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

As a Mobile High School Advisor at Onward We Learn, you will play a pivotal role in providing best-in-class college advising services to high school students across Rhode Island. You will serve as a mobile advisor, reaching out to students in grades 9-12 attending public or charter schools in one of the six under-resourced communities served by Onward We Learn. The High School Advisor provides direct services to high school students on matters dealing with academics, college/career readiness, and social and emotional wellness. This role ensures equal access to crucial services for all students, regardless of their school affiliation. You will guide and support students in navigating the complex landscape of college preparation, career exploration, and academic success. 

  Major Responsibilities Partnership Management

• In collaboration with the Director of High School Success, Onward We Learn staff, assigned school administration, and community partners, to develop and implement an annual school partnership plan to support students in meeting a set of student performance benchmarks
• Exchanges information with, school counselors, student, and parents regarding program challenges, failures, and successes of participants
• Work with school administration to expand a school and community-wide culture of college access and success
• Access and leverage community resources in support of the program

Service Delivery

• Promote Onward We Learn program offerings and help students identify and select programs that relate to their needs and interests. Provide the necessary follow-up to ensure successful participation
• Assist with the planning and implementation of all transitional activities (middle school to high school and high school to postsecondary)
• Aid students in clarifying education objectives, identifying financial aid resources, and other appropriate support services as needed
• Collaborate to implement a broad range of services during after-school, school vacation breaks, and weekends, including academic planning and preparation, career exploration, tutoring, college visits, financial aid planning, summer enrichment activities, summer melt initiatives, text messaging, leadership training, annual orientation events, FAFSA submission, and college application completion

Caseload and data management

• Encourage every student to consider a broad range of appropriate postsecondary choices with an emphasis placed on exploring and identifying students’ best-fit options
• Track all services by accurately entering program information, contacts, and notes into the student database. Adhere to strict confidentiality in student record keeping
• Maintain accurate data, records, and files to track the activities, achievements, participation, attendance progress, and status of individual students
• Assist in data collection and evaluation aimed at grant compliance and long-term sustainability of the program
• Perform other duties as required

Education and Experience Requirements:

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

Position Qualifications and Competencies

• 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
• 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