Adult Education Career Coach (part-time)

Title: Adult Education Career Coach (part-time)

Agency: New River Community College

Location: Pulaski - 155

FLSA: Nonexempt

Hiring Range: $22.20 per hour

Full Time or Part Time: Part Time

Additional Detail

Job Description:

New River Community College is a two-year state institution of higher education operating under a state-wide system of 23 community colleges. The college is in Virginia's New River Valley, which is also home to two public universities, and which has earned widespread recognition for the quality of life offered to residents. The Dublin campus and Christiansburg site provide modern, well-equipped facilities for the college's career and technical education programs as well as for the college transfer programs. Approximately 4,000 students comprise the student body.

The people employed by New River Community College embrace the philosophy that all individuals should have an opportunity to develop and extend their skills and knowledge to increase awareness of their roles and duties as citizens. The college serves the educational needs of the public and assumes a duty to help provide the requirements for trained workers in the region through a combined effort with local industry, business, professions, and government. The college promotes equal opportunity for prospective students and employees.

Duties:


New River Community College is seeking a student-focused, connection-building, and compassionate problem solver to join the team as the Adult Education Career Coach. This position works closely with potential and currently enrolled GED adult education students to identify career pathways in academic and workforce programs that match their interests and skills. The career coach serves as a resource to assist individuals in overcoming non-academic barriers that may affect their ability to complete their educational goals successfully. The Adult Education Career Coach will work with the GED student population that reflects the diversity of Virginia, with more than 40 percent of current students coming from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Knowledge and understanding of the specific needs of underserved populations and a commitment to helping these individuals attain GED educational success is the critical responsibility for this role. The work of an Adult Education Career Coach is proactive and designed to assist the student in the completion of a credential or degree. This includes communicating regularly with prospective GED students, maintaining records of outreach and other interactions, and making connections to available college and community support services. The Adult Education Career Coach will utilize a variety of technology solutions in addition to in-person interactions to connect with prospective students. The ability to utilize and learn new technology and the willingness to work in different environments is essential. The successful candidate must be caring, organized, communicative, and flexible.
Responsibilities:

• Assist prospective students from the point of inquiry to credential completion
• Assist with the adult education application process
• Discuss career and educational goals and available pathways with prospective students, including traditional academic degree programs, transfer programs, and short-term workforce credential opportunities, including G3 and Fast Forward programs
• Following GED completion, connect prospective students to financial aid resources through the FAFSA and/or FANTIC application and to scholarship opportunities through the college's foundation
• Assist prospective students with developing and documenting academic and career plans
• Support students through their academic and/or workforce-credentialing journey
• Orient prospective students to resources available through the college (food pantry, transportation, etc.)
• Provide proactive academic advising and career counseling
• Guide prospective students to tutoring and other academic support as needed
• Assist prospective students with barriers that may affect GED success/retention
• Utilize technology and other resources to connect with prospective students
• Document interactions with students through case management systems
• Assist students in learning to utilize important registration and advising technology
• Contribute to the success of the student services team
• Accurately account for all inquiries and admissions activity
• Ensure that all necessary documents and forms are completed accurately and promptly
• Keep all required reports current and accurate
• Work collaboratively with college staff in support of student success
• Attend all required department meetings and training sessions
• Work occasional evening hours

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge in a related field such as counseling, human services, social services, or adult education preferred.
• Knowledge of barriers to educational success and a desire to help others reach their educational goals.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of career exploration programs and experience providing personalized advice on career and postsecondary options.
• Strong interpersonal skills to help engage, provide support to, and motivate prospective students.
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to follow up effectively.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficiency in the use of technology, such as Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Desire to learn and grow as professional needs arise.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience in a higher education setting or counseling or academic coaching.
• Work experience assessing the skills, needs, and interests of adult learners.
• Knowledge of available financial aid and scholarship information.