School Counselor - Adult Education

Stratford Public Schools seeks a knowledgeable and dedicated Adult & Continuing Education School Counselor to support students enrolled in all state-mandated adult education programs, including High School Completion, GED, NEDP, and American Citizenship. The School Counselor will provide academic, career, and personal counseling to assist adult learners in achieving their educational and professional goals. The ideal candidate will:

• Guide students through educational planning and career exploration.
• Provide support for personal and social challenges that may impact student success.
• Collaborate with staff to maintain accurate records and ensure that students meet state and district graduation requirements.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for a diverse adult learner population.

Reports To: Director of Career & Community Learning

Duties and Responsibilities

I. Counseling and Student Engagement

• Provide guidance to assist students in resolving personal, social, and emotional concerns that may impact academic success.
• Encourage student persistence, engagement, and goal-setting to promote program completion.
• Support students in developing skills for managing responsibilities as adult learners.

II. Testing and Student Appraisal

• Use assessment data to help students understand their abilities, achievements, interests, and learning needs.
• Administer and interpret placement tests and evaluations to inform course selection and program planning.

III. Referral Functions

• Identify students with personal, academic, or developmental needs and plan appropriate support interventions.
• Refer students to external social services or community agencies as needed.
• Collaborate with community organizations to provide wraparound support for adult learners.

IV. Educational Planning and Placement

• Meet individually with all new students during the registration process.
• Accurately evaluate transcripts for all new students.
• Guide Credit Diploma Program students in selecting appropriate courses and creating long‑term study plans.
• Utilize digital teaching platforms and online resources to help students meet graduation requirements.
• Assist students in understanding the training, skills, and credentials necessary to achieve their career and educational goals.

V. Career Planning and Placement

• Provide career counseling and assist students in exploring postsecondary and workforce opportunities.
• Advise students on higher education options, including college admission requirements and financial aid resources.
• Support students in connecting their academic progress to future career pathways.

VI. Recordkeeping and Data Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date academic and counseling records in Power School, including:
  • Creating courses
  • Enrolling/disenrolling students
  • Inputting historical grades
• Supervise the preparation and acquisition of student transcripts.
• Regularly review and update student progress reports and report cards for accuracy.
• Maintain files with essential records related to class status, promotion, and graduation requirements.
• Conduct follow‑up with program graduates to track outcomes and program effectiveness.

VII. Consultation and Collaboration

• Consult with teachers and program staff regarding student academic progress and personal needs.
• Communicate and interpret student progress to learners and, as appropriate, to their instructors.
• Collaborate on interventions to support student success and retention.

VIII. Professional Development and Program Support

• Participate in professional development sessions and program evaluation planning.
• Assist in program growth by contributing to curriculum and resource development.
• Stay current with best practices in adult and continuing education counseling.

IX. Additional Duties

• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Director of Career & Community Learning to support the Adult & Continuing Education program.

Minimum Qualifications

• State of Connecticut School Counselor Certification required.
• Experience working with adult learners or nontraditional student populations preferred.
• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred to effectively serve a diverse student population.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Power School and digital learning platforms.

Typical Work Schedule

• Monday through Thursday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• 32 weeks, mid‑August through the end of May

Salary

This is an hourly position.