Benefits Navigator

Illinois Central College • East Peoria, IL

3d

About The Position

As a member of the Division of Student Success at Illinois Central College, the Benefits Navigator is essential in fostering positive student interactions, enhancing student-centered processes, cultivating a sense of belonging, and collaborating to support student success. Reporting directly to the Director of Counseling Services and focused on case management and connecting students with internal and external resources, this position helps to advance departmental and divisional goals while supporting the college’s overall mission and strategic priorities. The Benefits Navigator is primarily responsible for providing case management, basic needs assistance, and connecting students with benefits and internal and external community resource support. This individual will assist students with meeting their needs through benefits assistance, thorough and intentional referrals, and individualized case management. Compensation for the Benefits Navigator is $49,899.20 - $57,366.40 annually. For submitting a complete application, please include a resume and cover letter.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, education, sociology, psychology, counseling, related field.
• Two years of related experience working with disadvantaged individuals, making community referrals.
• Two or more years of case management experience.
• Ability to relate and interact well with college students.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or higher degree in related field
• Preference for candidate who can speak Spanish.
• Community College experience

Responsibilities

• Facilitate student success by offering personalized support, guiding students to resources, and acknowledging each student's unique story.
• Enhance student success by identifying and providing feedback on process improvements and utilizing data as needed to ensure that resources and services effectively meet student needs.
• Support student success by collaborating to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing student needs and enhancing overall outcomes.
• Advance student success by engaging in ongoing professional development and growth opportunities to stay current with best practices and effectively address evolving student needs.
• Provide case management and benefits support for students requiring assistance with basic needs; includes assisting students in determining eligibility for benefits programs (federal, state, and local) and applying for these programs, as well as identifying and connecting relevant campus and community resources.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of eligibility requirements for benefit programs and stay informed about changes to both internal and external resources.
• Serve as the institution’s liaison for homeless students, connecting them with emergency resources and care networks.
• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of Cosmo’s Cupboard (ICC food pantry), Cosmo’s Care Center (privacy and lactation space), and Cosmo’s Closet (clothing closet); including supervising student workers, organization, policies, direct student assistance and needs-based referrals.
• Manage the Childcare Voucher Program for parenting students with children in childcare.
• Act as a referral source for faculty and staff, helping to connect students with identified resource needs.
• Deliver presentations on available resources and other educational topics when appropriate.
• Collect and analyze data to inform best practices, including annual report metrics and those required for the Benefits Navigator and HOUSE Liaison roles for the state.
• Coordinate culturally specific resources, including those for non-English speakers.
• Serve on committees and contribute to Division-wide responsibilities, including academic advising, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Illinois Central College offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, including: paid time off; 11 paid holidays; 2 floating holidays medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; tuition waivers for employee, spouse and dependent children; on-site childcare center; 403(b) retirement plans; and State University Retirement System pension plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level