Educational Navigator (Full-Time) [Monday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)] [College To Career]

JOB TITLE: Educational Navigator (Full-Time)

REPORTS TO: College to Career Program Director

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm) [with needed flexibility]

LOCATION: Pasadena, CA / Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid)

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt

DRIVER POSITION: No [ If yes, see driving policy below]

SALARY RANGE: $18.03 - $25.25/hr

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. We believe in looking beyond disabilities, focusing on capabilities, and expanding possibilities. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide programs that assist people with disabilities in achieving their personal best throughout their lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Educational Navigator acts as the case manager for the AbilityFirst College to Career Program, helping to provide college support to students with development disabilities. The position includes coordinating the intake and referral process to welcome new students into the program and assisting with an effective transition to college. Educational Navigators work as a liaison between the Regional Center and the students/families to ensure they receive the support they need. There will be participation in recruitment efforts within colleges and the greater community to help enroll new participants into the program and access the resources available to them.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for referral and intake process for all prospective participants.
• Case management for all participants, providing guidance and planning to complete necessary components for the Discovery Phase, Educational Phase, and Internship/Employment Phase of their program.
• Primary contact to participants to support them with a successful transition from their previous program or school to life as a college student and community integrated program.
• Plan and facilitate the participant and his/her support team in developing a person- centered plan.
• Work with Program Supervisors to monitor Educational Coaches weekly program planning is in alignment with participants’ person-centered plans.
• Maintain participant’s enrollment and ongoing program file, including communicating with Regional Center Service Coordinators to ensure continued funding and writing progress reports.
• Meets quarterly/monthly with participant and Educational Coach to plan upcoming quarters classes or volunteer opportunities.
• Maintains all necessary documentation regarding participant progress, including semi- annual and annual reviews, progress notes and other correspondence as appropriate.
• Supports new participants and their families in adjusting to new demands and expectations of the program.
• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in any related field or equivalent experience is preferred.

• 1-2 years of experience providing case management services to individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience planning, developing, and implementing activities for individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience of strong office management skills is preferred.
• Ability to use computers including word-processing, data entry, and spreadsheet utilization is required.
• Conversant in Spanish is required.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment is required.
• Valid Driver’s License is required.
• Ability to work nights/weekends as needed.
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification and Employment Eligibility Verification.
• Successful completion of background (LiveScan) check.
• A working knowledge of development and implementation of person-centered plans for adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities.
• A working knowledge of methods transition and integration of adults with disabilities into community settings.
• Case management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team building skills, with ability to influence without authority.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution/problem-solving skills.
• Personal computer skills including database and word processing.
• Very effective oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work independently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to [email protected]. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. Ability First reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and Ability First, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the Ability First staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and Ability First has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Ability First offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Ability First does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Ability First is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application