Job Description

Job Location: Boyle Heights Youth Technology Center - Los Angeles, CA 90021
Position Type: Full-Time - UNIONEducation
Level: High School Diploma or Equivalent Req.
Salary Range: $28.89 - $32.83 Hourly

Job Shift: Schedule may vary; M-F; 37.5 hrsMission Statement
Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.
Five Keys Overview
Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.
Our Core Competencies
A well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
What it’s really like to join our agency…
At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We’ve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.
Benefits
We offer very low monthly costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous time off! Various pre-tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account 403(b) are available. We provide annual reimbursements up to $100 towards gym membership, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs. Annual athletic event participation and annual massages are reimbursed up to $50. Other Company-paid benefits, including free wellness-related apps, an Employee Assistance Program, and a comprehensive mental health care platform, are available to you and your dependents.

QualificationsJOB SUMMARY
The Education Navigator position reports to the Director of Career and Technical Education and is accountable for providing comprehensive administrative, technical, and student support to help participants achieve their educational and career goals. This role blends personalized coaching, case management, academic and career advising, and job readiness support to guide students—many of whom are low-income and may be first-generation college-goers—toward success. The Education Navigator fosters strong, trusting relationships with students while coordinating supportive services and tracking progress to ensure participants persist in their educational pathways and improve their employability.
We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people. If this job is for you, you are extremely organized, easy to talk with and are patient and caring.
This is a grant-funded position, funded by the K12 Strong Workforce Program. This position supports multiple sites in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. The scheduled hours vary between 7:00 am - 8:00 pm; the current schedule is 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct intake and assessments for prospective Fresh Success participants to determine program eligibility and needs
- Facilitate orientation sessions to onboard new participants, providing clear guidance on program expectations, available services, and student responsibilities.
- Provide educational planning, academic advising, and career guidance tailored to each participant’s goals and strengths.
- Implement retention and proactive outreach strategies
- Offer job readiness support, including resume development, interview preparation, and employability skills workshops.
- Maintain accurate participant records, ensuring timely data entry and outcomes tracking
- Prepare and deliver presentations or group workshops designed to promote academic success, life skills development, and career preparation
- Attend all Fresh Success program meetings, trainings, and related conferences to remain current on best practices and program updates
- Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure compliance with program and institutional policies.
- Conduct weekly check-ins with all students on assigned caseload, providing support and advocacy as needed.
- Support clients in accessing the educational resources necessary to complete their program
- Proactively and reactively identify and address potential barriers to education
- Expertly navigate the personalities of each client to support the growth of the non-cognitive skills necessary to persist in and complete their programs
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across agencies, institutions, and systems.
- Participate in ongoing training and coaching in line with Five Keys
- Other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Demonstrates competency in working with students with diverse needs
- Knowledge of inter-organizational referral procedures
- Read, write, and speak English fluently
- Bilingual in Spanish may be preferred or required, depending on student population
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using technology for phone calls, video calls, emails, texts, etc.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office, Gmail and Google Drives/Docs and professional communication
- Skilled with portable technology, such as a tablet with internet connection
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Experience working with students who have been pushed out the education system
-  Experience delivering impactful, trauma-informed services to system-impacted clients
- Ability to engage, guide, and support individuals in making positive behavioral changes, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and collaborative goal setting using Motivational Interview techniques.
- Experience supporting clients toward education outcomes in a client-centered manner that acknowledges and respects their right of self-determination
- High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work
- Excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills; strong sense of professionalism and ability to navigate conflict constructively
- Experience with the positive client development model, asset-based relationship building, and fostering a growth mindset
- Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed
- Frequent talking and hearing conversations
- Long periods of walking, sitting at a desk and/or computer station
- Lifting items that weigh up to 25 lbs.; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
This position is contingent upon:
- Satisfactory results of a Live Scan (criminal background investigation)
- Successfully obtaining jail clearance for positions working in county jails or probation locations
- Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable
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WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Moderate to high noise level
- Work environment varies from site to site
- Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities
- Must be willing and able to work in a correctional facility, travel throughout the area to community sites, and travel state-wide to various locations or meetings as needed
- Up to 25% travel to Five Keys locations throughout California as needed
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
At Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. It is for this reason that we remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all of our employees. These include but are not limited to: conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency (i.e., programs, schools, housing).