Req #: 242907 Department: UW TACOMA Appointing Department Web Address: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/advocacy Posting Date: 02/03/2025 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $4,506 - $4,600 per month Shift: First Shift Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701\_a11y.pdf) **The University of Washington Tacoma** is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here. (https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/strategic-planning) The Division of Student Affairs (SA) has an outstanding opportunity for a **Basic Needs Navigator (BNN).** This individual will be part of the Office of Student Advocacy and Support (OSAS), performing a variety of complex assignments including supporting student’s meet their basic needs through community resources and on-campus programs to support housing and food insecurity barriers to success. The UW Tacoma basic needs support program provides holistic support for students who are experiencing homelessness or hunger, ensuring academic success and preparation for lifelong achievement after graduation from postsecondary education. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Student Advocacy and Support, the BNN will assist with coordinating efforts to identify and reduce food and housing insecurity within the UW Tacoma student population by partnering with on and off campus programs. These partnerships could include local food banks, private property owners, as well as on-campus partners such as The Pantry and Court 17 Housing and Residence Life. The BNN will also assist with managing the smaller Hungry Now, Eat Now cupboard program housed within OSAS. **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** + Provide consistent, individualized outreach to students experiencing housing or food insecurity, in consultation with case managers in OSAS. Maintain an active list of affordable housing options within the county, and assist students with navigating the processes of applying for housing. Position will need to be aware of campus resources such as financial aid, housing, admissions, advising, counseling, student support services, disability resources and appropriate academic personnel and faculty. Assist with managing the Cupboard, an annex of the Office of Student Advocacy and Support to provide food in the moment, a part of the office’s Hungry Now, Eat Now initiative. Assist the Program Support Supervisor responsible for managing the Pantry with day-to-day operations as needed. Partner with on and off campus partners to ease access to food resources. (50%) + In consultation with the Assistant Director for Student Advocacy and Support, plan and implement regular communication strategies regarding housing, food, and other state-based benefits for students, creating social media and email campaigns to share information. In addition, connecting students to community resources available to meet basic needs. (25%) + Oversee the Nourish mobile food pantry program which comes to campus once a week. This will include managing volunteers, logistics, and communicating with Nourish. (20%) + Attend trainings and workshops as requested. Participate in staff meetings as needed, as well as CARE team meetings when needed (5%) **MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS** + A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Education, Counseling, Communications, or related field is required and minimum of 2-years of experience in human services. **Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.** **ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS** + Demonstrated history of working with a diverse, multi-cultural student population, which includes working with low income, first generation, and/or students who experienced foster care and/or homelessness. + Experience communicating effectively over social media platforms and texting services; understanding of SNAP benefits, Apple Health Care, and housing supports available through Pierce County; knowledge of culturally relevant food needs; navigating bureaucratic systems at the state, county or city level; using Microsoft Office suite. **DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS** + Master’s degree in social work, higher education administration, counseling, or related discipline + Experience working with local and federal programs supporting youth who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness (such as Passport Program, College Success Foundation) + Familiarity with Motivational Interviewing, Healing-Centered Engagement, and Harm Reduction. **Application Process:** The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.