Postsecondary Options Navigator

Full Job Description

Position Description

Under general supervision, the Postsecondary Options Navigator assists students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness in applying for and enrolling in institutions of higher education and filling out financial aid applications.

This position builds relationships and works with school districts, state charter school institute child welfare education liaisons and partners to identify prospective qualifying students.

Supervision Exercised

This position does not supervise any employees.

Scope of Responsibilities

This intermediate level position is responsible for independently performing specialized duties in support of the Department of Higher Education’s Outreach Department by navigating resources available.

Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures, practices and policies of the work unit.

Requirements

Job Duties

The duties listed below reflect the different types of work that may be performed. The omission of any specific duty will not prevent the assignment of work that is appropriately related to this position.

• Administer the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program Administration, including ETV application management

• Provide additional training and support to students and professionals on websites like My Colorado Journey

• Support and attend CDHE Outreach efforts, requiring travel throughout the state, and present at local, regional, and national events, which may be a joint effort with a staff member from outreach and community engagement

• Assist students, families and incarcerated students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) and scholarship applications

• Serve as member for the Celebration of Educational Excellence committee for the annual CEEX celebration

• Contribute to the development of Outreach & Community Engagement and My Colorado Journey materials, webinars, PowerPoint presentations and other collateral materials

FosterEd Program (SB 22-008) Administration:

• Collaborate with high schools, (including CSI schools), child welfare education liaisons and institutions of higher education

• Disseminate information to various stakeholders regarding programs via events, email communication, presentations, trainings, etc.

• Collaborate with high school academic advisors/counselors to support students in identifying appropriate programs of study at Colorado institutions of higher education

• Assist high school graduates to explore appropriate programs of study and career goals to identify the appropriate Colorado institutions that offer those programs of study

• Assist students in completing the admissions process for institutions of higher education

• Work with students to complete the FAFSA, CASFA and/or additional applications

EmpowerEd Program (HB 24-1403) Administration:

• Establish a program and procedure process flow; create and maintain new documents and resources

• Develop and enforce policies as it relates to program eligibility and data management

• Create and manage database for program participants with the database program support staff

• Advise homeless and unaccompanied children and youth with information about the financial assistance program and access to postsecondary options

• Develop relationships with on- and off-campus professionals, McKinney-Vento School District Liaisons, caseworkers, SPOCs, IHEs Designated Liaisons and programs/support services for homeless and unaccompanied children and youth

• Make referrals to McKinney-Vento staff to best meet the specific needs of unhoused or unaccompanied students

• Research, maintain, and provide students with up-to-date information on campus-based student support services, including programs for homeless or unaccompanied students, and refer students and coordinate with those programs to best meet the specific needs of each student

• Collaborate with youth and their support team in securing necessary services and support identified in their plan through referrals and other positive active methods

• Provide academic advising

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in family and child sciences, social work, sociology, human services or a related field

Substitution: Four (4) years of experience in a related field can replace the education requirement of a bachelor’s degree

Experience:

• Experience in working with diverse students and families in completing financial aid applications, scholarships, work-study employment, FAFSA and CASFA

• Experience in higher education, human services, social work, college admissions, financial aid or with the federal McKinney-Vento Act

• Experience working with homeless or foster youth

• Fluent bilingual skills in English and Spanish

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Colorado driver’s license and compliance with all requirements for driving a state vehicle are required throughout the term of employment

Knowledge of:

• Standard office practices, procedures, software and equipment, including the use of personal computers, telephones, Zoom, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams)

• State statutes, rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines

• Availability of resources for students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness, along with the processes necessary to access them

Ability to:

· Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with partners in the field

· Communicate effectively, both written and verbally

· Establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders

· Apply cross-cultural sensitivities

Additional Information

Physical and Mental Standards (Hybrid Setting)

The physical and mental standards described here are representative of those that must typically be met by employees to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently sit/stand at a desk for extended periods of time

• Frequently move from one area/building to another and sit/stand during the course of a day/week/month for meetings

• Occasionally may push or pull an object

• Frequently use finger dexterity and operate a keyboard

• Regularly lift 10 pounds and occasionally lift 25 pounds

• Frequently use vision to read documents, view computer screens, and see close and distant objects

• Frequently use speech and hearing to engage in conversation, in person, and over the telephone

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquires to HR@dhe.state.co.us

Typical Working Conditions

The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate, and the office has controlled temperatures.

Works a 40-hour work week, either remotely, hybrid, or in-office, depending on the arrangement met during employment with the supervisor during normal office hours of Monday–

Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

• Job duties may occasionally require working extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.

• The position may require periodic in-state and out-of-state travel requiring occasional overnight stays. The position requires the ability to travel independently through the state including overnight stays.

Notice

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.

They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

The duties, expectations, and actions listed for this role may change at any time with or without notice.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.

Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Higher Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resource Director at HR@dhe.state.co.us or call 720.264.8575.

Notice: The official version of this job description is maintained by the Human Resources Office. This document may not reflect the most current updates in real time.