Education Navigator (NCF)

Company Description

Colby Community College is located in northwest Kansas, approximately 50 miles from the Nebraska and Colorado borders. From a humble beginning of 99 students in 1964, CCC now serves more than 1,900 students annually. 

In addition to a 57-acre main campus, a 60-acre farm is used as a hands-on laboratory and training facility. The college also accommodates hundreds of off-campus students through face-to-face, online, and hybrid courses.

A number of studies conclude CCC is a solid educational investment. Colby has a strong history of student performance and ranks near the top for graduation and retention rates among Kansas community colleges. 

Job Description

Colby Community College (CCC) is accepting applications for a full-time Education Navigator. The twelve-month position begins in August 2024. The office for this position is located inside Norton Correctional Facility (NCF). The Navigator coordinates with CCC adult education and postsecondary instructors, the CCC Program Coordinator, and Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) staff to support resident students at NCF. Judgment, analysis, and decision-making according to established practices and procedures are necessary to perform the responsibilities of the position. The Navigator must understand the importance of technology, integrity, innovative thinking, and the ability to work as a team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct education and career assessments and record results
• Develop Education and Employment Plans utilizing results and learner/resident interviews
• Conduct records/transcript requests to determine eligibility and to gather information to support programming
• Work with CCC, NCF, and KDOC staff to assist residents with enrollment in educational programming that aligns with the Education and Employment Plan
• Provide case management services for students to promote education program completion aligning with the Education and Employment Plan
• Work with students and collaboratively with KDOC, NCF, and CCC staff to promote seamless transitions between levels of educational programming
• Provide student coaching to maximize course completion and overall success
• Serve as a liaison between students and CCC support services and the CCC financial aid department
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, logs, and data on each student
• Work with instructors, administrators, and staff to ensure the needs of resident students are met and to mitigate barriers to education
• Provide students with education and employment counseling
• Assist students with job placement activities, including job searches, job applications, resumes, cover letters, and interviews
• Track students post-release to monitor progress, assess needs, and collect data
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills
• Maintain strict confidentiality as outlined by FERPA guidelines
• Possess the ability to work alone and in groups to provide services
• Maintain professional relationships with residents and their families
• Assume responsibility for individual professional growth by staying current with literature, research, best practices, CCC professional development requirements, and KDOC training requirements
• Follow all safety requirements as directed by the KDOC
• Support the mission, goals, and objectives of CCC and the KDOC
• Fulfills other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or college administrators
• Complete TABE testing for all individuals
  • Must complete training in DRC to create and manage the tests
• Assist with orientation, goal setting, and goal follow up for all students enrolled in GED courses
• Provide tutoring assistance to students enrolled in the Adult Education/GED program
• Provide Developmental Education support to students enrolled in AOK programs
• Assist in seeking GED accommodations for students and complete all associated paperwork
• Assist in transition skills (resume, interviews, applications, tours, contacts for future re-entry)
• Help students currently enrolled in Adult Education/GED, IET, and AOK students with CCC Application and FAFSA application in conjunction with the CCC Financial Aid Department, if that is students’ next step
• Track and submit student attendance and progress
• Track and monitor student behavior
• Create and maintain callouts
• Maintain tracking system for Quality Measures 4 and 5
• Create and deliver marketing for Adult Ed/GED/AOK opportunities to the facility
• Meet with students regarding academic progress
• Facilitates transition to college credit courses
• Communicate regularly with program leadership and Director of Adult Education
• Provide tablet management and informati