Under the general direction and supervision of the Dean for UPWARD – Prison Education Program, the Career Readiness Navigator of UPWARD – Prison Education Program provides justice-impacted students with preparation for and access to, the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC). This position will work on-site in correctional facilities with the populations at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, Community Corrections Center-Lincoln, Nebraska Correctional Center for Women, Work Ethic Camp, and Reception and Treatment Center to teach career readiness preparation skills and proctor the NCRC tests.

This position requires travel to all correctional facilities and SCC campuses as needed to perform the essential functions of the Career Readiness Navigator responsibilities as deemed necessary, work with the campus administration and staff on each campus and the department of corrections to identify, recruit, prepare, and test students, and serve as a member of the campus and college administrative units. This position offices out of Lincoln, but you must be able to work across correctional facilities and campuses in a 15-county area. This is a part-time temporary position with State funding through 6/30/2026.

Assist justice-involved individuals with career readiness activities

Work with data systems to identify participants who are prepared to test and those who need to fulfill a prerequisite career readiness class; facilitate career readiness classes utilizing the existing curriculum; and proctor online and/or paper ACT WorkKeys tests.

Collaborate with Agency Partners and UPWARD Staff

Coordinate with NDCS Career Readiness Instructors, facility contacts, and SCC Administrative Director and Educational Navigators to schedule preparation classes and testing dates.

Recruit Students

Promote the UPWARD correctional program to justice-involved students, responding to questions regarding the program. Refer potential students to the Educational Navigator for their location.

Update and Maintain Proper Records

Through continuous communication with the Dean, Administrative Director, and other key SCC personnel, ensure participant and program records are updated and maintained for proper record keeping and reporting. This includes reviewing outcome data and participating in program improvement plans to enhance the ongoing development of the program. The Career Readiness Navigator will also ensure program databases and classroom inventories are maintained. They will utilize and maintain records associated with the NCRC program.

Comply with Administrative Directives

Ensure academic integrity and compliance with all college, state, and federal directives to ensure a successful program.

Reporting Internal/External

Participate in the development and reporting of results related to prison education and correctional facility instructional spaces to internal and external constituencies. Assist in the development and distribution of an UPWARD – Prison Education Program annual report and quarterly reports for NDCS.

Special Projects

Work with the Dean of the correctional program on special projects for the instructional division or college.

Professional Growth

Participate in professional conferences and meetings; maintain liaisons with national, regional, state, and local agencies in secondary and post-secondary opportunities.

Communication and Public Relations

Communicates with the public, students, faculty, and staff daily. Works with community committees and organizations to promote and enhance the college and its activities. Active as a public speaker and handles campus concerns in areas of responsibility.

Assist with the Preparation and Distribution of Reports

Aids in preparing reports and institutional data related to campus student services and college admission, enrollment, recruitment, and registration activities requested by State and Federal agencies. Examples include IPEDS, CCPE, ACT, and College Board, FTE reports, Enrollment reports, and statistics. Works in collaboration with the Administrative Director of Institutional Effectiveness in the development of data.

Other Duties as Assigned
Perform related work as required to ensure the effective operation of the division.

Promote a Culture of Belonging

Support and promote an environment of belonging where all students, faculty members, and college employees feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute, regardless of their identities. Foster a community where diverse identities and perspectives enrich the educational experience and create a safe and respectful environment. Support the College’s policies and programming related to access, fair employment, equal employment opportunity, equity, inclusion, and diversity.

• Demonstrate professionalism; maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

• Keep detailed expense reports associated with testing and travel.

• Participate in college-wide activities, meetings, and teams as appropriate to the position.

• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with other Enrollment and Student Affairs units, divisions, and local service agencies.

• Coordinate referrals for the delivery of College support services.

• May be required to perform associated duties, functions, or assignments in other divisions/programs/areas as required.

• Perform other College functions and duties as assigned.

• Must be able to work varied days, hours, shifts, locations, and campuses as required. Work schedules (hours/days/work location) are scheduled by Southeast Community College based on the needs of the College. Work hours, shifts, days, and work locations may vary depending on the needs of Southeast Community College and are subject to modification. Emergency or scheduled special activities may require hours outside of the regular workweek.

• Demonstrate professionalism; maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing, in person, and on the phone.

• Ability to work with justice-involved students and NDCS staff.

• Knowledge and awareness of partnerships and potential opportunities.

• Ability to coordinate governmental, agency, workforce, and student needs and interests.

• Ability to incorporate diplomacy and establish trust, in addition to normal courtesy and tact.

• Ability to resolve problems and communicate with students, faculty, and staff of diverse cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

• Knowledge of and experience with applying professional motivational techniques in a variety of situations.

• Ability to work and communicate with a diverse group of students, staff, and the public.

• Knowledge and ability to collect, arrange, and interpret data in both written and verbal format.

• Skills and abilities necessary to describe various vocational programs and occupations in a factual, clear, and concise manner in both verbal and written formats.

• Strong computer skills and ability to navigate student data systems.

• Ability to organize and direct group activities for specific tasks.

• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the public.

• Knowledge of current practices in secondary and higher education, primarily community colleges.

• Knowledge and experience in using computers and peripherals, Internet, and computer software applications.

• Ability to travel frequently between campus locations within the college area.

• Ability to meet timelines/deadlines.

• Ability to gain clearance and volunteer status with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

• Ability to lift and carry up to (50) fifty pounds for short distances, and move tables, chairs, and media equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing, in person, and on the phone.

• Ability to use basic computer skills.

• The individual must possess the above skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Associate’s degree in human services, business, criminal justice, psychology, or other related field.

• Two (2) years of professional work experience at a secondary and/or post-secondary institution in one or more areas of College Student Affairs*.

• Possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License.

• Ability to qualify for auto insurance coverage.