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Primary Purpose

Learning for Life (L4L) Navigators serve as a key component of the support provided to students, called Scholars, through Learning for Life. L4L Navigators provide peer mentorship, case management, and related support services and resources to address the needs of L4L Scholars with various academic, mental health, social support, and basic needs. L4L Navigators do not provide direct counseling services, although they do utilize a person- centered, assessment-based holistic approach to assessing a student’s overall well-being and make referrals to appropriate mental health professionals, as needed. L4L Navigators focus on “assessment, student advocacy, student empowerment, and follow-up and resolution”.¹ All L4L Navigators are expected to maintain a professional representation of the L4L mission when interacting with all off and on campus offices, as well as and most especially with, students served.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following activities are expected of all student Navigators who are a part of L4L:

• Attend the Lead Navigator GA Training (one-day) and week-long Navigator Orientation prior to start of fall semester.
• Outreach to students for participation in L4L, both for individual Scholars and as part of community events.
• Complete Triage Assessments for students seeking counseling services & make appropriate referrals
• Provide support and shadowing opportunities to Intern-level Navigators
• Provide interested students with an orientation to L4L, explaining policies and services to be provided, and expectations for student participation
• Maintain a caseload of active scholars that comprises 25% of work time (or more)
• Maintain a list of non-active scholars and provide email outreach/resources weekly
• Provide immediate response to students applying for emergency funds (same day, if possible)
• Complete documentation within 24 hours of sessions; start of next shift at the latest
• Attend weekly or bi-weekly individual supervision
• Attend weekly All Staff or GA Supervision and contribute via case and topic presentation
• Complete L4L projects as requested
• Gain proficiency using Canva for creation of promotional material(s)
• Contribute to a positive workplace culture
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Accepted graduate degree candidate enrolled in a counseling related plan of study (social work, counseling/mental health, school psychology)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to accept some direction but also be a self- starter
• Background in human services and/or education (preferred but not required)
• Efficient time management skills
• Desire to work with and support college students, as well as collaborate with campus and community organizational partners
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Proficiency in basic computer applications

• Strong respect and desire to support diverse and inclusive communities

Benefits for the Graduate Assistant

The Lead Navigator experience provides students an opportunity to:

• Work in collaboration with peers, staff and faculty as well as community partners
• Gain real world case management experience by assisting students who experience disruption in the normal course of study due to academic difficulty and other barriers, including housing and food insecurity, transportation, childcare, and mental health issues.
• Develop a global understanding as they interact with a diverse array of students from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, race, gender and sexual identities, abilities, etc.
• Practice written and oral communications through documentation, L4L network materials development, and presentations across campus and in the community.
• Engage with an array of disciplines throughout campus as part of outreach and collaboration efforts.
• Engage in ongoing training and development via individual and group supervision, to enhance communication, teambuilding, critical thinking, problem-solving, advocacy, and organizational skills.
• Gain practical experience providing introductory supervision to assigned Navigator(s) in their Network
• Form meaningful mentor relationships with Navigators and Scholars, providing the guidance they need to reach their highest potential.

According to feedback provided by previous Navigators, the Navigator experience provides opportunities for personal and professional growth and leadership development. Navigators have opportunities to practice skills and competencies inherent in the field of social work and related disciplines, such as establishing professional boundaries, privacy and confidentiality, and other ethical principles.

How to Apply

Along with the application and resume, candidates should also send a letter describing their qualifications for and interest in the position to L4L Director, Daniel Reyes.