Digital Navigator

Mission Statement

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

Five Keys Overview

Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.

Our Core Competencies

A well-qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

What it’s really like to join our agency…

At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We’ve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.

JOB SUMMARY

The Digital Navigator reports to the Cyber Hub Program Manager and is accountable for a key role in supporting Five Keys’ Digital Equity initiatives. This part-time position focuses on providing in-person digital literacy coaching and drop-in technical support to system-impacted individuals and adult learners. Responsibilities include delivering one-on-one and small-group digital literacy sessions, leading career readiness workshops, hosting open-access digital support hours, and assisting participants with devices, accounts, and technology access. The Digital Navigator will also be responsible for maintaining accurate data records. Training and support will be provided by the Digital Equity team, with the expectation that the Digital Navigator will work independently following onboarding.

We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people.  If this job is for you, you will support the Five Keys mission by creating a work environment of mutual respect and fairness, while encouraging creative and critical thinking through an equity lens. In addition, you will contribute to our appreciation of diversity and foster a climate of multicultural understanding.  The role requires flexibility, empathy, and the ability to adapt support across multiple learning levels and program sites, including those that are in-jail. 

This is a part-time position with flexible work hours and an expected schedule of approximately 8 hours per week.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver in-person digital literacy support during programming hours 
• Provide individual and small group coaching on basic technology topics including device use, email, internet navigation, and common platforms
• Help oversee the flow and navigation of the digital access space, ensuring a welcoming, organized, and tech-ready environment
• Offer drop-in technical support tailored to diverse learning styles and comfort levels
• Support participants with digital access tasks (e.g., account setup, password resets, job applications).
• Coordinate and/or facilitate technology workshops for Five Keys students and participants, with a focus on basic digital literacy, computing fundamentals, and technology career exploration
• Conduct one-on-one student intake and enrollment to develop individualized learning plans with all participants
• Maintain accurate, timely records using Google Sheets and internal tracking systems
• Conduct regular follow-up with referrals to determine participant progress
• Uphold trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices in all participant interactions
• Attend all training and professional development opportunities available for Five Keys program staff
• Attend regular supervisory and team meetings as determined by the Digital Equity Programs Manager
• Abide by Five Keys, our funding partners, and any community site’s policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong working knowledge of computers, mobile devices, and internet navigation across various platforms (Google Workspace, email, browsers, etc.)
• Ability to troubleshoot devices and provide accessible explanations to users at varying digital literacy levels
• Some knowledge of programming languages and AI Literacy 
• Ability to maintain strong and appropriate boundaries with personal identifying information when interacting with students or community or program partners, and while at any school location or community or program partner site
• Reliable organizational skills, including timely data entry and documentation using Google Sheets or similar tools
• Ability to recognize, address, and mediate conflict in a supportive manner
• Excellent interpersonal boundaries, organizational skills, and emotional intelligence
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines and tasks simultaneously
• Advanced problem-solving skills with the ability to tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns
• Ability to be flexible and to shift between structured workshops and informal drop-in support
• Knowledge of and/or experience with education and career pathways within the technology sector preferred
• Willingness and ability to efficiently travel between program sites and jail facilities
• Comfort working independently in dynamic environments, including community spaces and jail facilities
• Familiarity with trauma-informed, community-centered, and culturally responsive practices

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• 1-2 years of experience providing digital support, tech instruction, or IT troubleshooting in community, educational, or public settings required
• Experience working with populations impacted by incarceration, housing insecurity, or systemic barriers to access
• Prior experience facilitating workshops or leading basic technology instruction is a plus
• Formal digital education is not required. Applicants with practical experience, adaptability, and a commitment to digital equity are encouraged to apply

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed
• Lifting items that weigh up to 25 lbs.; reaching, bending, carrying, and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities
• Frequent talking and hearing conversations 

• Long periods of walking, sitting at a desk and/or computer station 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is contingent upon: 

• Successfully obtaining jail clearance for positions working in county jails or probation locations
• Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• Work occurs across multiple program sites, including community-based digital access centers and jail facilities
• Environment may vary from calm and focused to high-traffic or high-sensory settings
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high, depending on site and activity
• Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities
• Some exposure to emotionally complex situations; trauma-informed awareness is essential
• Must be willing and able to work and travel throughout the area to correctional facilities and community sites
• Must be comfortable working independently while remaining connected to a collaborative team
• Travel to multiple sites required 

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. It is for this reason that we remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all of our employees. These include but are not limited to: conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency (i.e., programs, schools, housing).