About the position
The Pathway Navigator - Corrections will play a crucial role in enhancing educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals by providing intensive community outreach aimed at increasing enrollment in post-secondary training and education programs. This position involves collaboration with the Iowa Department of Corrections to develop a comprehensive education pathway for incarcerated individuals, guiding them from intake through to re-entry. The Navigator will integrate skills assessments, basic skills remediation, technical training, and various educational programs, including the Second Chance Pell initiative. The primary focus is to assist participants in the PACE (Pathways for Academic Career and Employment Act) and other related programs at Southeastern Community College, helping them pursue training, education, and credentialing that can lead to improved employment opportunities and advancement in their careers. The Pathway Navigator will be responsible for direct service to participants, which includes marketing, recruitment, eligibility assessment, case management, and evaluation methods necessary to support corrections education initiatives. This role requires coordination with various stakeholders, including the Iowa Department of Corrections and partner education providers, to ensure effective recruitment and program delivery. The Navigator will also assist students in navigating educational services, selecting courses, and planning their careers, while working collaboratively with other college programs to develop and implement corrections education initiatives. Additionally, the Pathway Navigator will develop partnerships with industry representatives, government agencies, and community organizations to address workforce skills gaps and create pathways for individuals transitioning from incarceration to employment. This position requires a commitment to promoting a positive image for the educational providers represented by the Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prison, and the Navigator will actively participate in meetings and training sessions to enhance their effectiveness in this role.
Responsibilities
- Implement marketing, recruitment, eligibility, intake, assessment, case management, evaluation methods, tools, and other documents needed to support the corrections education in prison initiatives.
- Coordinate post-secondary programs and recruitment efforts in consultation with the Iowa Department of Corrections staff and partner education providers.
- Assist in the facilitation of PACE program initiatives to provide low-skilled and low-wage individuals with guidance and support for accessing improved training, education, and credentialing relevant to local workforce demands.
- Assist students and staff with programming related to incarcerated individuals' entry to educational services, course of study selection, career planning, and transitioning to further educational opportunities.
- Work in collaboration with continuing education, secondary programs, academic affairs, and other college programs on the development and implementation of corrections education initiatives, focusing on career pathways and articulation of programs.
- Develop pathways to ensure instruction and learning of work readiness skills aligned with industry-recognized standards.
- Develop partnerships with industry sectors, government, education, local workforce boards, and community organizations to address workforce skills gaps and support post-secondary education programs in prison.
- Create a referral system with Community-Based Organizations to link post-secondary education participants to necessary support services.
- Serve as a coach/advisor to students in Corrections Education programming, linking them with college and partner resources.
- Provide assessment and guidance through a case-management approach to students facing challenges in their educational experience.
- Actively participate in department, division, and institution meetings and trainings.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Communication, Counseling, Human Relations, Psychology, Social Work, or Human Services.
- Minimum of two (2) years program management experience, including planning, budgeting, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating program functions.
- Experience in preparing and presenting to groups.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn student data management software.
- Strong presentation, facilitation, written, verbal, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to provide quality customer service both internally and externally.
- Strong human relations skills to interact positively with Iowa Department of Corrections and other constituents.
- Ability to read, comprehend, and abide by government forms/regulations and complete required reports related to grant activities.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical and evaluative skills.
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
Nice-to-haves
- Preference for candidates who have obtained the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
- Experience with budget management is preferred.
Benefits
- Medical, dental & vision insurance
- $50,000 life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Paid sick leave
- Paid discretionary leave
- 15 days vacation
- Paid spring and holiday breaks
- Participation in IPERS or TIAA-CREF retirement plan
