Corrections Education Navigator (SCCC)

The Department of Corrections with Grays Harbor College provide educational services for incarcerated students. This position is located at Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC). Although safeguards are implemented to protect staff, this work will be performed in a correctional facility where the potential for violence exists. Applicants for this position must be able to pass an N.C.I.C. background check and be cleared to work in a prison. Continual access to the facility is a critical element of employment. 

The Corrections Education Navigator reports directly to the Associate Dean of Education at SCCC. The Corrections Education (CE) Navigator is responsible for creating pathways for students across several educational programs, including Adult Basic Education (HSD/GED), Vocational, Post-Secondary (AAS & AA-DTA), correspondence and other academic support services. The CE Navigator works closely with Navigators at various community colleges and DOC Counselors to coordinate services upon release into the community. The CE Navigator will assist students in identifying a clear educational pathway and support the student through completion of their educational credential. 

Grays Harbor is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities. We prioritize student learning, promote student and faculty success, foster an inclusive environment, manage our resources, and connect with the community. We strive to create a culturally relevant environment on campus and in the community by learning and practicing equity-mindedness and promoting faculty, staff, and student diversity.

This position is a full-time, grant funded position and continuation is subject to the availability of funding. Grays Harbor College has an excellent benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, primary and supplemental retirement programs and long-term disability insurance. Full-time employees will also receive 15.34 hours of vacation leave per month, 8 hours of sick leave per month and 4 personal leave days a year. Washington state also observes 11 paid holidays per year.

This position at Grays Harbor College has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Grays Harbor College Federation of Teachers, Local 4984.  The union and the college have a collective bargaining agreement (referred to as the contract) that is posted on the GHC website at https://www.ghc.edu/hr/labor-relations

• Participate in facility orientations and provide ongoing guidance on accessing postsecondary and/or pre-apprenticeship programs available to students during incarceration.
• Develop educational plans with students to be incorporated into the Individual Reentry Plans (IRP) with counselors, the Department reentry navigators, community corrections staff, and multidisciplinary teams in accordance with RCW 72.09.270.
• Assist students with applying for college including completing and submitting financial aid and scholarship applications, coordinating phone calls or virtual meetings with colleges and/or apprenticeships in the community, addressing student loan debt, and establishing repayment plans.
• Engage incarcerated students who complete their high school equivalency to explore additional pre-apprenticeship and postsecondary education opportunities, including access to employment data on specific programs.
• Assist students with acquiring high school and postsecondary transcripts from previous educational programs.
• Coordinate with Community-based Education Navigators to facilitate a smooth transition from prison to postsecondary education and apprenticeship programs including two- and four-year colleges.
• Utilize the Department-provided Monthly Education Assistance data report to identify and engage in outreach to incarcerated individuals close to release.
• Document case notes and navigation services provided to students in Offender Management Network Information (OMNI), including Chronos and Scorecard regularly.
• Participate in Board Navigator meetings, the Department Reentry Navigators meetings, and other trainings/meetings as assigned to facilitate sharing information, resources, and best practices to enhance the effectiveness of the navigator program.
• Proctor college placement and basic skills tests as needed.
• Provide staffing support to the Student Voice Council (SVC), including attending meetings and coordinating SVC into faculty and staff hiring processes.
• Provide excellent customer services to students, potential students, campus partners and community partners.
• Promote student success, retention, and diversity in support of the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of Grays Harbor College.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to attend 4-week Department of Corrections CORE training and all annual required trainings. 
• Year-round; Hours are Mon-Fri will vary including some evenings and occasional Saturday hours. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
  
Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university – or - Combination of education and/or work experience related to career readiness, career counseling or career navigation. 
• Experience working in an educational and/or vocational workforce setting.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience and intermediate skills with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, or other business software. 

 Desired Qualifications 

• Experience working in a carceral setting.
• Experience developing educational and employment pathways or resources for hard-to-place clients.
• Knowledge of community resource services.

Skills & Personal Responsibilities

• Verbal and written communication: Effectively express ideas and information through the spoken and written work using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader.  Ability to effectively communicate to both technical and non-technical users. Ability to write documents ranging from formal to informal reports, system documentation, and training materials. 
• Strong organizational, time management, motivational, and planning skills are required. 
• Ability to work well independently is required. 
• Ethics/Integrity: Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions. 
• Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight. Effectively handle highly stressful or adverse situations, making goof decisions, working calmly and accurately, and helping to calm others.

In addition to the GHC online Application you will need to submit the following materials. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered.     

• Letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position. 
• Resume 
• Contact information for 3 professional references.
• Transcripts of college work completed.  Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Background checks - Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.  Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Grays Harbor College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetics, or age in its programs, activities, and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Title II/Section 504 and Title IX Coordinator  – Erin Tofte, Associate Vice President of Human Resources 

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocrfor the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.