Organizational Overview

 The mission of Onward We Learn is to prepare and inspire young people in Rhode Island to become the first in their families to attend and complete college. From the time they join through their early years of college, participants experience the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults and participate in programs that focus on academic enrichment, personal development, career exploration, and college preparation.  

 Onward We Learn encourages people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); those who are the first in their family to attend college; LGBTQIA+ community.  

Purpose of the Position

 The Middle School Advisor (MS Advisor) works with an assigned caseload of Onward middle school students (grades 6-8) participating in Onward We Learn, attending public or charter school in one of the six under-resourced communities served by the organization. The MS Advisor provides direct services to middle school students on matters dealing with academics, high school preparation, career awareness, and social/emotional issues, links students to existing support systems, and supports our admissions efforts. 

 Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter stating how your unique background and/or experiences connect to the mission, vision, and values of this organization. We are looking for a thoughtful, personalized cover letter that demonstrates your qualifications, work style, and interest in this specific role.  

Major Responsibilities

 Partnership Management 

• At assigned school(s) build and maintain relationships with students, families, school personnel, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance service performance 
• Build a strong partnership with assigned school staff including principals and other key decision makers to ensure alignment between college awareness priorities and Onward We Learn services and programs 
• Maintain a strong presence in your assigned school(s) and continually cultivate key relationships to leverage community resources in support of the program 
• Exchanges information with, school counselors, student, and parents regarding program challenges, failures, and successes of participants 

Service Delivery  

• Design and implement programs and strategies that help to encourage student participation in Onward We Learn program and services 
• Assist with the planning and implementation of all activities related to high school transition 
• Provide Onward we learn students with assistance in the areas of academic achievement, school success (attendance, behavior, personal, and social issues), and life skills that impact school performance and college access, readiness, enrollment, and success  
• Support and assist with all academic, cultural, and parent-focused student program activities, including after-school, school vacation breaks, and Saturday activities 

Caseload and Data Management 

• Use best practices grounded in youth development and social-emotional development to build trusting relationships with Onward We Learn students 
• Maintain accurate data, records, and files to track the activities, achievements, participation, attendance progress, and status of individual students 
• Oversee the implementation of Onward We Learn services and programs, including the design and creation of student programs and workshops, support systems, routines, and interventions in partnership with school administration 
• Assist in data collection and evaluation aimed at grant compliance and long-term sustainability of the program 

Support Recruitment and Admissions Efforts 

• Facilitate communications between admissions staff and relevant school personnel regarding the Onward We Learn admissions processes 
• Promote Onward We Learn and its program offerings and benefits to prospective candidates for admission 
• Participate in admissions-focused events including application support sessions, informational nights, new family/student orientations, and others 
• As needed, act as a liaison with students and families to ensure that application requirements are met, and relevant documents are submitted 

Position Qualification and Competencies

Essential KSOC’s (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics)

•  Knowledge of public, charter, and/or private education systems, community resources, and higher education preferred 
• High energy level, attention to detail, strong time management skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, strong interpersonal skills, innovative mindset, and team player a must 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Access) and able to learn and effectively use the latest software and technology systems employed by Onward We Learn 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, human services or related field.
• 2-3 years’ experience in direct services to adolescents.
• Bilingual a plus (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verde, Hmong, Cambodian.)

Other Requirements

• Schedule: Must be willing to maintain a flexible schedule, including some weekend and evening hours.
• Transportation: Must have own reliable transportation, valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
•  Bilingual a plus (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verde, Hmong, Cambodian.)  

Total Rewards and Benefits 

Onward We Learn offers a comprehensive benefits package that helps our employees live their best lives and grow personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, generous paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a 403(b)retirement plan with organizational match.  

Onward We Learn, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.