"TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Navigator"

Position

Are you passionate about supporting students from diverse communities? Join Renton Technical College as a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Navigator. The TRIO Navigator plays an essential role in advancing the mission of the federally funded TRIO SSS program by providing holistic academic support and guidance to eligible students. TRIO SSS, funded by the U.S Department of Education, is designed to increase college success for first-generation, low-income students, and students with disabilities. The Navigator will support students academically persist, graduate, and transfer to four-year institutions. This includes assisting students with clarification of academic and life goals, creating individualized success planning, monitoring progress, and connecting students to college and community resources. The Navigator will also collaborate across campus departments to advance RTCs Be the Place Strategic Equity Plan and commitment to student success.

The TRIO Navigator is represented by the Renton Professional Technical Association (Prof-Tech) union. This is a full-time, classified, and overtime eligible position reporting to the Director of TRIO SSS in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The pay range for this role is $65,673 - $84,489 annually. Salary placement will not exceed step 4 ($70,118) due to funding.Additional information can be found on our benefits page and in the Collective Bargaining Agreement [Download PDF reader]. This role is grant funded and is contingent upon sustained grant funding. The priority consideration date for this position is January 16, 2026.

Renton Technical College, located southeast of Seattle, has provided quality education in a variety of occupations for over 75 years. Our professional-technical certificate and degree programs offer entry and mid-level training in the areas of allied health, trades, and industry, culinary, business, technology, and automotive. Our outstanding college & career pathways program with classes in adult basic education, English as a second language, and GED preparation is available to those who need additional preparation before entering a training program and for those who simply wish to improve their math and English skills. Career Education and apprenticeships degrees round out our offerings.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions Include

• Support students in identifying and cultivating educational and career goals through strengths-based conversations and individualized coaching.
• Recruit, train, and supervise TRIO student tutors who provide specialized tutoring services to program participants.
• Assist with recruitment, eligibility screening, and intake of new SSS participants. Manage a program caseload of 140 students.
• Conduct regular check-ins and progress monitoring in coordination with the TRIO Director.
• Develop and support students holistically through the implementation of individualized success plans.
• Identify academic, financial, and personal barriers impacting student success; provide proactive interventions and referrals.
• Connect students with tutoring, disability accommodation services, financial aid, workforce education programs, academic advising, and basic needs support.
• Help students build college navigation skills (registration, financial aid processes, transfer steps, etc.).
• Utilize student information platforms such as CTC Link, EAB Navigate and TRIO specific platform to track academic progress and facilitate follow-up to ensure consistent student support.
• Provide information and referrals to both college and community programs and services. Assist students with accessing external benefits and resources as appropriate.
• Maintain strong partnerships with community agencies related to housing, employment, healthcare, food access, and other support services.
• Develop and facilitate TRIO centered workshops and events designed to develop and enhance academic goals.
• Coordinate program sponsored college visits and academic enrichment activities.
• Maintain accurate student records in compliance with federal program guidelines and college policies.
• Contribute to data collection and reporting for the TRIO Annual Performance Report (APR).
• Collaborate closely with campus departments and represent TRIO in student-focused events and meetings.
• Perform other related projects and assignments as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with persons from diverse backgrounds such as sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, physical and learning abilities, and a commitment to an inclusive and equitable working / learning environment.
• Bachelors degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• One year of experience with TRIO or a similar federal, state, or institutionally funded student success program providing advising, student support or college navigation.
• Knowledge of TRIO SSS program regulations, allowable costs, and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of systemic issues impacting underrepresented, first-generation, students with disabilities, and low-income college students.
• Commitment to serving first-generation, low-income students, and students with disabilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community partners. Skilled with interpersonal communications, conflict resolution and organizational management.
• Proficiency in program evaluation, data collection, and federal reporting systems.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally, including report writing and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience supervising student staff and managing program budgets.
• Experience in grant management, program compliance, evaluation, and outcomes reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in student case management, including use of tracking systems to monitor quarterly academic progress and document interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to promote universal design and accessibility. Proficiency in (or ability to learn within 6 month of hire) the production of accessible content, whether print or electronic.
• Ability to represent the college in a positive and professional manner, while using tact, discretion and courtesy.
• Ability to speak a regionally top spoken language other than English is preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, and Chinese).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working hours are generally aligned to business hours, Monday – Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Work is mostly sedentary in nature, performed in an office environment. Frequent use of a computer and exposure to terminal screens is required. Work and meetings may take place across campus. May drive/travel to trainings, conferences, and/or college events. This is mostly an in-person/on-campus position; remote work may occur as business permits.

Terms of Employment

In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Renton Technical College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

The person hired is required to provide authorization for employment in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent to background checks, including employment and required degree/credential verification. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform successfully in the position. Finalists are required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure form as required under RCW 288.112.080. Post offer, pre-employment criminal background checks are also required.

For questions regarding this position contact recruiting@rtc.edu.