Basic Needs Support Specialist

Title: Basic Needs Support Specialist

Employee Classification: Professional F/T 52 Wks Unit

Department Student Assistance

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Student Advocacy & Resource Center Coordinator, the Basic Needs Support Specialist provides non-clinical social work services consisting of case management and referrals to campus resources and community support services related to food and housing insecurity, economic and personal crisis interventions, as well as student advocacy services, outreach, and education. This position assists in the planning, coordinating, implementing, and assessing of programs and services designed to identify and meet the basic needs of historically under-resourced and underserved students. The Basic Needs Support Specialist will provide on-going support and resources to students in need using an intrusive and individualized case management approach.

• Meet with students individually to provide both crisis intervention and on-going support for resolving barriers related to the student’s experiences utilizing a variety of interventions, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Connect students with community and college services that can help with their needs for housing, childcare, transportation, food, healthcare, etc. Offer guidance identifying and accessing federal, state and local social service providers and programs.
• In consultation with the Coordinator, oversee programs and services such as the campus Clothing Closet or the Family Resource Center that provides resources and supports for student parents.
Provide outreach to historically underserved student populations to facilitate access, persistence, and success. In collaboration with college and community stakeholders, develop a variety of education, outreach, and prevention initiatives that support the health and well-being of STLCC students.

Primary Duties Performed:

• Meet with students individually to assess basic needs, remove barriers, and identify supports that promote student success.
• Assist students in problem solving any barriers impeding their education and in developing appropriate action plans.
• Provide on-going support and resources to students in need using an intrusive and individualized case management approach.
• Collaborate with and provide referrals to various college departments such as Financial Aid, Access, Counseling, TRiO – Student Support Services, and Student Success Advising to promote student persistence and college completion.
• Provide information about and referral to federal, state and local agencies and programs. Maintain current knowledge of social service providers and programs to ease referral process.
• Assist students in completing applications for program benefits and provides assistance to students in gathering and submitting required documentation for various program applications.
• Provide outreach to historically underserved student populations to facilitate access to college resources and community support services.
• In collaboration with college and community stakeholders, develop a variety of education, outreach, and prevention initiatives that support the health and well-being of STLCC students. Conduct classroom presentations and facilitate workshops and other events designed to provide information and resources for students.
• In consultation with the Coordinator, oversee programs and services such as the campus Clothing Closet or the Family Resource Center that provides resources and supports for student parents.
• Assist with the daily operations of campus food pantry including donation solicitations, organization, distribution, staffing, intake, etc.
• Assist the SARC Coordinator with other related duties and tasks as needed or directed.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related area and three (3) years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree; prior experience working in the post-secondary educational environment; prior experience assisting clients to access and utilize a variety of federal, state, and local social services.

Salary Range:

$41,838.00 minimum

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

St. Louis Community College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experience, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.