Location: Mt. SAC Basic Needs Resources Center/Hybrid
Pay Rate: $16.00/hr* + $1.00 (*Rise, our partner organization, will provide a stipend at the end of each semester, equivalent to $1.00/hour for each hour worked in the form of a gift card.)
Hours: up to 19 hours per week; full academic year commitment required
Schedules: Flexible
Purpose:
The purpose of this position is to help fellow Mounties students at your school who are facing basic needs insecurity impacting their ability to succeed in school. Students may find that they are unable to afford basic needs such as rent, food, medical care, mental health care, and child care, as well as tuition, computers, internet, or school supplies.
Mt. SAC and our neighboring communities offer many resources that can help; however, students are not aware of most of them. Therefore, the bulk of the position will be to provide direct and personalized case management to students. Case Management is a collaborative process between the Navigator and student, which involves identifying, planning, accessing, advocating for, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating resources, supports, and services.
Responsibilities:
- Providing case management services
- Meeting individually with students to discuss their current situation
- Providing support and encouragement to each student
- Providing highly individualized recommendations for services and supports, that are particular to each student’s circumstances
- Researching, and staying updated, on: specific information on students’ experiences and needs; resources at a student’s school; community-based resources; local/state/federal policies and programs; industry-specific emergency grants/funding; and issues related to students’ basic needs
- Assisting students in determining eligibility for public benefits
- Guiding students through complex application processes for public benefits
- Helping students navigate different departments/programs on campus and in the community
- Responding to students through follow-up meetings, emails or phone calls
- Advocating on students’ behalf
- Actively participating in staff trainings and weekly supervision
- Independently acquiring skills necessary for the position, under the guidance of the Student Navigator Lead of the Student Navigator Network
Qualifications:
Must have a pleasant attitude, good customer service skills, and good computer skills. Must be eager to work, be punctual, and be able to handle confidential student information without incident. Must possess excellent communication skills, written and oral. Must work independently and proactively. Ideally have a personal or professional interest around Basic/Essential Needs, Human Services, Social Work, or Education. Must have completed at least 12 units at Mt. SAC. Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units for Fall 2022. Must be available to attend weekly Friday meetings at 10 am. Must be available to attend mandatory training from August 15 through August 19 between the hours of 12 pm and 6:30 pm. Hours vary daily.
Extra consideration will be given to students with experience:
- Working with student groups or organizations, on or off-campus
- Leading workshops or groups, or teaching
- Working in programs to alleviate food or housing insecurity
- Assisting individuals in applying for public benefits programs
Navigators will receive ongoing virtual training and co-supervision by the Deputy Director of the Student Navigator Network who is working in partnership with the Basic Needs Resources Program at Mt. SAC. We encourage students of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Please direct any questions or concerns to [email protected].
