Part-Time High School Equivalency Advisor (Academic Counselor)

Job Description

POSITION: Part-Time High School Equivalency Advisor (Academic Counselor): Center for Adult Education; Lawrence Campus (45 Franklin Street); MCCC/MTA Unit PT Professional Position; up to 16 hours per week. This position is grant-funded and is contingent upon the availability of funding. Continuation of the position is dependent on ongoing grant support and may be subject to termination if funding is reduced or discontinued.

SUMMARY: The Advisor for the High School Equivalency (HSE) Program provides academic counseling to adult learners pursuing a High School Equivalency credential. The Counselor supports students from intake through credential attainment and transition to postsecondary education, training, or employment. This position requires the application of counseling theory, independent professional judgment, and equity-minded practice to support student persistence, completion, and advancement. The Counselor collaborates with instructional staff, college departments, and community partners.

SCHEDULE: Monday through Thursday, 4:00pm - 8:00pm

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide individual and group academic counseling to HSE students to support educational and career goal clarification.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update Individualized Education and Career Plans (IECPs) for all HSE students.
• Work with students to assess their needs, identify barriers and appropriate interventions.
• Monitor student academic progress, attendance, and engagement; conduct proactive outreach and case management to promote persistence and credential completion.
• Collaborate with HSE instructors and support staff to align counseling strategies with instructional progress while maintaining confidentiality.
• Administer, interpret, and utilize assessments (e.g., MAPT) and HiSET practice tests to inform counseling and academic planning.
• Guide students through HSE testing registration, preparation, accommodations, and post-testing planning.
• Plan and facilitate workshops and group sessions focused on academic success strategies, study skills, testing readiness, and transition to college or training.
• Serve as a cultural navigator for adult learners, supporting understanding of academic systems and pathways beyond HSE completion.
• Coordinate referrals to appropriate campus and community resources to address academic, personal, and career-related needs.
• Support student retention, re-engagement, and completion initiatives through targeted counseling outreach.
• Support HSE student intake, orientation, placement, and onboarding.
• Maintain confidential counseling records, case notes, and documentation in compliance with institutional, state, and grant requirements.
• Participate in meetings, program planning, assessment activities, and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• The Classification Specification is available at: https://www.mass.edu/shared/classificationspecs/specsmccc/Academic Counselor - HB 1051.doc

Job Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all required qualifications must be met by date of hire.

• Master's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, or closely related field; with three (3) years' experience and/or training involving college admissions, academic advisement, career development, or program/project management; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to provide professional academic counseling using counseling theory and student development principles
• Experience supporting adult learners, first-generation students, and immigrant populations
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and case management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and student information and data systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in adult education, HSE or ESOL program.
• Experience working with DESE-funded programs and data systems such as LACES
• Bilingual (Spanish and English)

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as noted above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience has prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Candidates will be required to pass a CORI and SORI check as a condition of employment.

Additional Information:

SALARY: $36.55/hour, Non-benefited position. This position is eligible for all purpose paid leave hours in accordance with the MCCC CBA.

ANTICIPATED START DATE: ASAP

To apply, click HERE