Student Navigator

Potomac Community Services•Hagerstown, MD

20h•$45,448 - $55,016•Onsite

About The Position

The role of a Student Navigator is to work with students, families, school staff, and community partners to help students stay connected, supported, and engaged in their education. Areas of focus include but are not limited to school attendance, student engagement, academic progress, caregiver involvement, access to community resources, and long-term family support. Student Navigators help identify barriers that may be affecting attendance or engagement and work to connect students and families with practical, sustainable supports. This role strengthens communication between the home, school, and community so students are not navigating challenges alone and caregivers feel more confident accessing available resources. It is meaningful and challenging work for sure, but helping students re-engage in school, strengthen family support, reduce barriers, and improve long-term outcomes makes this role deeply rewarding.

Requirements

Minimum of 4-year degree (related human service degree preferred but not required)
Minimum of 1 year youth (working directly with youth under 18) REQUIRED.
Volunteer/internship experience may be counted.
Valid Driver's License
Ability to commute/relocate: Hagerstown, MD 21740: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Driver's License (Required)
Creative and compassionate attitude
Empathy resilience and open mindedness
Interest in working both with children and their parents
Strong communication and collaborative skills
Eagerness to learn and grow professionally

Responsibilities

Respond promptly and appropriately to requests from school staff, students, caregivers, and community partners.
Maintain strong, professional working relationships with Washington County Public Schools staff, PCS team members, Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) -funded providers, and other community partners.
Serve as a liaison between PCS, Washington County Public Schools, families, and community agencies to support coordinated communication and service delivery.
Coordinate with school-based teams and community providers to ensure role clarity, continuity of care, and alignment with existing school and community supports.
Connect eligible students and families to appropriate long-term, sustainable supports and services.
Motivate and support students in attending school regularly, arriving on time, and remaining engaged in their academic progress.
Implement strategies designed to improve school attendance, student engagement, and academic performance, particularly for students experiencing or at risk of chronic absenteeism.
Support timely referrals and connections to appropriate levels of intervention and support within the Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework.
Deliver services that are coordinated, integrated, and aligned with school, family, and community resources to reduce fragmentation and strengthen outcomes for students and families.
Learn and implement required evidence-based programs and models with fidelity.
Use evidence-based approaches that intentionally center caregiver engagement and promote consistency across home and school environments.
Apply culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices that recognize diverse family experiences, promote inclusion, and support meaningful participation.
Adapt engagement strategies to meet families where they are and encourage sustained caregiver involvement.
Support increased caregiver engagement, capacity, and confidence in navigating school and community resources.
Maintain flexibility in scheduling, including early morning and evening availability as needed, to accommodate school schedules, caregiver availability, and program needs.