Postsecondary Navigator

Position: Postsecondary Options Navigator
Position Description

Under general supervision, the Postsecondary Options Navigator assists students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness in applying for and enrolling in institutions of higher education and filling out financial aid applications. This position builds relationships and works with school districts, state charter school institute child welfare education liaisons and partners to identify prospective qualifying students.

Supervision Exercised

This position does not supervise any employees.

Scope of Responsibilities

This intermediate level position is responsible for independently performing specialized duties in support of the Department of Higher Education's Outreach Department by navigating resources available. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures, practices and policies of the work unit.

Job Duties

The duties listed below reflect the different types of work that may be performed. The omission of any specific duty will not prevent the assignment of work that is appropriately related to this position.

* Administer the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program Administration, including ETV application management

* Provide additional training and support to students and professionals on websites like My Colorado Journey

* Support and attend CDHE Outreach efforts, requiring travel throughout the state, and present at local, regional, and national events, which may be a joint effort with a staff member from outreach and community engagement

* Assist students, families and incarcerated students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) and scholarship applications

* Serve as member for the Celebration of Educational Excellence committee for the annual CEEX celebration

* Contribute to the development of Outreach & Community Engagement and My Colorado Journey materials, webinars, PowerPoint presentations and other collateral materials

Foster Ed Program (SB 22-008) Administration:

* Collaborate with high schools, (including CSI schools), child welfare education liaisons and institutions of higher education

* Disseminate information to various stakeholders regarding programs via events, email communication, presentations, trainings, etc.

* Collaborate with high school academic advisors/counselors to support students in identifying appropriate programs of study at Colorado institutions of higher education

* Assist high school graduates to explore appropriate programs of study and career goals to identify the appropriate Colorado institutions that offer those programs of study

* Assist students in completing the admissions process for institutions of higher education

* Work with students to complete the FAFSA, CASFA and/or additional applications

Empower Ed Program (HB 24-1403) Administration:

* Establish a program and procedure process flow; create and maintain new documents and resources

* Develop and enforce policies as it relates to program eligibility and data management

* Create and manage database for program participants with the database program support staff

* Advise homeless and unaccompanied children and youth with information about the financial assistance program and access to postsecondary options

* Develop relationships with on- and off-campus professionals, McKinney-Vento School District Liaisons, caseworkers, SPOCs, IHEs Designated Liaisons and programs/support services for homeless and unaccompanied children and youth

* Make referrals to McKinney-Vento staff to best meet the specific needs of unhoused or unaccompanied students

* Research, maintain, and provide students with up-to-date information on campus-based student support services, including programs for homeless or unaccompanied students, and refer students and coordinate with those programs to best meet the specific needs of each student

* Collaborate with youth and their support team in securing necessary services and support identified in their plan through referrals and other positive active methods

* Provide academic advising

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in family and child sciences, social work, sociology, human services or a related field

Substitution:
Four (4) years of experience in a related field can replace the education requirement of a bachelor's degree

Experience:

* Experience in working with diverse students and families in completing financial aid applications, scholarships, work-study employment, FAFSA and CASFA

* Experience in higher education, human services, social work, college admissions, financial aid or…