The Cleveland Transformation Alliance is hiring a School Choice Navigator focused on supporting families with children who have an IEP or 504 plan. Applications from qualified candidates will be accepted until the position is filled.

Special Education School Quality Navigator
Part-time: Up to 20 hours per week
Salary: $15 to $20 per hour, commensurate with experience
Funded through 8/31/2024 with the possibility of extension
Flexible Remote and In-Office Work
Reports to: Family Engagement Manager

What is a CTA Navigator:
The Cleveland Plan envisions a portfolio of quality public schools, both District and charter, that meet families’ and students’ needs in our city. In support of the Cleveland Plan, the Transformation Alliance has created resources such as its School Quality Guide and interactive website, which provide objective information on all the district and charter schools in the city.

The navigator model is a peer-based, flexible approach that helps create partnerships among families, schools, and communities to increase student academic success. A navigator is a person who has lived experience in navigating or knowledge of Cleveland’s educational landscape. They listen, make connections, collaborate, inform, and help bridge communication and understanding to help families make informed school choice decisions.

The primary responsibilities of the navigator are to assist families’ involvement in navigating through the Cleveland public education landscape, guide them through information and processes, help them learn about their public school options, and decide which school best meets their children’s needs. Navigators will also help them enroll in the public schools they choose. The Navigator program is an all-inclusive resource and referral program that offers support and compassion to families.

Job Goals:

Direct Family Support

• Reach out to families referred through the Ambassador Program for one-on-one Navigator assistance
• Help at least 20 families find the “right fit” school by helping them identify and select from the options available to them and guiding them through the enrollment process
• Create and implement a template for an individualized plan for families to select and enroll in the right school for their child
• Conduct one-on-one meetings and complete an individualized assessment for each family
• Monitor and evaluate a family’s progress through their individualized plan
• Monitor student enrollment status

 Interorganizational Care Coordination

• Manage and formulate a list of referral and resource offerings garnered from the Ambassador Program and personal recruitment efforts
• Actively engage families at virtual and in-person events to inform them of CTA’s mission and scope
• Serve as a liaison between partner organizations and families to refer families

• Complete referrals to external programs and resources as needed to ensure the success of individualized plans

 CTA Administrative Support

• Generate leads of families to assist from available resource lists
• Regularly update the Transformation Alliance’s database with pertinent family information and progress notes
• Generate leads of organizations interested in partnering with the Alliance as Ambassador organizations
• Provide Ambassador training for the staff at Ambassador Organizations
• Stay updated on changing policies, practices, and services impacting program participants through regular communication with Alliance staff

• Assist Alliance staff with gathering data, monitoring the impact of the program, and conducting the program evaluation
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Deep understanding and knowledge of the special education system
• Ability to use a case management database to track all family contacts
• Able to work a set 20 hours per week, including 3 hours during regular business hours with other Transformation Alliance staff

• Demonstrate proficiency with Computer Technology, Internet Browsers, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Exhibit self-motivation and ability to work independently and as part of the team
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exhibit confidence to communicate with families and community partners (in-person, virtually, over the phone, and through text)
• Ability to find resolutions to pressing issues using all tools available
• Ability to respect and maintain confidential information

• Coordinate multiple activities simultaneously

• Demonstrate the ability to work with diverse communities

• Show problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Able to access reliable transportation for travel
• Ability to travel 50% or more for events and one-on-one family sessions
• Complete background screening. Please note: Past criminal convictions are not immediate disqualifications for employment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior social work experience
• Experience working directly with families who experience barriers because of factors including geography, race, and socioeconomic status
• Successful candidates should be familiar with Cleveland’s education and social service landscape, with focused knowledge of special education.
• Comfort working in a digital environment, including working with databases such as Little Green Light, Raiser’s Edge, or Salesforce

 NOTE:

• Current college students are welcome to apply
• Navigators will receive company-owned technology and materials for use as part of their duties, including a computer, a mobile printer, and a cellphone with hot spot service. The technology will remain the Cleveland Transformation Alliance’s property before, during, and after the position ends and must be returned after the job term ends. These work resources are not part of the job’s compensation.
• The Cleveland Transformation Alliance has a culture of passion for education, continuous learning, teamwork, transparency, and thoughtfulness.

Applicants may apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to info@clevelandta.org.
No phone calls, please.