Resource Navigator

Description

The Resource Navigator will be responsible for assisting students in applying for available local, state, and federal benefits and resources as applicable. This position will also refer students to external partners, including Oregon Department of Human Services, the Oregon Employment Department, and other outside organizations, for additional support. This position serves as an advocate for participants in their efforts to navigate campus and overcome institutional and personal barriers toward degree/certificate/program completion and employment opportunities.

JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Meet with participants on a regular basis; monitor progress of each student on caseload; problem-solve and make appropriate referrals to community resources.
2. Receive, screen, and process referrals from partner agencies.
3. Input student and participant data into tracking systems.
4. Provide regular input of participant contact, services provided, progress and outcomes into designated databases and spreadsheets.
5. Prepare required and regular reports on student progress.
6. Create and develop fliers, presentations, and other materials needed for case management, outreach and communication.
7. Attend required local and statewide training, participate in regular meetings and conference calls.
8. Work with other HB2835 benefits navigators and programs across the state, to share best practices and continuously improve the ongoing development of the statewide consortium.
9. Facilitate outreach and communication with students and partner agencies to foster an understanding of services and benefits.
10. Communicate regularly with STEP, workforce, social service partner agencies, and other college departments with shared case management or direct referrals.
11. Provide class presentations, tables at various community events, and work with agency partners to identify student referrals.
12. Work with agency partners to learn about auxiliary benefits such as housing, child care, health care, etc.
13. Be a liaison for other college staff/faculty on understanding external resources and services.
14. Set up information workshops, guest presenters, and resources related to community services.
15. Assist students in applying for available benefits as applicable or provide expedited referral where applicable.
16. Develop and maintain a broad base of knowledge relevant to college programs, career development, workforce development, Trade Adjustment Assistance, labor market trends, veteran programs, disability resources, and college policies and services.
17. Refer students to appropriate resources for issues related to services required outside of the scope of the position, such as mental health.
18. Collaborate with Academic Development Program staff, advisors, and other college departments to create an atmosphere supportive of students and student transitions.
19. Work to reduce the stigma that can be associated with receiving government support and benefits.

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Perform related duties as assigned or directed.
2. Complete all required WorkSource Oregon Trainings through the state Workday system.

SUPERVISES THE FOLLOWING STAFF

None

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience working in social work or social services such as housing, employment services, etc.
• Student services experience in the areas of advising, testing, financial aid, or otherwise.
• Previous experience with unemployed, under-employed, low-income, veterans, re-entry, disabled, dislocated workers, English Language Learners, GED students, first generation immigrants and/or first generation students.
• Experience in case management, crisis intervention, employment services, recruitment, training programs, social work or related experience.
• Experience working with workforce systems and resources.
• Experience using trauma informed care practices.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter.
2. Ability to work effectively and sensitively with individuals of diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds and perspectives, and abilities.
3. Ability to follow safety procedures and maintain work area in a clean and orderly manner.
4. Ability to use excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Requires sufficient communication and human relations skills to resolve complaints/issues, defuse anger, and handle stressful and emotional situations.
6. Ability to operate efficiently in college-wide Student Information System, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases to produce correspondence, documents, and reports.
7. Ability to work with adult learners, traditional age students, agency partners, and college staff.
8. Ability to plan, organize, and carry out activities independently.
9. Knowledge of college entrance procedures and programs of study. Knowledge of industry and workforce needs, assessment testing and the transfer process preferred.
10. Demonstrated commitment in providing services for minority, low-income, or persons with disability.
11. Demonstrated interaction with regional industry and the ability to successfully collaborate with federal, state and local partners in education, workforce and industry.
12. Strict adherence and understanding of Federal, State, and Community College confidentiality rules and regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and subject to electronic influences. Work will take place within a classroom or office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel:

Periodic travel for business outreach events, conferences, and to college campuses in both The Dalles and Hood River.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the navigator is frequently required to sit, talk, see, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, standard keyboards of office equipment or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, night vision, and the ability to focus from near to far or far to near objects.

Other:

Have possession of or the ability to obtain a valid, unrestricted Oregon driver’s license is required.

Position information 

Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. If you are passionate about creating a positive and engaging environment for the college community, we encourage you to submit your application for consideration, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications for this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. 

Closes December 11, 2023 at 5 pm.

Starting salary is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Please include a resume and letter of interest with your application materials. 

Salary : $40,767 - $44,553