Hybrid Navigator, Higher Education & Workforce Devel bei Illinois Action for Children

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Manager, ECE Professional Development & Education, the Navigator 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.  Navigator 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 satisfied with minimum supervision and by organization standards.

This incumbent will be expected to promote and adhere to the workplace core capabilities of accountability, customer focus, continues 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 to, delete, change, or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

1. Plan, publicize, and facilitate a minimum of two (2) general informational/educational sessions on higher education, Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, scholarship, financial aid processes, and opportunities for the incumbent ECE workforce (maybe virtual or in-person). 
2. Download and follow up on interest surveys in higher education opportunities received by INCCRRA in assigned Cook County.
   1. Provide follow-up contact (e.g., email, phone call, ground mail) to 100% of surveys completed.
3. Provide support to the incumbent workforce on assessing needs, sharing information, ECE professional development, and connecting them to higher education opportunities through phone calls, email, and in-person/virtual meetings.
4. Build relationships with key staff at ECE programs at 2- and 4-year institutions to understand programs and help identify appropriate candidates from the incumbent workforce.
5. Collect information on barriers to higher education experienced by incumbent workforce members.
6. Participate in required training programs.
7. Provide Technical Assistance and Support for individuals seeking a CDA 
8. Work with Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral (INCCRRA) Professional Development Advisors to analyze transcripts and training records of workforce members and provide counseling on appropriate pathways in the Early Childhood field, and connect to specific programs.  
9. Other Functions: The organization may assign other functions to the job at its discretion.

MAJOR CHALLENGES:  The major challenges include the most difficult types of problems or challenges in the position. This includes the role played in special projects and any impending future developments that could impact this position.

• Ability to problem solve and navigate the complexities of large higher education institutions. 
• Ability to foster the required relationships with various student populations and the community college, university, and child care community.
• Flexibility to adjust the schedule to work nights and weekends as occasionally required.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage a variety of tasks.

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 good driving record 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 local 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 unbiassed 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
• 401k 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

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.