Transition Specialist

TRANSITION SPECIALIST

OLIVE-HARVEY COLLEGE

City Colleges of Chicago’s Adult Education Department provides open access for learners from diverse backgrounds, with programs that deliver high quality education to prepare students to transition successfully into college, career pathways, the workforce, and/or to meet personal goals as lifelong learners. Adult Education programs and services include instruction for: English as a Second Language (ESL); High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation to earn the GED or HiSET; Career Bridge classes to introduce students to careers in various fields, such as healthcare, early childhood education, and information technology; citizenship exam preparation; and basic computer skills training programs.

Olive-Harvey College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, seeks a Transition Specialist to guide Adult Education students in developing educational and career pathway plans to help them make a successful transition to the next level of education or a career and to serve as the liaison with other departments for students participating in the college’s transition and bridge programs. Performs related duties as required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recruits Adult Education students from upper levels of ESL, GED, and Spanish GED for participation in transition and bridge programs by coordinating publicity efforts and information sessions and responding to student inquiries.
• Works with students in transition/bridge programs to ensure that they understand and can successfully navigate the process of moving from Adult Education to credit or vocational programs.
• Conducts follow-up with students in bridge and transition programs to ensure that they can locate and access any necessary services, such as tutoring, advisement, etc.
• Organizes meetings and prepares written information for Adult Education faculty so they can be informed about transition initiatives and can in turn inform students.
• Develops mechanisms to track student participation and performance in transition and bridge programs in order to evaluate efforts and improve effectiveness.
• Serves as a liaison between the Adult Education program and college credit and career programs as well as student services offices, such as Admissions, Testing, Advising, Financial Aid, Student Success, Tutoring, as they relate to the transition of Adult Education students.
• Serves as a liaison with community organizations participating in bridge partnerships with the college. Travels to various locations within an assigned territory to establish partnerships.
• Adheres to customer service excellence standards.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Adult Education, or related degree, supplemented by one to two years of related experience in career counseling or social service working with educationally disadvantaged adults or English Language Learners on career and educational pathways; OR Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with four to six years of related work experience. Master’s Degree in a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of student recruitment and retention issues.
• Knowledge of educational issues pertaining to English Language Learners and first generation college students.
• Ability to develop and present ideas in a concise and engaging manner (to individuals and groups).
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Experience in planning and coordinating projects.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Ability and willingness to travel between Olive-Harvey College, Olive Harvey College, South Chicago, and various (local) off-site outreach locations, as needed.

This position is represented by Local 1600 Professional Union.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within six (6) months of hire.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!