Educational Navigator- Winfield Correctional Facility

Educational Navigator – Winfield Correctional Facility

Job Summary
:
The Educational Navigator will work to enhance the existing high school equivalency (GED) program at the Winfield Correctional Facility (WCF) and connect residents with appropriate post‑secondary education programs to help them achieve their educational goals. The Navigator will assess residents, provide assessment information to staff, and work one‑on‑one with each resident to develop an Education and Employment Plan based on their needs and aspirations.

The Navigator serves as an academic and career advisor, helping residents refine their goals, stay motivated, engage with self‑improvement goals, encourage positive behaviors, and link them with support services as necessary. They collaborate extensively with adult education staff.

• Assist with recruitment – distribute information to all incoming residents about programs, career and education pathways, and how to contact staff and faculty.
• Track learner attendance, behavior, and progress toward outcomes.
• Establish professional intrapersonal relationships with residents and encourage accountability.
• Be aware of available support services, including developmental education, peer tutoring, technology resources, career resource center services, re‑entry services, and mental health services.
• Assist residents in transitioning from adult education to post‑secondary education and from the correctional facility to post‑incarceration—providing career research, planning, employment search, job interviews, and job placement support.
• Provide life‑skills training (professional clothing, hygiene, driver’s license, stress management) for residents transitioning to post‑incarceration.
• Act as a link to helpful resources and services at Cowley College, KDOC, and the community.
• Conduct regular meetings with residents regarding academic progress, career goals, opportunities, and behaviors.
• Establish ambassadors on the facility campus—peer mentors who assist with tours and share program benefits.
• Assist graduates with job placement prior to release by working closely with KDOC Job Specialists.
• Team‑teach soft‑skills and employment skills as part of KDOC’s Essential Skill Development Initiative, including job search, employability, interviewing skills, and the EPICS model.
• Adhere to safety and security procedures, staff development training, and core correctional practices.

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in social services, education, or a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive behavior and outlook.
• Understanding of issues affecting incarcerated individuals.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Valid driver’s license; REAL  if air travel is needed.

• Preferred:
• Knowledge of and/or experience with GED or other educational systems and programs.
• Previous work in a correctional facility or environment.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct education and career assessments and record results.
• Develop Education and Employment Plans using assessment results and learner/offender interviews.

• Seniority level:
  Entry level
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Other, Information Technology, and Management
• Industries:
  Higher Education