Career Navigator

Sylvania; Stratford (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania in Stratford seeks a Career Navigator to support adult learners in career exploration and educational planning. This role is pivotal for helping students prepare for employment, training, and further education while nurturing local partnerships to enhance career pathways.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, experience with diverse populations, and a relevant Bachelor's degree. Responsibilities include guiding students in their career goals and connecting them with valuable community resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Human Services, Workforce Development, Social Work, Business, or related field.
• Experience working with adult learners or diverse populations.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in developing individualized education and career plans.
• Provide information regarding local employment opportunities and training.
• Connect students with resources addressing barriers to educational success.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Relationship-building

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, or related field

Job description

Continuing Education Career Navigator

Position Summary

The Career Navigator supports adult learners enrolled in Stratford Continuing Education by providing career exploration, educational planning, workforce navigation, and transition services. Working collaboratively with the Director of Career & Community Learning, instructors, counselors, and community partners, the Career Navigator assists students in identifying career goals, accessing postsecondary education and workforce opportunities, and connecting with community resources that support educational persistence and employment success.

Because Stratford Continuing Education serves a relatively small adult learner population, the Career Navigator focuses on providing individualized support to students preparing to transition into employment, training programs, postsecondary education, apprenticeships, or career advancement while helping strengthen the district's Career Pathways efforts. The position also assists with building local partnerships that expand opportunities for adult learners.

Reports to: Director of Career & Community Learning

Primary Responsibilities

Student Career and Educational Planning

• Meet with new and returning students to discuss educational and career goals.
• Assist students in developing individualized education and career plans.
• Help students identify career interests, transferable skills, and employment opportunities.
• Provide guidance regarding GED completion, High School Completion (CDP), ESL transitions, Citizenship, and postsecondary education.
• Monitor student progress and provide follow-up support as needed.

Workforce and Postsecondary Navigation

• Provide information regarding local employment opportunities, workforce training, apprenticeships, certificate programs, and college options.
• Assist students with applications for employment, community college, technical education, financial aid, and workforce development programs.
• Coordinate referrals to local workforce agencies and community organizations.

Student Support and Resource Coordination

• Connect students with community resources that address barriers to educational success, including transportation, childcare, housing, food assistance, technology access, and other support services.
• Collaborate with counselors, instructors, and community agencies to ensure students receive appropriate support services.

Career Readiness

Coordinate or provide workshops and individual assistance in areas such as:

• Resume development
• Interview preparation
• Job search strategiesWorkplace communication
• Digital literacy
• Financial literacy
• Career exploration
• Postsecondary planning

Community and Employer Partnerships

• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers, community organizations, workforce agencies, and higher education institutions.
• Identify opportunities for guest speakers, career fairs, workforce presentations, and informational workshops.
• Support development of Stratford Continuing Education Career Pathways initiatives through collaboration with community partners.

Program Support

• Maintain accurate records of student career plans, referrals, and transition outcomes.
• Assist with collecting data related to student persistence, credential attainment, employment, and postsecondary transitions.
• Support grant reporting and Career Pathways initiatives as assigned.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development related to adult education and workforce development.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Human Services, Workforce Development, Social Work, Business, or a related field.
• Experience working with adult learners or diverse populations.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with community organizations and employers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technology applications.

Preferred

• Experience in adult education, career counseling, workforce development, or case management.
• Familiarity with Connecticut Adult Education programs and Career Pathways initiatives.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Desired Skills

The successful candidate demonstrates:

• Strong relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of career and workforce resources
• Ability to motivate and support adult learners
• Cultural responsiveness
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a part-time setting while collaborating effectively with district staff and community partners

Performance Indicators

Success in this position will be demonstrated through:

• Increased student persistence and program completion
• Successful transitions to employment, training, or postsecondary education
• Growth in community and employer partnerships
• Student participation in career readiness activities
• Accurate documentation of student outcomes and referrals
• Positive student feedback and engagement