DEADLINE: The screening committee will begin their first review on June 9, 2023. Position is open until filled.

Job Description

Under direct/general supervision of the Dean of Corrections Education, this position is responsible for planning and managing programs and support services to incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and justice-involved students transitioning into community education and career opportunities.  This position will provide outreach to potential students, assistance with application and financial aid processes, and referral to and connection with community resources.  The Reentry Navigator will also provide collaborative advising to support student retention and successful degree completion.  Applicants with experience with incarceration or knowledge of the prison system are encouraged to apply.  Appointment of the successful candidate to this position will be made contingent upon a satisfactory outcome of a criminal history background check.

This full-time exempt position is designed to fulfill in part a contract awarded by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to operate a correctional education program in accordance with an interagency agreement with the Department of Corrections (DOC).  Centralia College and its employees working in corrections education are expected to follow all DOC policies, technology and other security requirements, follow DOC Operational Memorandums, and comply with the Superintendent’s directives.  The main campus is the worksite for this position, with regular travel to prisons and facilities in Lewis, Thurston, Mason, and Grays Harbor counties.

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time professional/technical exempt position. The salary is $46,793 - $46,793 (DOQ/DOE) annually depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees. The position may participate in the TIAA/CREF retirement system.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Corrections Education faculty and staff to ensure successful student transition from incarceration to communities.  
• Travel to prisons and juvenile detention facilities to recruit incarcerated individuals and provide them with information about educational opportunities available at Centralia and other colleges (including Grays Harbor).
• Serve as a liaison for students transiting from adult or juvenile corrections facilities as the primary point of contact for enrollment, registration, financial aid and other campus departments at Centralia College.
• Serve as a liaison for community-based justice-involved individuals to departments at Centralia College campus for enrollment, registration, financial aid and other services.
• Communicate and serve as a liaison between students, Corrections Education staff, and campus partners to assist students with enrollment upon release.  Provide connections to personnel and resources at Centralia College to help students navigate the college system.
• Provide holistic programmatic support to formerly incarcerated students based upon their education and career goals and offering connection to state-wide educational navigators for programming outside of Centralia College’s offerings.
• Connect and co-enroll participants in other support services available at the college including, when eligible, Basic Food Employment and Training, WorkFirst, Worker Retraining and services provided under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
• Ensure that students are working with career advisors to plan for job search or continued education.
• Attend trainings and conferences to keep current with the requirements and procedures for transiting students. Attend and participate in quarterly trainings and conference calls with statewide Education Navigators.
• Design, develop and manage systems to track incarcerated and formerly incarcerated student metrics including academic progress, referrals, program of study, recidivism, retention, graduation and completion rates.  
• Convene committees that serve to enhance the student experience and advocate for current and formerly incarcerated students. Participate and develop peer-mentoring programs to facilitate the creation of student support groups made up for formerly incarcerated and justice-involved students and alumni.
• Build and maintain current information about available resources to housing, employment and assistance for formerly incarcerated students that will promote student retention, success and completion.
• Prepare material for State Board Community and Technical Colleges reporting.
• Supervise and manage students, volunteers, and interns as applicable.
• Assume other duties as assigned to support and ensure the success of the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, OR any combination of relevant education, training and experience that indicates successful performance of the essential functions of the position
• Demonstrated experience working with the criminal justice systems or incarcerated populations
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to transition between multiple work locations on a regular basis
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment for all students and an ability to work effectively with diverse populations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with outreach, marketing, and/or participant recruitment
• Experience with successful cross agency collaboration
• Grant writing and management experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Outlook, and Word programs
• Time management, multitasking, and coordinating work outcomes/activities with multiple partners
• Demonstrated multicultural skills and knowledge of social justice and equity frameworks

Conditions of Employment

COVID 19 Vaccination Requirement
Employees of the WA State Department of Corrections (DOC) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet this requirement due to a medical or religious necessity.  

This is a twelve (12) month per year, full-time professional/technical exempt position. The salary is $46,793 - $46,793 (DOQ/DOE) annually depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees. The position may participate in the TIAA/CREF retirement system.

DEADLINE: The screening committee will begin their first review on June 9, 2023. Position is open until filled.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $46,793 - $46,793 (DOQ/DOE)

Application Process

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Eligibility to Work

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

Background Check

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. 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.