focused on topics relevant to clients’ lived experiences, including domestic violence and women’s rights. This collaboration allows for introducing new topics, formats, and culturally responsive activities that foster healing, empowerment, and community connection.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply a trauma-informed, client-centered, culturally competent, and strengths-based approach to all client interactions.
• Coordinate with internal teams and community partners to promote participant well-being and success.
• Support community outreach, special projects, and administrative tasks as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and track client participation and progress.
• Build partnerships with local organizations to expand WAW’s adult empowerment and education programs.
• Oversee the Youth Leadership Program by developing curricula, supporting the Program Facilitator, and managing participant enrollment and registration.

Career and Education Counseling

• Provide one-on-one career and education counseling, including job search support, resume and interview preparation, and access to training, scholarships, and higher education opportunities.
• Develop individualized career plans in collaboration with clients and program staff.
• Share up-to-date information on employment, education, and professional development opportunities.

Workshop & ESL Support

• Support the development and facilitation of workshops on topics such as digital literacy, financial literacy, workplace orientation, and college readiness.
• Assist with participant assessments, data collection, and program evaluation.
• Support ESL programming, including student enrollment, orientation, and classroom engagement.
• Conduct outreach, recruitment, and regular participant check-ins.

Women’s Circle

• Develop and plan the monthly Women’s Circle sessions with the Mental Health Coordinator.
• Manage program logistics, communication, outreach, and documentation.
• Organize field trips, guest speakers, and engagement activities in a safe, empowering environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Counseling, or related field.
• Experience in career or college counseling, workforce development, adult education, or ESL programming.
• Passion and experience working with immigrant and refugee communities.
• Strong knowledge of employment and education resources and workforce development strategies.
• Experience supporting clients with college, financial aid, and scholarship applications.
• Proven ability to design and deliver workshops, trainings, and lesson plans.
• Skilled in fostering a safe, respectful, and professional environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Technologically proficient; experience with Excel, Google Workspace, Bonterra Apricot, and/or BestPlus a plus.
• Dari and/or Pashto language skills strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of ORR-funded programs and compliance standards preferred.
• Experience with program planning, monitoring, and evaluation preferred.

Compensation:

Salary: $60,000 annually. Women for Afghan Women offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary, as well as health and vacation benefits. 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and relevant experience via email to gerald@womenforafghanwomen.org. Please be sure to type ‘Career and Education Coordinator – [your last name]’ in the subject line of the email. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Women for Afghan Women is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, 

gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, socioeconomic status, marital or veteran status, pregnancy status or sexual orientation.