Navigator, Higher Education & Workforce Devel at Illinois Action For Children – Chicago, Illinois

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Manager, ECE Professional Development & Education, the Navigator, Higher Education & Workforce Development is responsible for recruiting and connecting incumbent early childhood care and education workforce members with appropriate Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs at 2- and 4-year institutions to obtain additional degrees, licenses, and credentials and to connect them with ECE Scholarship Opportunities. Navigators will conduct outreach and follow-up activities; will stay abreast of ECE programs offered by 2- and 4-year institutions within their designated Cook County; will support incumbent ECE workforce members in identifying programs that meet their needs; will provide technical assistance on completing the FAFSA, accessing state scholarships and applying to the relevant institution and program. All work is to be completed with minimal supervision and in accordance with organizational standards.

This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement, communication, competent people, and clear priorities – all work to be completed by organizational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

1. At least two (2) general informational/educational sessions are held on Higher Education Opportunities.

2. 100% of individuals with an email on the Referral Database are emailed informational materials about the ECE Consortium Scholarship program and the Navigator’s contact information.

3. 100% of individuals who submit surveys of interest receive a follow-up contact.

4. At least two (2) meetings a year are held with each ECE program at 2- and 4-year institutions participating in the ECE Consortium in assigned Cook County.

5. At least three (3) barriers to higher education are reported in DTP.

6. Each Navigator completes 100% of the required training.

7. At least four (4) ECE workforce development workshops are held a year.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

1. Number of general informational/educational sessions held on Higher Education Opportunities and participants at each session.

2. Number of surveys of interest submitted to INCCRRA in assigned Cook County.

3. Number of TA activities conducted (e.g., phone calls, email, in-person meetings) by type of activity (e.g., review Higher Ed options, assist with applications, etc.).

4. Number of meetings with ECE programs at 2- and 4-year institutions, phone, in-person, and email.

5. Accuracy and timeliness of DTP data entry.

6. Summary of barriers to higher education reported by the incumbent workforce.

7. Completion of the required training by each Navigator.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree. Must have at least two years of work experience and training in early childhood care and education, counseling/social work, family support, adult education; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Access to reliable personal transportation, insurance, a valid driver’s license, and a good driving record are required. Travel throughout Cook County is required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of early childhood education programs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build relationships.
• Excellent work ethic and accountability to self and job responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently, with a schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
• Highly organized and attention to detail skills.
• Good writing, editing, and speaking skills.
• Creativity and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to be flexible in daily activities in response to workforce or institution requests.
• Ability to travel locally and statewide, as needed.
• Bilingual, fluent Spanish, Polish, and speakers of other languages are preferred.

Benefits of Working at IAFC:

• Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
• We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiased and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
• We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
• 401 (k) with company match
• Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on-35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• STD & LTD insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance

Location: Chicago, Illinois

IL Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer

While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule.