Description

Position Summary:
The salary range for this position is $62,892.00 to $74,724.00, with most candidates starting at $62,892.00. This is a classified, overtime-eligible project position paid for in full through a grant, and is full-time, permanent; contingent upon continued funding. Funding for this position is currently available through June 30, 2026. The position is not eligible for telework, and the incumbent will be required to travel offsite and between campuses. This position reports directly to the Director of Basic Needs and requires regular and consistent attendance. 

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity. To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.

The Community-Based Education (CBE) Navigator provides holistic, culturally responsive case management and community-based outreach to support justice-impacted and historically marginalized students in Pierce and Thurston counties as they enroll, persist, and thrive at Pierce College and other partner institutions.

This position provides both reentry education services and basic needs navigation to ensure justice-impacted individuals have seamless access to postsecondary opportunities and the comprehensive support needed to succeed.   

In alignment with Pierce College’s equity-centered mission, the CBE Navigator actively addresses and eliminates barriers that prevent students from degree completion, career readiness, and personal goals. The CBE Navigator elevates and empowers justice-impacted students by normalizing help-seeking, reducing stigma, and cultivating confidence and mastery.

This position also provides contracted work for the Department of Corrections (DOC). Candidates must pass the Department of Corrections (DOC) background check and complete DOC-required trainings. This position is not eligible for telework. Candidates will be required to travel to different sites, such as reentry facilities, and college campuses.

To view the full job bulletin, and to apply, please visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/piercedist/jobs/5126470/community-based-education-navigator?pagetype=transferJobs! 

Essential Functions:

Justice-Impacted Outreach, Reentry Navigation, and Basic Needs Case Management

• Conduct outreach to correctional facilities, reentry centers, and community corrections officers to identify and engage students reentering society.
• Provide pre-release navigation for incarcerated individuals preparing for postsecondary education.
• Assist justice-impacted students in accessing financial aid, enrolling in academic programs, and connecting to apprenticeships or workforce training.
• Serve as a liaison between DOC education navigators and colleges in Pierce and Thurston Counties.
• Track and document services provided to justice-impacted individuals using OMNI and other DOC systems.
• Deliver individualized, equity-minded case management to address barriers related to food, housing, financial hardship, and wellness with specific-focus on justice impacted students.
• Serve as a first point of contact for basic needs benefits, emergency grants, and public assistance programs.
• Create, monitor, and adjust service plans with students to promote academic and personal success.
• Collaborate with internal departments (Financial Aid, Foundation, Workforce, TRIO, Counseling) and external agencies (DOC, MDC, Mi Centro, Nourish, DSHS, WSAC, WorkSource, etc.) to connect students with holistic support, financial resources, and basic needs assistance.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions and follow-up care using CRM and case tracking systems.
• Stay current on local/state/federal policies impacting student access to benefits and resources.

Student Engagement, Advocacy, and Retention

• Maintain frequent and intentional communication with caseload to support goal progress and re-engagement.
• Promote participation in culturally sustaining student engagement opportunities.
• Advocate for systemic change that dismantles barriers and fosters inclusive, healing-centered support environments.
• Participate in statewide Benefits Navigator and Reentry Navigator cohorts, Achieving the Dream efforts, and institutional equity initiatives.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Support special projects, events, and cross-functional team initiatives as determined by the Director of Basic Needs.

Requirements

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, counseling, social work, social services, human services, or a related field or equivalent work experience in education, counseling, social work, social services, human services, or a related field.
  
  • Education to Experience Equivalences: Associates Degree = 2 years | Bachelors Degree = 4 years | Masters Degree = 5 years

Required Experience:  

• One year of experience in an educational, social service, or reentry-focused setting managing a caseload.
• Demonstrated experience supporting diverse student populations, including those with intersecting marginalized identities.
• Knowledge of local/state human service systems, housing/food programs, and reentry supports.
• Experience with electronic case management or student information systems.

Special Requirements:

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position
• As this position would also do contracted work for the Department of Corrections (DOC), the DOC will conduct a background to ensure the incumbent is eligible to work in their facilities and work with incarcerated individuals. The Department of Corrections will also provide DOC-required training that the finalist will be expected to attend.

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at:https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. At least one reference must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question):  "How does this position impact the College's goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission? "Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words. For definitions of certain equity, engagement, and belonging language, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/eeb-definitions

Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. 

To view the full job bulletin, and to apply, please visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/piercedist/jobs/5126470/community-based-education-navigator?pagetype=transferJobs!