Education Specialist

About Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath)

EMPath is a Boston-based nonprofit that dramatically improves the lives of people living in poverty. Our mission is to transform people's lives by helping them move out of poverty and provide other institutions with the tools to systematically do the same. We do so by providing direct services in the Greater Boston area, including supporting a life-changing economic mobility coaching model, called Mobility Mentoring®; convening a global learning network of organizations and agencies, and conducting research and advocacy for what we know works in disrupting poverty.

Position Title: Education Specialist

Hours: Full-time, Hybrid work opportunity. Please note: EMPath transitioned to a 36-hour, 4-day work week. This position requires 2 days in-office (EMPath's offices are across the Boston metro) and 2 days remote. Some evenings and weekends may be required.

Salary: $55,000 to $60,000 annually.

Supervisor: Senior Director, Center for Learning and Practice

JOB SUMMARY:

In addition to offering education consultations to EMPath program participants, the Education Specialist is in charge of enhancing the organization's and its employee's ability to promote program participants' educational placement. Building relationships with Boston-area employers and job training programs to strengthen EMPath's ability to make job and training referrals, assisting program participants in enrolling and/or completing an education program, offering training or facilitating discussions with EMPath program teams to increase staff knowledge and abilities in supporting participants in enrolling or completing an education program, and keeping staff informed and in touch regarding education and student loans are just a few of the activities that take place. Create and preserve strong linkages with resources at state and community colleges, as well as with efficient job training programs in the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist participants in acquiring alternative education, ESOL, HiSET preparation and exam, high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED).
• Aid participants in enrolling in and finishing job training programs.
• Advise participants in earning vocational certificates when appropriate as well as skills certifications including First Aid, CPR, OSHA, and Serv Safe.
• Assistance with enrolling and or completing a "Bridge to College" or other college readiness programs.
• Assist individuals who want to enroll in and complete college-level programs (Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees).
• Assistance in creating a strategy to finance further education. This covers assistance with beginning and finishing the FAFSA application, submitting grant and scholarship applications, and examining the financial aid award letter.
• Assist participants in creating a plan to repay student loans with the help of the financial specialist. This includes examining credit reports and speaking with the student loan servicer to learn about the status of student loans and repayment choices.
• Create and preserve strong ties with Greater Boston's state institutions, community colleges, and job training programs.
• Monitor and accept referral requests from program staff to support participants’ education needs.
• Manage a caseload load of a maximum of 20 participants throughout EMPath’s programs by providing one-to-one coaching, goal setting, and guidance focused on education topics to support participants in working toward economic mobility over 6 months to two years.
• Effectively utilize EMPath’s data system to run reports that identify program and participant trends to inform program support
• Act as Subject Matter Expert to the Learning Development staff on the Center for Learning & Practice team to support the development of online courses for staff and participants on education placement and advancement.
• Facilitate small group discussions and/or training to participants and/or staff on various education-related topics.
• Research and stay proficient in best practices related to coaching clients toward upward economic mobility.
• Ability to travel between program sites within Boston neighborhoods. Massachusetts license and reliable care are a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; master's degree preferred. Will consider more experience in lieu of formal education.
• Two to four years of education counseling and/or education experience.
• Experience promoting economic mobility among low-income families is strongly preferred.
• Can effectively establish priorities and juggle multiple and competing demands.
• Solutions-oriented: When confronted by obstacles, can independently strategize ways to move forward in order to achieve goals.
• An entrepreneurial outlook: Takes initiative in developing approaches to the work required
• A collaborative team player who can form good working relationships with a diverse array of colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of public health, social service, advocacy, educational, and workforce development agencies in order to enhance the stability of participants.
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office products.
• Bi-lingual skills are preferred but not required.

Tell Us About Yourself!  To be considered for this role, please submit a cover letter. Your written presentation and interest in the EMPath mission are crucial aspects of our selection process.

Why EMPath?  

• The meaningful work! The organization and your colleagues are committed to disrupting poverty and supporting families as they work towards their biggest goals. 
• Collaborative team environment! You’ll join a team that values teamwork, and shares knowledge and ideas – all working towards shared goals for elevating the good work of the organization and the participants in our programs.
• Work-life balance:  Full-time, Hybrid work opportunity. Please note: EMPath transitioned to a 36-hour, 4-day work week. This position requires 2 days in-office (EMPath's offices are across the Boston metro) and 2 days remote. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
• Benefits: Competitive salary, retirement planning and competitive healthcare benefits.
• All offers of employment at EMPath are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.
• EMPath is committed to recruiting, hiring, and sustaining a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexuality, age, disability, or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary : $55,000 - $60,000