Benefits Navigator

Illinois Central College•East Peoria, IL

About The Position

The Benefits Navigator is a member of the Division of Student Success at Illinois Central College and supports positive student interactions, student-centered processes, a sense of belonging, and student success. Reporting to the Director of Counseling Services, the position focuses on case management and connecting students with internal and external resources. The role provides case management and basic-needs assistance, including helping students understand eligibility for federal, state, and local benefits and apply for programs. The Benefits Navigator makes intentional referrals and connects students with campus and community resources. The position also serves as the institution’s liaison for homeless students and oversees several student support spaces and programs, including the college food pantry, a privacy and lactation space, a clothing closet, and the Childcare Voucher Program. The role contributes to process improvement, data collection and analysis, presentations, resource coordination, committee work, and other Division-wide responsibilities. Compensation is $52,915.20–$59,529.60 annually. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least two years of experience in case management, community resource advocacy, working with disadvantaged individuals, or nonprofit work.
Ability to drive a passenger van for food pantry distribution.
Ability to relate and interact well with college students.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong multitasking and prioritization skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative, professional working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as social work, psychology, education, or sociology, or a higher degree in a related field.
Ability to speak Spanish is preferred.
Community college experience.

Responsibilities

Provide personalized support and guide students to resources, recognizing each student’s individual circumstances.
Identify process improvements and provide feedback; use data as needed to evaluate whether resources and services meet student needs.
Collaborate with others to coordinate responses to student needs and improve outcomes.
Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and evolving student needs.
Provide case management and benefits support for students with basic-needs needs.
Help students determine eligibility for federal, state, and local benefits programs and apply for those programs.
Identify and connect students with relevant campus and community resources.
Maintain knowledge of benefits-program eligibility requirements and changes to internal and external resources.
Serve as the institution’s liaison for homeless students and connect them with emergency resources and care networks.
Oversee and coordinate Cosmo’s Cupboard, Cosmo’s Care Center, and Cosmo’s Closet, including student-worker supervision, 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 seeking to connect students with resources.
Deliver presentations on available resources and other educational topics when appropriate.
Collect and analyze data to inform best practices, including annual report metrics and state-required metrics for the Benefits Navigator and HOUSE Liaison roles.
Coordinate culturally specific resources, including resources for non-English speakers.
Serve on committees and contribute to Division-wide responsibilities, including academic advising, as needed.
Coordinate the United Way campaign.
Perform other related duties as required.