Overview

ABOUT SOCAL CAN: Southern California College Attainment Network (SoCal CAN) is an alliance of 120 organizations working to increase the rate at which students from underserved communities access and complete postsecondary education. Together, SoCal CAN members provide direct service to more than 350,000 students and families in the region. 

ABOUT PROJECT SOAR: Project SOAR is a unique collaboration between SoCal CAN and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles aimed at supporting the college and career aspirations of residents in public housing. Project SOAR provides free college counseling and support at seven public housing sites:  

  • Downtown Los Angeles: William Mead Homes
  • East Los Angeles: Ramona Gardens, Estrada Courts and Pico Gardens 
  • South Los Angeles: Nickerson Gardens, Avalon Gardens and Gonzaque Village, Jordan Downs

Since the program’s launch in 2017, more than 4,000 residents have received college knowledge and nearly 900 have received one-on-one advising. SOAR provides support to ANY resident with postsecondary goals – regardless of age, education attainment, or citizenship status. The program has been recognized as a national model by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, Kresge Foundation, and The Global Business Coalition for Education. 

JOB SUMMARY

Project SOAR’s Education Navigators (ENs) play a critical role in the program’s success by providing support to residents at the housing sites. ENs serve as leaders of their assigned Project SOAR sites and independently facilitate all aspects of SOAR’s college access and success programming, including one-on-one and small group counseling, workshops, and community engagement. We are currently hiring (1) EN to lead two of our South Los Angeles sites: Nickerson Gardens and Avalon Gardens. Monday-Thursday, the EN will independently lead SOAR at these two sites (two days a week at each site) and provide regular counseling and support to SOAR participants.

Fridays are dedicated to remote work, virtual appointments, data input + program tracking updates and other program tasks; at least one Friday a month, Education Navigators come together as a full team at SoCal CAN’s office in downtown Los Angeles to work on special projects, plan programs, and share best practices. Support and training is provided to the Education Navigators throughout the year by the Project SOAR Program Director. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Individual/Small Group Student Advising & Outreach (60%) 

Education Navigators will:

  • Perform year-round recruitment and outreach for Project SOAR at their assigned housing site(s) through canvassing, door-to-door leafleting, phone calls, digital communication, virtual and in-person presentations, and participation in community meetings/events and other promotional opportunities; 
  • Provide one-on-one education counseling to public housing residents, which includes identifying educational goals, developing academic plans, curating college lists, applying for financial aid and scholarships, assisting with college applications and personal statement editing, exploring possible degree/major/career pathways, and other activities relevant to college admissions process; 
  • Assist students in reviewing acceptance letters and financial aid packages, determining the best college match/fit, and ensuring deadlines are met and questions are answered; 
  • Help students to successfully enroll in college and create a solid transition-to-college plan; 
  • Provide continuous follow-up communication with students via in-person or virtual meetings, phone, email, and text; 
  • Stay up-to-date on college admissions and financial aid trends, requirements, and initiatives for low-income and first-generation students; 
  • Perform research for any relevant scholarship, special programs, or opportunities for Project SOAR students; 
  • Respond to student referrals from partner organizations (i.e.. Summer Youth Employment Program, ROSS Program); and
  • Provide strengths-based, holistic advising that encourages mental wellness and refers students to campus or external resources/programs for additional support. 

2. Group Workshops and Special Programs (15%) 

Education Navigators will:

  • Develop, coordinate, and facilitate virtual and in-person group workshops and trainings for students and parents/caring adults; 
  • Assist with the planning, implementation, and oversight of the annual SOAR Ambassador Program;
  • Recruit, supervise and support assigned SOAR ambassadors;
  • Assist with planning, implementation, and recruitment for SOAR Summer Success Program;
  • Respond to and fulfill requests for workshop facilitation, creation, and participation in partner or community events (i.e. Cash 4 College, HACLA, etc); 
  • Identify new topics and issues of interest to SOAR participants and present new program/project ideas to address these topics; and
  • Participate in professional development opportunities through SoCal CAN, community partners, and higher ed institutions when possible.

3. Social Media Coordination & Virtual Engagement (10%)

Education Navigators will:

  • Contribute to developing weekly content and designing posts for Project SOAR ‘s Instagram; 
  • Work with the Project SOAR team to plan larger social media campaigns and overall digital engagement; 
  • Engage Project SOAR followers, monitor and respond to comments and messages, and promote SOAR accounts to increase new followers; 
  • Cross-promote events and relevant educational content from partner organizations and accounts; and
  • Develop and coordinate monthly e-newsletter with materials and resources that support student success.

