Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner seeks Educational Support Specialist (Navigator) candidates, who assist non-traditional age students who are re-enrolling or enrolling in college or in workforce training.

Navigators facilitate network development, which may include: increasing on- and off-campus connections and collaborations; student outreach; needs assessments; student support and communications; and data collection/record-keeping. Navigators facilitate enrollment, drive persistence and support completion efforts.

Specific duties
Network Representative – Adult Student Coaching

Be available to work 19 hours per week including afternoon, evenings and weekend hours, and to travel locally, as required.
Be available to represent RI Reconnect at Westerly Education Center.
Provide engaged, proactive, and strategic coaching services aimed toward developing and maintaining working relationships with adult students to maximize their achievement, retention, persistence, and educational and/or workforce training goal attainment.
Conduct comprehensive needs assessment, identifying and addressing barriers to program completion.
Engage adult learners through portal referrals, walk-ins, appointments, and workshops to assist students with enrollment processes utilizing a variety of contact methods (email, phone call, in‐person, classroom presentations, etc.)
Support students with financial aid applications and processes.
Support students with completing applications for SNAP, rent relief, and other social services.
Maintain a thorough understanding of workforce development eligibility requirements, college policies, procedures, programs, curriculum, and services to give accurate information concerning admission, registration, and progress toward workforce credential attainment, graduation and/or transfer.
Plan with students to utilize personal strengths and available supports to address barriers to educational achievement; develop a plan with each student and review progress toward objectives.
Communicate promptly and consistently with students, using a variety of methods (email, phone call, in‐person, classroom presentations, etc.).
Refer students to academic support services, appropriate campus services, public benefits, and community-based resources, as needed.
Advocate for students and teach self-advocacy skills.
Complete all required data and record keeping and ensure that it is kept up to date for all students served, including progress notes, contact sheets, intake questionnaire, etc.
Qualifications

Required

Experience in social services and/or higher education, or in a relevant field.
Ability to establish professional relationships with students, co-workers, and all referring agencies.
Excellent organizational skills; strong verbal and written communications skills, including presentation skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-performing team environment.
Knowledge of and ability to utilize computer applications, such as Microsoft Office, in an educational environment.
Proven ability to effectively interact and communicate with a diverse group of students, alumni, and staff.
Willingness to pursue appropriate and ongoing professional development.
Able to plan, organize and administer multiple activities and meet deadlines.
Strong respect and desire to support diverse and inclusive communities.
This position will occasionally require travel to locations throughout Rhode Island. Must have access to and use of own transportation.

Desired skills

Proficiency in English and Spanish
Experience working with grants
Lived experience as an adult college student preferred
Experience in early childhood education
This is a part-time, grant-funded non-union position is based at Westerly Education Center. The salary is $23/hour and the position reports to the educational support coordinator.