The College’s mission is to enrich students' lives and the broader community through teaching, learning, and service. The Education Navigator will work with the Community College to develop best practices in collaborating with Department of Social Services in order to strengthen the ability to serve FNS E&T participants, meet with students to guide program selection, create career pathways, and assist students facing challenges along the way. The Education Navigator will serve as a liaison to the College to ensure effective communication in the interest of student progress and engagement, and will have a role in retention initiatives at the department and college-wide leve

Essential Functions:
The FNS E&T Education Navigator manages the FNS E&T program activities. This position will create and implement best practices for working with county Department of Social Services, developing targeted support and intervention to the Food and Nutrition Services Employment & Training (FNS E&T) program including, education case management, E&T component assessment, funding resources, documentation, monitoring and recording of student progress.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Document and capture best practices in reinforcing collaboration between Community College and Department of Social Services as part of FNS E&T initiative, including models on leveraging resources, understanding partner processes
Advise eligible students in the development of career pathway plans, academic plans, goal identification and barrier removal in education and employment
Coordinate with college departments including Financial Aid, Admissions and Records, Adult Basic Education, and Workforce Continuing Education in order to meet student needs and promote student success
Provide resources, support and referrals to community organizations to assist in student retention activities
Coordinate with County DSS Office on referral systems and documentation requirements for FNS E&T participants
Identify, develop and participate in outreach activities (orientations, job fairs, community events, funding workshops, and individual student appointments)
Create and maintain spreadsheets and documentation to support grant expenses and program offerings, ensuring grant expenditure targets are met
Complete required reports for DHHS - DSS and the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)
Serve as FNT E&T community college representative at meetings as assigned
Assist in the writing of the yearly state plan applications
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

A thorough understanding of and commitment to the mission and philosophy of the North Carolina Community College System
Demonstrated skill in working with students to delineate and achieve educations goals
Evidence of strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and effective oral and written communication/public relation skills
Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
Ability to generate documents and reports utilizing specific computer applications is required
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to make presentations to large audiences
Excellent computer skills as evidenced by competence in Microsoft Office Suite including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to work flexible hours including some evening and weekend hours consistent with student need, and meetings/conference requirement of the grant

Surroundings/Environment:
Standard office environment, usually indoors away from the elements, with moderate noise.

Physical Effort:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain a stationary position (sit and/or stand) for an extended period; move about the office, operate and position computers and files, as needed; and frequently communicate with others. The employee may occasionally move/lift up to 10 pounds. Good eye/hand dexterity is required.

Scheduling:
A minimum of a 37.5 hour work week as determined with the supervisor to allow the employee to fulfill the assigned duties and responsibilities, including occasional evening and weekend hours.

Work locations will include the Iredell County Department of Social Services and Mitchell Community College locations in Statesville and Mooresville.

Travel:
Local travel is required, including between campus locations and the Iredell County Department of Social Services. Regional and out of state overnight travel is limited, but may be required for special trainings/conferences.