Benefits Navigator

Clatsop Community College•Astoria, OR

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction of the Clatsop Community College Foundation Director, the benefits navigator serves in a leadership and direct service role that builds and maintains systems of support that connect students with benefits and services that reduce or eliminate barriers to equitable access to education. This position is grant-funded through June 30, 2027. Continuation of the position beyond this date is contingent upon the availability of state funding.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Social Work, or closely related field
A minimum of two years of volunteer or professional experience aiding adults accessing benefits programs.
If an applicant does not have the above education and experience, the applicant must provide evidence of an equivalent combination of education and experience to match the minimum qualifications.
Resume
Cover Letter
Complete Supplemental Questions
Unofficial Transcripts or Certifications
3 References with contact information, including emails
Applicants must be available to perform their duties in person as part of the on-site team.

Nice To Haves

Professional or personal experience overcoming barriers associated with poverty.
Experience promoting accessibility for all students in an academic environment.
Language proficiency in another language is pertinent to our community.
Knowledge of methods, techniques and applications of instructional adaptation and accommodations to address student needs.
Knowledge of secondary education, community college, and higher education systems.
Knowledge and understanding of barriers confronted by students when working towards a college degree.
Knowledge of Student Development Theory and best practices in advising
Knowledge of academic programs, rules, expectations, and processes.
Knowledge of federal financial aid programs and application processes.
Knowledge of methods, techniques, and practices of effectively instructing students in individual and classroom settings, establishing outcomes, and evaluating progress.
Knowledge of and ability to implement Title II regulations, the ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as well as other legislation and policies which impact the education of all students, including legislation and policies designed to protect student confidentiality.
Skill in working with physical, learning, and psychiatric disabilities in a learning environment.
Skill in organizing faculty and staff training programs and workshops.
Ability to interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
Ability to learn to effectively utilize specialized software products including college ERP software, assistive technology, and case management.
Ability to utilize common office software and technology including Microsoft Office products
Has an understanding of, and experience with, successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds, including people with disabilities; people with various gender identities and sexual orientations; individuals from historically underrepresented communities; and other groups.

Responsibilities

Actively promote student use of benefits programs available in the college and the community including Federal and State Financial Aid, SNAP, TANF, housing assistance, food pantries, vocational rehabilitation, unemployment assistance, emergency shelters, and services for those experiencing domestic violence and abuse, mental health support services, and others as appropriate.
Assist students in determining potential eligibility for support services and benefits programs and applying for assistance under those programs.
Participate in statewide Benefits Navigator Consortium meetings.
Coordinate with benefits navigators at other public institutions of higher education for the purpose of collecting data and developing best practices for helping students apply for and receive assistance from benefits programs.
Coordinate and provide culturally specific resources, including resources for non-English speakers, to support students at the college.
Receive and analyze student feedback and recommendations on how the institution can better assist students in determining eligibility for benefits programs and applying for assistance under benefits programs.
Provide leadership for the Bandit Food Pantry, including responsibility for seeking grants, maintaining positive working relationships with the college foundation, and supervision of the Food Pantry coordinator, an AmeriCorps volunteer.
Maintain relationships with external support agency staff for the purposes of ensuring that all students at the college have access to wraparound supports that meet their individualized needs.
Provide ongoing training for college faculty and staff involved in student advising and support work to create integrated support systems for students.