Higher Education Navigator

Higher Education Navigator
Responsible for recruiting and connecting incumbent early childhood care and education workforce members with appropriate Early Childhood (ECE) programs at 2- and 4- year institutions to obtain additional degrees, licenses, and credentials and to connect them with ECE Scholarship Opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, market, and facilitate general informational/educational sessions or higher education and scholarship/financial aid process to ECE workforce
• Stay abreast of ECE programs offered by 2- and 4-year institutions with SDA-5
• Provide follow-up on surveys of interest received by INCCRRA
• Work with individuals to identify programs that will meet their needs and provide technical assistance on completing FAFSA; accessing state scholarships, and applying to the relevant institution and program
• Build key relationships with staff at ECE programs at 2- and 4- year institutions with SDA-5
• Collect information on barriers to higher education experienced by incumbent ECE workforce members.
• Maintains required job skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in staff development programs and staff meetings including assistance with community development and advocacy.
• Maintain confidentiality and high ethical practice and integrity
• Retain knowledge of the Data Tracking Program (DTP) and enter data daily.
• Work collaboratively with all departments and consultants to ensure quality services are provided to our clients and organization
• Submit weekly productivity data to Training Coordinator (e.g., calls, visits, entries, etc.)
• Maintain require core professional competencies by attending and participating in required professional development, minimum of 15 hrs annually.
• Must be Gateway to Opportunity Registry (within 5 days of employment),. Perform other duties as assigned.

Performance Measures

• Facilitates at least two (2) general informational/educational sessions regarding Higher Education opportunities per fiscal year.
• Attempt contact with 100% of providers on referral database each fiscal year.
• Provide follow-up contact to 100% of individuals who submit interest surveys to INCCRRA
• Facilitate at least two (2) meetings per year with each ECE program at 2-and 4 year institution of higher learning who are participating in the ECE Consortium in within SDA-5
• At least three (3) barriers to higher education are reported in DTP
• Complete 100% of required trainings
• Provides and maintains accurate reports and requested information to supervisors within required time frames
• Demonstrates effective organizational skills and the ability to multi-task effectively.
• Maintain strong professional relationship with all CCR&R departments
• High degree of client/provider satisfaction with CCR&R programs and services
• Assure professional conduct as stated in th agency policy and procedures.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Child development, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Education, or related field. Master degree preferred but not required.
• Must have at least two years experience in early childhood care and education, counseling/social work, family support, adult education, or higher learning.
• Strong computer experience with Microsoft Word, databases and spreadsheets.
• Excellent telephone, written and verbal communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to problem solve and navigate complexities of large institutions of higher education.
• Ability to foster the required relationships with a variety of different student populations as well as community colleges, universities, and child care community.
• May be required to travel locally and attend occasional evenings and weekend meetings
• May be required to carry, lift, or move equipment, materials, or supplies weighing 40lbs.
• Must have reliable transportation and auto insurance.