Specialist,Adult Education & Literacy Advocate/Orientation (Columbia) Job Columbia area,Missouri USA,Education / Teaching

Job Title

AEL Advocate/Orientation Specialist

Job Description

This full-time, 48-week hourly position supports Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) programming and is covered by the Public-School Retirement System of Missouri (PSRS). The position plays a key role in working collaboratively with community partners and the college to connect adult education students with services that support employment, post-secondary education, and workforce training opportunities. Additional responsibilities include conducting new student orientations, assessing students using the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), recruiting new students, assisting learners in overcoming personal barriers to academic success, and maintaining follow-up contact with students who do not meet attendance requirements to encourage persistence and re-engagement.

The person in this position will contribute to a supportive, student-centered learning environment and help ensure that adult learners have access to the resources needed to achieve their educational and career goals.

Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and the ability to obtain State of Missouri Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) certification, including fingerprinting through MACHS. Candidates must be detail-oriented and demonstrate proficiency in using Word and Excel, with experience in Microsoft Office 365 considered a strong plus. Successful applicants will have experience working effectively with diverse populations and an understanding of the unique needs of adult learners.

The role requires the ability to build and maintain positive community partnerships, along with strong organizational, problem-solving, and oral and written communication skills. Experience supporting adults in lifelong learning, including helping learners overcome personal barriers to academic success, is highly desired.

Job Responsibilities

The full-time AEL Advocate/Orientation Specialist shall:

Administer TABE pre- and post-tests in compliance with test-developer and State AEL requirements; maintain TABE administration certification.

Coordinate post-testing with instructors and provide timely test results to site staff.

Conduct academic conference with new students.

Update all required paperwork and spreadsheets accurately and within established timelines.

Support students experiencing non-academic barriers that impact attendance or persistence.

Build and sustain partnerships with local Job Centers, Workforce Development Boards, employers, and community organizations.

Promote student recruitment and community engagement through participation in job fairs and public events.

Assist college- and career-ready students with admissions, scholarships, and FAFSA processes while helping them develop post-secondary action plans, address barriers, and access needed support services.

Participate in required professional development activities to maintain certification.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the AEL Program, the Dean of Workforce Development and Technical Education or as designated by the President.

Specialist, Adult Education & Literacy Advocate​/Orientation (Columbia)

Specialist, Adult Education & Literacy Advocate/Orientation (Columbia)