Career Navigator - Education (SEE SUMMARY FOR POSSIBLE LOCATIONS)

Career Navigator (Early Childhood Education)

Reports to: Manager of Programs - Education

SUMMARY: The Career Navigator is responsible for preparing participants to obtain jobs in early childhood education. This position provides career coaching, supports career and economic objectives, provides support services, tracks participant progress, and helps participants complete training for career advancement.

POSSIBLE OFFICE LOCATIONS: Oxford, Stoneville, Indianola, or Greenwood

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in education, early childhood education, child development, family studies, human services, social work, or related field
• Minimum of two years of experience in early childhood education, Head Start, or related education/workforce setting
• Preferred knowledge of the CDA credentialing process, portfolio development, and early childhood workforce pathways.
• Preferred experience providing case management, career coaching, or workforce development services.
• Experience leading workshops, adult learning, staff training, or orientations
• Ability to facilitate individual and group training in virtual and in-person settings
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and must provide a vehicle for frequent work-related travel
• Residency in the service area preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Participant Case Management

• Manage an assigned group of participants. Complete intake, identify needs, develop career plans, coordinate services, monitor progress, and follow up for participants pursuing early childhood education credentials.
• Help participants enroll in approved training programs and understand training requirements, credential requirements, and career options in early childhood education.
• Coordinate professional development and financial literacy training to support participants’ long-term career success.
• Meet regularly with participants to provide career coaching, increase employability skills, support credential completion, connect them with services, and review progress toward training and employment goals.
• Connect participants with family support services that address barriers such as transportation, childcare, and other needs.
• Guide participants through the CDA credentialing process, requirements, and documentation.
• Help participants prepare for the CDA exam and other required assessments through preparation activities, such as study groups and reviews.
• Guide and support participants’ CDA portfolios and application documents.
• Document participant contacts, goals, referrals, services, progress, employment outcomes, and case closure.
• Review cases regularly and update the supervisor on participant progress, trends, and unresolved barriers.
• Identify participants who may not complete training, help them re-engage, and report concerns that cannot be resolved.

Program Implementation

• Use approved materials and follow program guidance, timelines, and requirements.
• Coordinate schedules, enrollment information, required documents, collect required data, and routine communication with approved community partners and employers.
• Support Delta Health Alliance Workforce Development planning, training, workforce initiatives, and program goals outlined in DHA work plans.
• Use DHA reporting systems to track participant engagement, credentials, career progress, employment outcomes, and other required measures.
• Keep participant, training, administrative, and program records complete, accurate, timely, and confidential. Follow all organizational, grant, funder, and partner requirements.
• Prepare routine status updates, data summaries, and reports.
• Maintain positive working relationships with participants, employers, training providers, and community partners, which may include childcare centers, Head Start programs, schools, and other early childhood employers.
• Attend and participate in assigned meetings, training, and workforce activities.
• Communicate regularly with supervisors and work with team members and partners.
• Stay informed about local early childhood trends and employer needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Statement of Non-Inclusivity: 

This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the supervisor.