Navigation Specialist

Position Title: Navigation Specialist

Department: Employment Services

Reports To: Lead Program Manager

Under the direct supervision of the Lead Program Manager, the Navigation Specialist (NS) ensures the recruitment and enrollment of ages 18-24, for the professional development program. The NS collects all necessary documentation, assesses documentation for completeness and accuracy, maintains records in accordance with quality assurance standards, and enters data into the management information system. The NS is responsible for conducting regular meetings with enrolled youth, establishing goal plans in collaboration with customers, conducting follow up progress reports, and ensuring barriers to employment are removed so that youth obtain employment, obtain training and ultimately reach career objectives. The NS is responsible for reporting and target achievement.

• Establishes rapport and credibility with OY enrollees, network, and ancillary providers. Ensures youth are recruited, screened, and properly enrolled in WIOA Youth Services.

• Determines customer WIOA Youth Services eligibility by collecting and reviewing the customer documentation for completeness and accuracy.

• Manages a caseload of young adult customers with different types of barriers hindering employment and post-secondary opportunities.

• Interviews customers to assess their situations, capabilities, and/or problems to determine what services are required and needed to meet their employment related goals. Administers assessments such TABE, CASA, Employment Barrier Screening, and Self-sufficiency Matrix (SSM).

• Assists young adults in building a plan, setting attainable goals, and removing barriers to success. Connects customers to community resources.

• Matches customers with appropriate job postings and contacts potential employers to provide employment opportunities.

• Develops and matches customers with volunteer sites to develop work skills that would lead to employment.

• Performs mathematical calculations to determine eligibility for financial aid for other workforce support programs such as certificate programs.

• Enters all data into The Workforce Information System of Texas (TWIST) in a timely manner and other customer tracking systems accurately.

• Maintains accurate standardized customer records in accordance with guidelines and participates in the peer review process (Continuous Quality Improvement CQI).

• Supports the collaborative work and community of learning within the collaborative partners in the Workforce Solutions ACAM Collaborative NextGen WIOA Youth Services Program.

• Conducts customer follow-up and accountability calls to ensure that tasks are completed.

• Assists with navigation to other services through warm and regular referrals to other providers and conducts follow-up.

• Produces accurate monthly performance reports, regular monitoring of program target attainment and customer outcomes such as young people employed, and/or enrolled in post- secondary, and/or attained a training certification.

• Works to ensure placements are completed.

• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 5-10 years of relevant experience working with out of school youth and Workforce Solutions systems required Experience and Qualifications

• Ability to write clear and accurate correspondence

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts

• Experience working with and passion for assisting young adults not in school and not working

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

• Experience with customer tracking and management information system entry. Experience with TWIST, Work in Texas, WIOA Youth Services eligibility requirements and the TWC financial aid application a plus.

• Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Office, familiar with and able to use computers, able to learn new software.