Adult Education Guidance Specialist

Competitive annual salary  $55K!

• Premium medical, dental & vision benefits


• 75% employer paid medical premiums 


• Retirement savings 403(b) plan with up to 6% employer match


• Life Insurance, short- & long-term disability benefits


• Employee assistance and wellness programs


• 34 Paid days off 1st year!


• Agency-Paid Professional development and CEUs

JOB SUMMARY: The Adult Education Guidance Specialist provides comprehensive academic advising, career guidance, and student support services to adult students enrolled in HSE programs. This position supports students in navigating educational pathways, overcoming barriers to success, and achieving their HSE and postsecondary or workforce goals in alignment with Oklahoma Adult Education and Family Literacy standards and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Intake, Assessment, and Planning
• Conduct intake, orientation, and assessment services, including basic skills and career readiness evaluations.
• Place students in the most appropriate educational setting based on assessment results and goals.
• Develop and maintain personalized learning plans (ILPs) aligned with student goals and instructional needs.
• Assist students in setting short-term and long-term educational and career goals.

Academic and Career Guidance
• Provide individualized academic advising and career guidance to students pursuing HSE certification.
• Deliver group and individual guidance sessions focused on study skills, test preparation, goal setting, and academic success strategies.
• Support students in preparing for HSE exams (GED®, HiSET®, or other applicable assessments).
• Work with students one-on-one and in groups to monitor progress and adjust learning plans as needed.

Student Support and Retention
• Monitor student progress, attendance, and performance data to identify needs and provide targeted support.
• Maintain regular touchpoints with students to encourage persistence and engagement.
• Utilize best practices for student engagement, including structured support, individualized approaches, and motivational strategies.
• Implement trauma-informed care practices to support student success and persistence.

Resource Connection and Wraparound Support
• Connect students to community resources such as childcare, transportation, housing, employment, and other support services.
• Connect students with appropriate programs for scholarship, grant, and funding opportunities, and assist with FAFSA and other financial aid applications.
• Support students in navigating funding barriers and identifying appropriate community resources.

Partnerships and Collaboration
• Collaborate with instructors, program staff, educational partners, and community organizations to support student success.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partners to expand educational and career pathway opportunities for students.
• Coordinate with partners to support student transitions to postsecondary education, workforce training, or employment.
• Assist with outreach, recruitment, and orientation activities to increase student enrollment and program awareness.

Data Management and Compliance
• Maintain accurate and timely student records, including assessment results, test scores, schedules, applications, education history, attendance, and progress.
• Record and manage student data in required systems.
• Ensure compliance with Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (ODCTE) Adult Education guidelines and federal reporting requirements.
• Share student data, progress updates, and behavioral trends with appropriate partner programs to support coordinated services, compliance requirements, and improved student outcomes.

Program Support and Operations
• Provide instructional support by assisting with curriculum alignment and pacing, and serving as a substitute facilitator during teacher absences to ensure continuity of student learning.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and program improvement initiatives.
• Perform administrative and programmatic tasks to support student services and program outcomes.
• Utilize appropriate technology and systems to support student engagement, tracking, and service delivery.

Key Areas of Focus
• Student onboarding, placement, and individualized learning planning
• Academic advising and High School Equivalency (HSE) attainment
• Career readiness and postsecondary transition support
• Student engagement, retention, and barrier reduction
• Data-driven student tracking and program accountability
• Resource connection
• Collaboration with instructors, staff, and community partners
• Instructional support and program continuity
• Student outcome improvement and pathway progression

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Education or,

Bachelor's degree in related field with a valid Oklahoma Teaching Certification or ability to obtain independently prior to start of employment. 

EXPERIENCE:
• Experience providing career guidance or counseling preferred. 
• Teacher certification preferred.
• Education experience required.

PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES:
• Communication
• Decision Making
• Engagement
• Initiative and Accountability
• Interpersonal
• Learning
• Organizational Alignment
• Quality of Work

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing priorities, unexpected situations, and new challenges while remaining productive and effective.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with clients, families, caregivers, colleagues, and community partners.
• Initiative: The ability to work independently with limited supervision and produce results in a timely, accurate and meaningful manner.
• Cooperation: The ability to work effectively with others is important for successful multidisciplinary teamwork. This includes the ability to work cooperatively, to contribute positively to group dynamics, and to share knowledge and resources.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to solve complex problems and make informed decisions by objectively assessing information, evaluating available resources, considering multiple perspectives, and applying sound judgment.
• Multitasking: The ability to efficiently and effectively manage multiple tasks, projects, and responsibilities concurrently. This includes juggling multiple demands simultaneously and being skilled at adapting to changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
•Autonomy: Having the self-discipline to initiate and prioritize work, remain self-motivated, manage time independently, and ensure effectively client care delivery with minimal direct oversight.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:
•Pearson VUE Proctor Certification Required within 60 days or Certified Teacher
•Must possess a valid Driver License and satisfactory driving record to use agency and/or personal automobile to travel to locations other than primary office.

OTHER INFORMATION

SAFETY SENSITIVE JOB CLASSIFICATION:
This job is classified as a “safety-sensitive” position as defined by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act. Due to the “safety-sensitive” classification, an employee in this position would be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana per the Family & Children’s Services Drug Free Workplace Policy, including possible revocation of a job offer or dismissal from employment.