4. Data & Program Management (15%)

Education Navigators will:

  • Consistently and accurately collect and update student records, interactions, and data in Salesforce database on a daily/weekly basis; 
  • Promote, document, track attendance, and conduct follow up for group workshops, trainings, and community events/meetings; 
  • Meet student recruitment and enrollment goals throughout the academic year; 
  • Meet with supervisor to review interaction reports and active rosters and measure student engagement, recruitment, and outreach efforts throughout the year; 
  • Serve as primary point of contact for assigned SOAR sites and program inquiries;  
  • Maintain and adhere to safety protocols at drop-in sites and securely opens and closes computer lab or assigned program location at HACLA sites; 
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with HACLA site managers, HACLA staff/interns, and service providers to successfully coordinate and provide Project SOAR programming on site; 
  • Communicate all program needs, site issues and updates to Program SOAR Program Manager; and
  • Work collaboratively to problem solve and improve programming across SOAR sites.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Masters degree in Education, Social Work, Higher Education, School Counseling, Student Services or related field 
  • and/or 
  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years full-time work experience leading a college access and success program, providing college counseling, or leading related work with underserved students. 

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstrated experience developing college access/education programs, materials, and curriculum; 
  • Dynamic professional with at least two years of full-time experience working directly with high school and college-aged students in one-on-one and group settings, both virtually and in-person;
  • Experience and/or interest in community outreach, canvassing, and facilitating workshops or group events;
  • Proven ability to problem solve and meet program objectives, goals, and required outcomes; 
  • Proven ability to successfully prioritize multiple projects and meet critical deadlines;
  • Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; and
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results driven.  

JOB KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Deep understanding of the strengths and needs of first-generation, BIPOC, and low-income students;
  • Strong knowledge of postsecondary education options, application processes, and undergraduate admission procedures and requirements; 
  • Strong knowledge of the California Community College system and transfer pathways/requirements to UC, CSU and private institutions; 
  • Strong knowledge of financial aid options and application procedures, including FAFSA, Cal Grant Programs and CA Dream Act Application; 
  • Familiarity with career and technical education (CTE) programs offered at California Community Colleges
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google Suite; and
  • Experience utilizing video conferencing platforms and creating dynamic social media content (website, e-newsletter, Instagram). 

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must currently reside in Los Angeles Metropolitan Area; 
  • Must be willing to undergo background and criminal records check per state requirements; and
  • Must have own transportation to drive to and from sites, transport program/event supplies, and attend SOAR events at various sites across Los Angeles.

HIGHLY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Fluency in Spanish; 
  • Deep connection to and/or knowledge of South Los Angeles communities and local organizations; and
  • Experience living in, working in, or familiarity with public housing communities. 

Preferred, but not required skills and knowledge:

  • Certificate in College Admissions Counseling, College Counseling Education, or School Counseling;
  • Experience working with and/or counseling nontraditional students and/or adult learners; 
  • Experience supervising volunteers or student interns; and
  • Experience with Salesforce and data entry.

WORK SCHEDULE, LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT

Work Schedule and Location: 40 hours a week, 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday. ENs remain available for special in-person and virtual events or meetings outside of normal business hours. Select evening or weekend events/workshops will be planned in advance and scheduled accordingly. 

Monday- Thursday: ENs must be physically at the public housing site(s) from 9 AM – 5 PM. 

Fridays (Hybrid/Remote): Currently, ENs work together as a team at SoCal CAN’s headquarters at the California Endowment one Friday a month. ENs can work remotely all other Fridays from 9 AM – 5 PM. 

It is important to note that Education Navigators spend the vast majority of their time at the public housing sites; however, periodic meetings and trainings take place off-site or through video conferencing. 

Work Environment: Education Navigators must be able to work with others from diverse backgrounds. They include, but are not limited to, residents of housing sites, staff and support services at housing sites, community leaders, college access professionals, consultants, and SoCal CAN members. 

To apply: Priority deadline: Wednesday, June 25th. All applicants who apply by this deadline are guaranteed review and consideration for the position. Final deadline to submit an application: Friday, July 5th 2024 (If the position has not been filled). Apply at: https://socalcan.typeform.com/to/T3K93whX.