Student Success Navigator - GEAR UP

Student Success Navigator - GEAR UP

In collaboration with the GEAR UP team, school personnel, and parent/community-based organizations, College Coaches coordinate college and career readiness initiatives that support the overall goals of the GEAR UP program. These may include college visits, career exploration events, academic planning sessions, and workshops that help students and families navigate postsecondary pathways. Through strong relationships with students, families, school staff, and community service providers, College Coaches implement individualized strategies to promote school success, post-secondary pathways, and meaningful classroom engagement.

Essential Duties:

• Utilize the Check & Connect Student Engagement Intervention Model to provide targeted support for a caseload of students.
• Coordinate with GEAR UP staff, families, and school counselors to ensure completion of key transition steps, including applications, financial aid, and career exploration.
• Collaborate with GEAR UP staff and school personnel to plan and facilitate college readiness initiatives (e.g., college visits, career forums) that promote student achievement.
• Guide students through individualized success planning focused on graduation and postsecondary pathways.
• Assist with enrollment in postsecondary opportunities such as dual enrollment, AP courses, concurrent college classes, and career programs.
• Promote consistent attendance and active engagement in school and GEAR UP activities, especially among students at risk of falling behind.

Job Specifications:

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, skills, and/or abilities required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities): An Associate's degree or higher in education or a human service field, or a minimum of 48 hours of successful college coursework. Experience working with adolescents in youth agencies, social services, college access programs, and/or school systems. Strong organizational and coordination skills Must be persistent and have the belief that all children can succeed in college with appropriate support. Ability to assist families from diverse backgrounds in supporting their students using a strengths-based, non-blaming approach. Excellent advocacy skills, including the ability to negotiate, compromise, and professionally navigate conflict constructively and productively. Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to work independently in a variety of settings. Effective written and verbal communication skills Strong technology skills and the ability to apply technology to enhance program effectiveness. Ability to build and maintain partnerships and collaborate with a team of professionals to seek the best outcome for students.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities): Bilingual - English and Spanish *Relevant experience may be substituted for formal education at a 2:1 ratio. Therefore for every 1 year of college lacking, 2 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted.

Physical/Mental Requirements: Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on a computer. Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret and transcribe written material and other required duties. Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone. Requires some stooping, bending, stretching and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds. Sitting for prolonged periods of time. May periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes. stressful conditions in order to meet business needs and strict deadlines.

Work Environment: Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled environment. Will require time in office, as well as external meeting locations with community partners or schools throughout the OKC metro area. May require participation in meetings and activities outside of normal business hours, including weekends and holidays. May be required to work overtime and weekends and holidays. Able to bend and stoop, lift 25lbs, stand and/or sit for extended periods of time.

Reports To: Project Coordinator - GEAR UP FSLA Status: Exempt Compensation: Schedule 817, step is dependent upon experience and project funding Work Days: 181 days, 7 hours per day FTE: 100