Academic Navigator

About Our Organization: EnCompass: Resources for Learning is a nonprofit organization established in 2004 by families, educators, and community leaders to meet the needs of Rochester students. Today, EnCompass provides 2,400 students and their families, annually, with a cradle-to-career pathway of academic, wraparound, college and career-readiness, and job training and placement services.

Summary:The Academic Navigator works with youth to support social-emotional learning, academic success, and engagement with school, family, and community.  The person in this role will facilitate communication between school-based staff, caseworkers, and caregivers through a cross-systems collaborative approach. Working with youth who are in foster care, transitioning from residential placement, or switching school settings, the Academic Navigator must have familiarity with these systems to help youth and caregivers navigate the adjustments.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Meet with family, caregiver, or caseworker and referred youth within one week of referral; maintain consistent contact with stakeholders thereafter
• Identify and assess the learning needs and academic performance of youth, as well as the social and environmental factors that affect learning.
• Assist students in creating academic plans that align with their goals and personal needs.
• Accommodate youth who receive supportive services through 504 plans and/or IEPs.
• Develop and academic support plan for youth unable or unwilling to attend a traditional school setting.
• Use qualitative and quantitative data and observations to set and discuss individualized goals; develop action plans to support improved social-emotional and academic outcomes
• Provide in-person one-on-one and small-group academic support to students participating in remote learning
• Ensure that students are actively engaged in their virtual classes, asynchronous assignments, and enrichment opportunities.
• Collaborate with school-based staff to understand students’ needs, monitor student progress, and foster effective communication between school and home
• Provide collaborative consultation to caseworkers, school personnel, caregivers, and others to enhance opportunities to learn for participating youth
• Attend school meetings and provide feedback to school administrators, school-based teams, and/or caseworkers
• Maintain attendance, behavioral, and academic records; input data to monitor and track progress.
• Participate in and contribute to regularly scheduled meetings – present data and observations of youth progress and performance.
• During school breaks or after school hours will partner with the program team to promote pro-social activities, skill building and other opportunities to engage the youth.
• Develop and maintain cross-systems collaborations
• Participate in professional development opportunities offered within the organization or through community partners, as deemed appropriate by program or organization leadership                                                                                                                                                                                     
• Assist in the preparation and serving of nutritious meals and snacks to youth, ensuring proper food safety and cleanliness standards are maintained.
• Perform other duties assigned by the employee’s supervisor                                                                                                                              ​​​​​​
• Transport students in organization vans as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Unyielding commitment to students, families, and the EnCompass mission
• Excellent judgment and student-centered mindset
• Effective communication skills, particularly as they relate to the development of trusting relationships with students and families
• Ability to collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds
• Collaborative approach to service delivery and conflict resolution
• High standards of professionalism in all aspects of performance
• Flexibility and creativity in developing and delivering services and programs 
• Familiarity with current research in social-emotional learning, developmental relationships, and educational practices. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Smartboard technology
• Strong interpersonal, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of advising practices, and academic support resources.
• Capable of fostering inclusive learning environments that support multiple learning modalities.
• Exhibits strong self-management and independent problem-solving skills

Qualifications:

• Minimum – Bachelor’s in education or related field; 2 years of experience in education or human services; valid NYS driver’s license
• Preferred – 3-5 years of experience working with youth in an urban environment

Scheduling:

• Monday-Friday 7:30-4pm
• 12-month role

Salary: 

• $22.00 - $27.90/hour based on relevant work experience 

Organization Employee Benefits: 

• 6% employer-match for retirement savings, upon hire.  
• Healthcare plans for individuals starting at $0.
• HSA with employer contributions.
• Paid holidays and generous PTO package. 

Our Commitment to DEI: 

It is our pledge to nourish an organizational culture which strives to:

• Embrace diversity in all forms and structure policies and practices to increase representation of qualified individuals who reflect the communities we serve
• Prioritize equity in employment, compensation, promotion, and professional development
• Increase access to quality services, educational and economic opportunities, and lifelong success for students and families
• Value the unique backgrounds and experiences of each person we employ and serve
• Cultivate a work environment where all people feel safe to express ideas

Keywords:

• academic support, academic tutor, daytime academic coach, academic counselor

• Minimum – Bachelor’s in education or related field; 2 years of experience in education or human services; valid NYS driver’s license
• Preferred – 3-5 years of experience working with youth in an urban environment