Impactful College Navigator & Student Support Specialist

Easter Seals of Massachusetts Inc; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Easterseals Massachusetts seeks a College Navigator to provide on-campus and virtual supports to college students with disabilities as they adjust to academics and campus life. The role centers on coaching, goal setting, and collaboration with campus staff across multiple local colleges in the Northeast MA region.

Position requires onsite presence primarily at Middlesex Community College (Bedford campus, occasionally Lowell), Brandeis University, and Bentley University in Waltham.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or Master's degree in related field
• Experience with young adults with disabilities preferred
• Familiarity with Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, etc.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) and Zoom
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• TB test and health documentation clearance for work
• COVID-19 vaccine strongly preferred due to campus policies

Responsibilities

• Develop action plans each semester addressing each student’s goals as they relate to their transition into college
• Provide 1:1 coaching to develop and support concrete goals in areas of higher education and independent living
• Support the student with executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, scheduling, etc.
• Identify potential barriers and problem-solve around them with students and college staff
• Create a supportive environment between the college and the student
• Advocate for the student by identifying their needs and explain them to college staff
• Maintain ongoing documentation related to monitoring and evaluating client progress on goals
• Communication with referring agencies and program manager including monthly notes, weekly check-ins, and identifying and problem-solving challenges with clients
• Ability to meet expectations, standards, and protocols of work sites and referring agencies
• Assist students with navigating online learning platforms including, but not limited to Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle
• Help students understand the current college culture and expectations
• When applicable, assist clients in the consistent and appropriate use of assistive technology as outlined in the action plan to develop greater self-sufficiency and functioning
• Review and discuss with the program manager potential referrals for other ESMA programs and services
• Provide ongoing program ideas for improvement to the program manager
• Attend transition-related conferences and represent Easter Seals Transition Services in local and state meetings, as requested by the program manager and/or director
• Resolves routine administrative problems
• Adapt communication style to effectively communicate with all individuals, including those with different communication abilities
• Regular interfacing with students, families, disability professionals, and educators

Skills

Communication skills

TB test clearance

COVID-19 vaccine preferred

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Blackboard

Moodle

Canvas

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Teams

Outlook

Job description

Easterseals Massachusetts seeks a College Navigator to provide on-campus and virtual supports to college students with disabilities as they adjust to academics and campus life. The role centers on coaching, goal setting, and collaboration with campus staff across multiple local colleges in the Northeast MA region.

Position requires onsite presence primarily at Middlesex Community College (Bedford campus, occasionally Lowell), Brandeis University, and Bentley University in Waltham.