Educational Navigator (Full-Time) [Monday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)] [College To Career Programs]

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. We believe in looking beyond disabilities, focusing on capabilities, and expanding possibilities. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide programs that assist people with disabilities in achieving their personal best throughout their lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Educational Navigator acts as the case manager for the AbilityFirst College to Career Program, helping to provide college support to students with development disabilities. The position includes coordinating the intake and referral process to welcome new students into the program and assisting with an effective transition to college. Educational Navigators work as a liaison between the Regional Center and the students/families to ensure they receive the support they need. There will be participation in recruitment efforts within colleges and the greater community to help enroll new participants into the program and access the resources available to them.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for referral and intake process for all prospective participants.

Case management for all participants, providing guidance and planning to complete necessary components for the Discovery Phase, Educational Phase, and Internship/Employment Phase of their program.

Primary contact to participants to support them with a successful transition from their previous program or school to life as a college student and community integrated program.

Plan and facilitate the participant and his/her support team in developing a person- centered plan.

Work with Program Supervisors to monitor Educational Coaches weekly program planning is in alignment with participants’ person-centered plans.

Maintain participant’s enrollment and ongoing program file, including communicating with Regional Center Service Coordinators to ensure continued funding and writing progress reports.

Meets quarterly/monthly with participant and Educational Coach to plan upcoming quarters classes or volunteer opportunities.

Maintains all necessary documentation regarding participant progress, including semi- annual and annual reviews, progress notes and other correspondence as appropriate.

Supports new participants and their families in adjusting to new demands and expectations of the program.

Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

A High School diploma or equivalent is required.

A Bachelor’s Degree in any related field or equivalent experience is preferred.

1-2 years of experience providing case management services to individuals with disabilities is preferred.

1-2 years of experience planning, developing, and implementing activities for individuals with disabilities is preferred.

1-2 years of experience of strong office management skills is preferred.

Ability to use computers including word-processing, data entry, and spreadsheet utilization is required.

Conversant in Spanish is required.

Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment is required.

Valid Driver’s License is required.

Ability to work nights/weekends as needed.

Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification and Employment Eligibility Verification.

Successful completion of background (LiveScan) check.

A working knowledge of development and implementation of person-centered plans for adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities.

A working knowledge of methods transition and integration of adults with disabilities into community settings.

Case management skills.

Demonstrated leadership and team building skills, with ability to influence without authority.

Demonstrated conflict resolution/problem-solving skills.

Personal computer skills including database and word processing.

Very effective oral and written communications skills.

Ability to work independently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.

Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.