Adult Education Success Specialist

Position is for 0.7 FTE (190 days). Salary will be prorated based off of 0.7 FTE.

Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Adult Education and in alignment with grant and program expectations, the Adult Education Success Specialist plays a dual role by coordinating state-required assessments and providing professional, wraparound student support services. The Success Specialist helps students navigate both academic challenges and non-academic barriers—serving as a consistent and trusted point of contact from enrollment through completion.

This role integrates assessment coordination with holistic support using a student-centered approach, addressing barriers such as housing, mental health, transportation, and childcare. The ideal candidate is highly organized, deeply committed to student success, and confident navigating data systems, community resources, and Michigan adult education requirements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Student Support and Barrier Removal

• Serve as a professional support specialist to identify and address non-academic barriers to student success, using professional expertise.
• Provide direct resource navigation and warm referrals to external agencies for mental health, housing, transportation, childcare, and other student needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based services and partner organizations to enhance wraparound programming.
• Participate in case review meetings and collaborate with staff and instructors on student success planning.

Recruitment, Orientation, and Retention

• Coordinate and lead student orientation and onboarding, creating a welcoming and trauma-informed entry point to the program.
• Assist with student recruitment efforts by representing the program at outreach events and responding to inquiries.
• Conduct regular student check-ins to promote retention, offer support, and foster engagement.
• Maintain a consistent and visible presence in classrooms (in-person and virtual) to assess needs and support instruction.

Assessment and Testing

• Coordinate, administer, and track all required state assessments (including pre-, post-, and progress testing) per adult education regulations.
• Act as the lead contact for all test ordering, HiSET test center coordination, and on-site proctoring, ensuring compliance with state and testing agency protocols.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry in MAERS and other program databases.
• Support instructors with assessment planning and troubleshoot issues that may impact student readiness.
• Monitor student testing benchmarks and follow up with those at risk of stopping out.

Communication and Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison for communication with students at key program phases (onboarding, testing, postsecondary transition, etc).
• Actively participate in staff meetings, case reviews, and professional development.
• Collaborate with the Adult Ed team on marketing, social media, and storytelling efforts that celebrate student success.

Administrative and Reporting

• Maintain confidential documentation, including assessment records, testing logs, progress notes, and case documentation.
• Complete administrative duties such as phone outreach, scanning, data entry, and general clerical support.
• Provide backup coverage for administrative roles, including reception and basic office support.

QUALIFICATIONS Required

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) in the State of Michigan.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work with relevant and related work experience.
• Passion for supporting adult learners toward their goals.

Preferred

• Experience working in adult education, K–12, community mental health, or related human services environments.
• Established relationships with human services networks in the region.
• Personal connection to adult education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to support students from diverse and high-barrier backgrounds with compassion and confidentiality.
• Familiarity with (or willingness to learn) adult education data systems such as MAERS.
• Ability to work independently, think critically, and…