Access Navigator

at  North Island College

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Registrar, the Access Navigator provides wrap-around support and is the primary point of contact to upgrading students as they navigate the college system. The Access Navigator seeks to reduce barriers through connecting, coaching, and supporting the learner as they navigate application and enrollment processes while they work towards achieving their educational goals. The Access Navigator will be expected to develop outreach strategies to engage prospects and current upgrading students to provide wrap-around services that supports learners with their transition from upgrading to a post-secondary level credential with specific focus on Health, Human Services, Early Childhood Education and Trades & Technology programs.
The Access Navigator will serve as a resource to prospective students and applicants through the use of the full range of institutional and community resources. Using a holistic model of support and using the case management approach to onboard and engage students from the first point of contact through to registration and graduation. The Navigator will provide proactive outreach and support to applicants with the goal of making a positive impact on the college’s enrollment.
This position is designed to interact with applicants both in person and virtually to provide advising and support throughout the enrollment process. The Access Navigator is a student mentor and coach, who functions primarily to assist students in linking educational, personal and professional goals to ensure persistence to graduation. The Navigator serves as a liaison and connection to services and resources for the student. The Navigator assists with the development, coordination, and implementation of services and activities to improve student success, persistence, course completion, graduation, and/or transfer rates.
The position is grounded in the commitment to pilot wrap-around student supports available to NIC ABE incoming and enrolled students. The Access Navigator will be involved across the student’s learning continuum to support retention and progression, focusing on student transition and completion of their chosen post-secondary education and training.
The Access Navigator is aware of the Mission and Values of North Island College, incorporating and practicing the values in everything they do. The Access Navigator participates in recruitment activities as required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum four successful years of post-secondary education – Bachelor’s degree preferred.
2. Formal training or professional development in coaching best practices is preferred.
3. 3- 5 years of experience of recent related work experience in a comparable environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience with preference for experience directly related to Educational/Financial Aid Advising.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Good knowledge of the BC Post-Secondary system and a comprehensive understanding of North Island College programs and courses.
2. Strong knowledge and understanding of NIC’s Early Childhood Education, Health, Trades and Technical programs.
3. Knowledge of BC’s trades apprenticeship model, training, and work-based hour and competency requirements for trades certification.
4. Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills, communication and conflict resolution skills and the ability to work effectively with both the public and College staff.
5. Experience working in a high-volume customer service environment.
6. Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with various departments and services at the college.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of available financial aid programs for students, including services provided by government agencies such as Service Canada.
8. Demonstrated ability to develop, collect, interpret, analyze, and manage data.
9. Demonstrated understanding of student assessment, education and career planning, registration, and retention principles and practices.
10. Proven ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and use good judgment, tact, diplomacy and discretion.
11. Experience as a liaison with community agencies and groups.
12. Experience with a student records database system.
13. Experience with data collection and formulation reports that can be used for decision making by leadership.
14. Experience supporting customized student learning plans.
15. Excellent organizational and time management skills.
16. Ability to work independently in a busy multi-tasking, heavy volume environment.
17. Ability to work under tight time constraints, adapt to constant change, and support diverse student needs.
18. Ability to speak in public, organize presentations, prepare written material in a clear and concise manner.
19. Must possess a valid BC driver’s license.
20. May be required to work evenings and weekends.