What are the responsibilities and job description for the Navigator, Workforce Empowerment Initiative position at Heartland Community College?
Description
We seek a temporary, full-time Navigator to join Heartland Community College’s Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI), a grant-funded program supported by the Illinois Community College Board. The WEI grant supports programming for un/underemployed adults by providing training and credentials in high-impact academic areas, along with specialized support services and job placement assistance. The Navigator's primary focus is to coordinate student recruitment and retention efforts, working collaboratively with external social service agencies and various departments across the College.
General Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND ABILITY TO BE PRESENT ON-CAMPUS/IN-PERSON IS REQUIRED.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Applications received by November 17, 2025 will receive priority consideration, with review of applications continuing as needed.
Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution.
HCC values equity, diversity and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.
We seek a temporary, full-time Navigator to join Heartland Community College’s Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI), a grant-funded program supported by the Illinois Community College Board. The WEI grant supports programming for un/underemployed adults by providing training and credentials in high-impact academic areas, along with specialized support services and job placement assistance. The Navigator's primary focus is to coordinate student recruitment and retention efforts, working collaboratively with external social service agencies and various departments across the College.
General Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To
- Supporting WEI program outreach, recruitment, and enrollment.
- Maintain professional relationships with local social service providers and support networks who refer students to the WEI program. In turn, connect students to community supports in an effort to overcome barriers to success in the program.
- Conduct WEI intake interviews and determine program eligibility.
- Support student persistence initiatives by helping students address barriers to success, such as securing childcare and transportation assistance.
- Follow up with select program completers to maintain employment and wage data.
- Document communications with students in the College’s student retention software.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Proven commitment to and understanding of the special needs of students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, attention to detail, ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to function professionally under pressure.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of local social service resources and systems.
- Professional experience in an academic setting.
- Background similar to that of students served by WEI.
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND ABILITY TO BE PRESENT ON-CAMPUS/IN-PERSON IS REQUIRED.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Applications received by November 17, 2025 will receive priority consideration, with review of applications continuing as needed.
Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution.
HCC values equity, diversity and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.