Student Success Advisor
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About Skilled US
Skilled US is a community-rooted, entrepreneurial nonprofit that transforms lives by connecting education to family-sustaining careers. From our brick-and-mortar adult education campus on the east side of Indianapolis, we deliver rigorous instruction, industry-aligned training, and holistic wraparound support so learners can start, restart, or advance meaningful careers. We are boldly student-first and relentlessly responsive to labor-market demand, guided every day by our values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. We move with urgency, partner deeply with employers and schools, and measure success by our learners’ long-term outcomes
Job Summary
The Student Success Advisor helps high school students explore careers, choose the right CTE pathway, and successfully transition to postsecondary education, training, and employment. The advisor delivers 1:1 coaching, coordinates work-based learning and field experiences, and co-builds partnerships with employers, unions, colleges, and training providers so every student has a clear, supported plan
Key Responsibilities:
Student Coaching & Career Readiness
- Provide 1:1 coaching to identify interests, strengths, and goals; create individualized career/education plans by using assessment tools.
- Teach resume, interview, AI resourcefulness, and professional communication skills; motivate students to stay engaged.
- Troubleshoot barriers (academics, finances, transportation, exposure) and connect to supports.
Graduation Pathways & Postsecondary Planning
- Guide students into CTE programs, dual credit, apprenticeships, and technical training aligned to goals.
- Partner with high school counselors/ CTE instructors to track progress toward industry certifications.
- Support admissions, FAFSA, scholarships, and entrance prep for colleges/training providers.
Experiential Learning & WBL
- Assist with planning and facilitation of student-centered events, including Exploration Days, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), career awareness initiatives, and other student-led or school-based experiences; assist with logistics, supervision, and post-event reflection to ensure meaningful engagement.
- Support career exploration opportunities, including employer site visits, job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, and capstone experiences.
Industry & Community Partnerships
- Assist in building meaningful connections that expand student access to career pathways, including partnerships that expose students to postsecondary options, hands-on learning experiences, and industry-aligned opportunities.
- Serve as a student-centered connector by aligning career pathways with student interests and goals, while supporting access to relevant experiences that prepare students for postsecondary education, training, and the workforce.
Program Operations, Transportation & Data
- Support students in accessing off-campus opportunities by coordinating schedules and transportation, ensuring they are prepared, informed, and able to participate fully in their learning experiences.
- Communicate with students and families regarding schedules, changes, and expectations, while helping remove barriers such as transportation challenges so students can successfully engage in off-campus programs.
- Maintain accurate records (coaching sessions, WBL, certifications, placements).
- Monitor labor-market trends and recommend program improvements based on outcomes and employer feedback.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in education, counseling, workforce development, business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 2-4 Years of experience in high school career advising/ counseling, workforce development, or admissions strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of CTE pathways, industry certifications, and work-based learning.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and student-support skills.
- Proficient with student information systems (Power School), career-readiness platforms, CRM (Salesforce), Canva, and presentation tools.
Work Environment
- In person, School-based with frequent student/educator/employer interaction.
- Regular local travel for field trips, college/employer visits, and career events; occasional evenings/weekends.
Compensation and benefits:
- A base salary that is competitively aligned to the market.
- Monthly professional development opportunities
- Incentive and bonus opportunities
PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Please read carefully.
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.
By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.
You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.