Level Experienced Job Location Academy of Hope Adult PCS SE - WASHINGTON DC, DC 20032 Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Salary Range $58,082.75 - $78,297.70 Salary Travel Percentage Negligible Job Shift Day Job Category Customer Service
Student Support SpecialistAcademy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH)
Location: Ward 8, Washington, DC
Classification: Full-Time | Exempt | Professional
Reports to: Student Support Manager
Salary Range:$58,082.75 – $78,297.70 (commensurate with experience)
About Academy of Hope
Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School has served adult learners across Washington, DC since 1985. We provide pathways to GED attainment, workforce credentials, and postsecondary success for adults who have faced barriers to education. Our learners are resilient, motivated, and diverse — and our staff are deeply committed to meeting them where they are,
The Opportunity
The Student Support Specialist plays a critical, mission-driven role in supporting adult learners by identifying barriers to success and connecting students to the academic, social, and community resources they need to persist and thrive.
This role is ideal for early-career professionals interested in social work, education, counseling, human services, community engagement, or nonprofit careers, and for individuals seeking meaningful, hands-on experience working directly with adult learners.
What You’ll Do
Under the guidance of the Student Support Manager and in collaboration with instructors, school leaders, and community partners, you will:
Serve as a primary point of contact for learners experiencing barriers such as housing instability, transportation challenges, mental health concerns, or childcare needs
Conduct outreach, case management, and follow-up to support learner attendance, engagement, and persistence
Develop short- and long-term intervention plans that align with learners’ goals, strengths, and lived experiences
Coordinate referrals to internal supports and external community-based service providers
Facilitate small groups, workshops, seminars, and orientations that promote academic success and self-sufficiency
Complete accurate and timely documentation, including case notes, attendance data, and outreach logs
Conduct weekly outreach (calls, emails, texts) to re-engage learners who are at risk of disengagement
Collaborate across departments to ensure a holistic, student-centered approach
Participate in ongoing professional development in evidence-based student support and case management practices
Who You Are
You are someone who believes in second chances, adult learners, and education as a pathway to economic mobility. You are organized, empathetic, culturally responsive, and motivated by impact.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Academy of Home (AoH) Adult Public Charter School was founded in 1985 to serve low-income and at-risk adults in the District of Columbia by providing them the opportunity to improve their basic educational skills, earn high school credentials, and/or prepare for postsecondary education or training.
Our work atmosphere is professional, friendly and supportive. Our staff values both teamwork and independence. We encourage creativity and the sharing of ideas. The noise level in the work environment is conducive to a typical office setting.
We're looking for motivated individuals with a passion for working in the Adult Education field to join us! Our compensation structure offers pay commensurate with experience and excellent benefits.
Candidates for employment will be subjected to a federal criminal background check, as permitted by and in accordance with applicable law. Learn more about Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School at www.aohdc.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: AoH is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not allow discrimination with respect to employment or any of the terms or conditions of employment because of actual or perceived race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition including but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Minimum
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, education, human services, or a related field OR
At least three (3) years of relevant experience supporting individuals in areas such as housing instability, mental health, trauma-informed services, substance use recovery, or community-based support
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and priorities
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice
Preferred
Qualifications
Experience working with adult learners, opportunity youth, or underserved populations
Knowledge of DC-area community resources and social service systems
Experience with case management, student support services, or nonprofit education settings
AoH offers a competitive salary within the range of $50,822.80 – $78,297.70 for this position. Salary placement within this range is determined by a candidate’s relevant experience, demonstrated competencies, and alignment with the required qualifications.
Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life and disability coverage; access to 403(b) retirement matching; and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. AoH provides generous paid leave, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling aligned with program needs.
Academy of Hope's mission is to provide high quality education and services that change lives and improve our communities.
Academy of Hope was founded in 1985 by two teachers who believed that education could empower those most marginalized in Washington, D.C. It was clear that people trapped in the cycle of poverty lacked basic reading, writing and math skills, and they needed to acquire jobs that paid living wages.
Today, one in five adults in the district lacks a high school diploma, and one in three adults cannot read a newspaper or a map, much less complete a job application. The need for adult education programs is still great.
Academy of Hope is considered one of the most successful programs of its kind. Students become part of a learning community where everyone is valued, adds value and is both a teacher and a learner. Our curriculum is experiential and focuses on life skills, which means that students can immediately begin applying what they’re learning to their own lives—and reap the benefits.
We provide outstanding training for teachers, tutors and volunteers, which results in better understanding of adult-learner needs and creative approaches to helping them meet educational goals.
We offer a flexible schedule, providing classes in the mornings and evenings, because we know that adult learners juggle many family and work responsibilities.
We allow students to take as much time as they need to learn and integrate instructional material. Because we know that learning happens in the greater context of a person’s life, we provide supportive services to students so that they can focus on learning.
