SUMMARY This position serves as the initial contact for the adult education learner. The IATS is responsible for intake, assessment, and goal development of learners seeking a high school diploma, instruction in English language acquisition, or other Program of Adult Literacy Services (PALS) programs. The IATS serves as a resource for all instructional staff, coordinating the Orientation team in assessment and placement of students. This position is also a primary resource for student referral to partner services and transition to employment or post-secondary education.

Please note, this is a grant-funded position.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• The Intake Assessment and Transition Specialist reports directly to the Director of Developmental Education and Adult Literacy Services.
• The position provides day-to-day guidance to the Orientation Specialist (OS) team and PALS student workers, as well as offering support to the Management Information Specialist (MIS), the Administrative Office Associate 1 (AOA), and other Program of Adult Literacy Services (PALS) team members.

• The Intake Assessment and Transition Specialist coordinates most closely with staff of the PALS team, Academic Testing Center, Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education, Advising and Registration, the HCC Foundation, and multiple community-based agencies.

   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Local Program Duties:

• Work as a team member with the Program Director and the PALS staff to develop, implement, and meet program goals and performance measures in accordance with the program's Data Quality Plan
• Ensure that the program continues to implement an intake, assessment, placement, and goal development system that documents all learner goals and literacy level assessments. This requires mastery of three database platforms used for maintenance of student records (PALS internal office, HCC-specific Datatel, and Maryland Dept of Labor LACES).
• Inventory and maintain security of test materials, providing details for ordering as needed
• Conduct and/or manage orientation, intake, and assessment sessions for all students, followed by placement of learners into appropriate level classes, including individuals with disabilities
• Implement program's managed enrollment process including scheduling, managing, and documenting waitlists
• Communicate with learners and instructors/tutors regarding placement, progress, and attendance issues
• Conduct and/or manage post testing assessment sessions for all learners at appropriate intervals
• Oversee retention and transition process for PALS students, including referring learners to support services and/or outside agencies as necessary
• Work specifically as a liaison/coach with students enrolled in the National External Diploma Program (NEDP), the Ability to Benefit (ATB) program
• Work specifically as a liaison/coach with students transitioning into credit and non-credit (workforce) departments to refer students to appropriate tracks based on goals and aptitudes
• In conjunction with the Program Director, manage and execute the HCC Foundation scholarship fund for eligible PALS students
• Train program staff and instructors on assessment policy and data quality and performance, identifying professional development needs and coordinating activities to address those needs

• Support efficient day-to-day operations of the PALS office, ensuring a welcoming, student-friendly environment

   

Maryland Department of Labor Duties:

• Attend State Intake Assessment Specialist and Transition Specialist meetings and communicate/ implement pertinent information to appropriate local program staff
• Remain informed of current research and best practices in adult education
• Participate in technical assistance as needed by local program staff

• Communicate and train local program staff on assessment administration and other pertinent in ormation

   

Other duties as assigned are based upon program demographics, enrollment trends, and the needs of special student populations.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Adult Education teaching experience preferred
• Previous experience administering standardized tests and experience delivering professional development/training preferred

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*COMPETENCIES  *

• Adult education, specifically administration and interpretation of approved assessments and placement using materials such as CASAS eTests and paper assessments
• Literacy, Adult and Community Education System (LACES) software and local program Intake and Update forms
• Computer interfaces, with proficiency in programs such as Excel, Word, and various databases
• Current research and best practices in adult education

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SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to develop and implement effective processes that accomplish program goals
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of assessment in connection with student learning outcomes
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills with students, faculty, administration, and public entities
• Ability to use varying styles, approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding and acceptance of the role of culture in a diverse, multi-cultural workplace
• Ability to work independently and accurately under pressure and make decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Ability to maintain confidentiality