English Language Learner (ELL) Transition Navigator

Sandburg; Galesburg (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandburg in Galesburg, Illinois, is seeking a resource navigator to provide essential support for English Language Learners (ELL) during their transition to and through college. The role involves individual guidance, coordination of services, and collaboration with community partners to enhance student success. Candidates should hold an Associate’s Degree, possess strong communication and organizational skills, and be willing to work flexible hours. Proficiency in Spanish or French is preferred.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of related experience in K-12 or higher education.
• Experience working with English Language Learners preferred.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a navigator for ELL students transitioning to college and the workforce.
• Assist students in navigating enrollment and testing procedures.
• Provide individualized support to English Language Learners.
• Coordinate services to address students' challenges during transitions.
• Maintain records of student progress and services provided.
• Collaborate with school personnel and community agencies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organization skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Spanish proficiency

French proficiency

Education

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, education, social work, human services, or related field

Job description

Job Details

• Provide services for ELL students with transition, wraparound support, services, and resources that result in increased student recruitment, retention, and success.
• MIDCTE41010
• Mid-Management, IV
• Non-Exempt, Non-Bargaining Unit
• Reports to: Director of Student Support
• Principal Working Relationship: Director of Recruitment, Student Success Advocates, Faculty, Staff, Students and External Partners
• This position is 100% grant funded

Responsibilities

1. Serve as a transition/wraparound support resource navigator for ELL students in their transition to college, through college, and into the workforce.
2. In coordination with appropriate college personnel, assist students in navigating the enrollment, testing and registration procedures, financial aid, and student services to ensure a seamless transition.
3. Provide individualized support to students who are English Language Learners.
4. Offer guidance and mentorship to students in developing self‑advocacy skills and navigating educational systems.
5. Coordinate internal and external services and resources to address academic, social, emotional, and logistical challenges during transitions.
6. Conduct assessments to identify students' strengths, needs, and preferences related to their transition goals.
7. Work closely with the Admissions Office to coordinate and participate in recruitment activities including on‑campus and off‑campus events.
8. Act as the primary point of contact and support for students participating in the Regional Office of Education English Language Acquisition (ELA) program to assist them in enrolling at Sandburg.
9. Act as intervention point for students by tracking student success indicators, performance outcomes and engagement.
10. Work closely with Student Success Coaches to provide additional support to students nearing degree completion to overcome barriers to success.
11. Maintain accurate records and documentation of student progress, services provided, and outcomes achieved.
12. Collaborate with school personnel, community agencies, and stakeholders — including the Regional Office of Education #33, Knox County YMCA, district high schools, and the Galesburg Bilingual Parent Action Council (BIPAC) — to enhance transition services, connect underserved students to enrollment, and meet grant partnership objectives.
13. Participate in professional development activities and continuous learning to improve service delivery and effectiveness.
14. Participate in the establishment of strategic initiatives and the assessment of the grant’s key performance indicators.
15. Compile semesterly Project Impact Reports tracking student performance outcomes, caseload, and grant goal progress; share results with Sandburg leadership.
16. Develop and maintain an updated student resource guide connecting students to internal and external (partner) supports.
17. Other Duties as Assigned

Assist with

1. Disseminating and collecting student surveys.
2. Outreach to prospective program participants.
3. Orientation and similar activities that help acclimate prospective and new students to the campus and available services.
4. Campus events supporting student transitions to college, through college, and into the workforce.
5. Student success initiatives throughout the institution

Risk‑management and loss‑prevention activities

1. Actively participate in and carry out activities in support of the college risk‑management program in a capacity appropriate to this position.
2. Monitor conditions, events and circumstances present in the college operation to avoid potential torts or injuries to students, staff or the general public, and then communicate observations to the appropriate supervisor and/or risk‑management committee.
3. Maintain a working knowledge of the college’s emergency procedures and how to operate emergency phone systems, including internal/external call boxes.

Qualifications

1. Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, education, social work, human services, or a related field preferred. Two or more years of related experience in K‑12 or higher education and/or experience working with English Language Learners preferred.
2. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other related software is required.
3. Interpersonal, organization, presentation, and communications skills are essential.
4. Willingness to work a flexible schedule which includes evening and weekend availability required.
5. Valid driver’s license.
6. The ability to communicate successfully both verbally and in writing with clients without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
7. Spanish or French proficiency preferred

Physical requirements to perform job functions

1. Basic dexterity skills (computer work, telephoning and other office equipment).
2. General physical effort required includes sitting, bending, reaching and some lifting (20 lbs. or less) and the ability to place a work order for anything over that limit.
3. Operation of a motor vehicle as required for travel to position responsibilities.