STEPS Earn and Learn Educational Advisor

Job Title
STEPS Earn and Learn Educational Advisor


Requisition Number
TE09035


Department Name
8T110:College of Social Work


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Salary Range
$15.00 - $20.00/hour


Type of Position
Temporary


Position Time Status
Part-Time


Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, counseling, or related field required.





Required Related Experience

• Experience working in academic advising, student support services, or postsecondary education.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations, preferably including transition-age foster youth or other youth with complex barriers to postsecondary success.
• Knowledge of certificate and credential programs, community and technical colleges, and higher education systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working independently in a remote/virtual setting and maintaining regular communication with participants and the program team.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches is a plus.
  
  

Required License/Registration/Certification

Physical Requirements

Lifting/pushing/pulling objects up to 25 lbs; repetitive motion typical of desk work (typing, sitting, bending, twisting, prolonged screen exposure)



Shift

Flexible scheduling available. While some availability during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) may be needed for meetings or communication with students, much of the work can be completed during evenings or weekends to accommodate other commitments.

Approximately 15 hours per week

This is a remote position will require attending in person meetings in Kentucky.



Job Summary

The STEPS Earn and Learn Educational Advisor plays a vital role in supporting the academic and career success of young adults participating in the Earn and Learn Program, a statewide initiative to support current and former foster youth as they pursue postsecondary education and career training. This position provides individualized academic guidance to participants, helping them navigate their educational options, choose the right certificate or degree program, and persist in their coursework.

This position is virtual, allowing for flexible support tailored to each student’s needs and schedule. The Educational Advisor works closely with other program staff to ensure coordination of services, appropriate documentation, and alignment of student progress with program goals.

Job duties include:

• Provide one-on-one virtual advising to participants enrolled in the Earn and Learn Program.
• Support participants in identifying educational and career goals and selecting academic programs (e.g., certificate, credential, or degree programs) that align with those goals.
• Assist students in navigating the admissions process, understanding financial aid options, and developing academic plans.
• Maintain regular contact with participants throughout each semester to monitor academic progress, troubleshoot challenges, and offer encouragement and resources.
• Guide students in course selection, program requirements, and time management strategies.
• Collaborate with educational institutions as needed to help resolve enrollment, registration, or academic concerns.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential student records and documentation.
• Provide regular updates and reports to other program staff regarding student progress, barriers, and trends.
• Refer students to additional resources (tutoring, mental health, financial counseling, etc.) when appropriate.
• Participate in trainings, team meetings, and professional development opportunities related to supporting foster youth in postsecondary settings.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No


Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
09/16/2025


Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.