Coordinator of Student Advising - CEDAR Navigator-1

The Corrections Education, Development, and Re-entry (CEDAR) Center is an externally funded program working to provide educational opportunities to incarcerated Vermonters and the staff at the Department of Corrections. The CEDAR Center delivers high-quality education that empowers incarcerated learners to build meaningful careers, strengthen their wellbeing, and improve their quality of life in custody and  partnership with VDOC, CCV delivers post-secondary education to incarcerated Vermonters - providing personalized academic, advising, and career support.

CEDAR Navigators provide advising services to special populations and are responsible for ensuring students make consistent progression toward achieving their educational goals. They work closely with students from admissions through graduation to provide the guidance and support students need to persist and achieve their goals. They ensure their program reaches their enrollment targets by developing and maintaining strong relationships and partnerships with CEDAR administration, Department of Corrections (VDOC) officials, social services agencies, and all students affiliated with Vermont’s correction system.

They participate in the design and implementation of enhanced advising practices and curriculum to improve retention and student success. This is a 3-year, grant funded position.

Job Summary CEDAR Navigators support students through the full arc of their educational and re-entry journey, including post-release transition, workforce preparation, and continued enrollment in postsecondary education. This includes advising students into- and registering them for courses at Vermont State University (VTSU), supporting transfer and continuation pathways, and coordinating services that bridge incarceration and community-based education and employment. Navigators must understand the policies, procedures, and programming at three separate institutions: CCV, VDOC, and VTSU.Serve

as an integral member of the academic center’s team focusing on student recruitment and advising from admissions through graduation or the completion of their credential

Help students acclimate to the policies, expectations, and culture of higher education

Assist students with exploration of career pathways that align with their life goals, interests, and strengths, referring students to financial aid, career counseling, and Learning Centers as appropriate

Help students select course schedules, develop education plans, conduct degree audits, and track their progress toward degree/credential completion and successfully prepare for job searches and/or transfer

Work closely with coordinators of teaching and learning to ensure the students’ needs are met by annual course schedules

Check in with students at key decision points along their paths and maintain consistent interaction with students via face-to-face, phone, text, and email communications

Provide real-time interventions and use proactive advising tools to support student retention

Work with faculty and coordinators of teaching and learning to identify barriers to learning and persistence and recommend approaches to overcome barriers to enhance student success

Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships and partnerships with CEDAR administration, Department of Corrections officials, social services agencies, and all students affiliated with Vermont’s correction system

Participate in professional development activities to enhance effectiveness of student advising at CCVProvide advising to incarcerated Vermonters, the staff at the Department of Corrections and other services to special populations (e.g. TRIO, ADA, veterans)
Provide front line intervention and faculty support in situations that require immediate or special action or observation

Support students in re-entry planning, including post-release educational continuation, employment readiness, and connection to community-based resources

Advise and register students into courses at Vermont State University and support transfer, dual enrollment, and continuation pathways

Coordinate with employers, workforce partners, and community organizations to align educational…