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 strategies
Workplace 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