Basic Needs Specialist

Job Summary:

Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) is a non-profit, private institution of higher education of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 800 graduate students. Founded in 1965, it is Hawai'i's largest private university with its core campus in the heart of Honolulu's business district.

Reporting to the Vice Provost of Student Success, the Basic Needs Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions that address basic needs of under-represented and under-resourced students in a manner that promotes human dignity. The Basic Needs Specialist will assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive program that assists students in addressing basic needs with a primary focus on food, housing, and financial insecurity. Serving as a referral point for students experiencing food and/or housing insecurity and develops action plans to connect students with on-campus and community resources. This role will oversee the campus Student Pantry initiative and outreach to community partners, ensuring that there are adequate supplies to meet the need. They will also be responsible for the development of outreach strategies to students regarding basic needs resources, including the campus SAFER fund. Through collaboration with campus partners, this role will work to destigmatize conversations about housing and food insecurity.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• At least 3 years of experience in case management work, social work, advising, counseling and/or working with underserved populations.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, computer spreadsheet, word processing, and database (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher).

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work, College Student Personnel, Counseling, or related field.

• At least 4 years of experience in case management work, social work, advising, counseling and/or working with diverse student populations.

• Possess excellent leadership, marketing, and communication skills to effectively communicate to students, faculty, and staff for training and presentations.

• Experience using case management software (e.g., Maxient) to track ongoing concerns.

• Possess a strong commitment to student development in higher education.

• Knowledge of Hawai'i community organizations that support individuals in need.

• Self-motivated, ability to work independently, and possess high level of energy and an ability to work well in a team and demonstrate initiative and cooperation with others.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills including an ability to oversee a wide variety of activities, to define problems, to propose and implement effective solutions, while being able to set and readjust often competing priorities.

• Tolerance for ambiguity and complex situations with an ability to work well and gracefully under pressure.

• Writing and editing skills, including strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task. 

• A strong commitment to quality service and customer service.

• Demonstrates respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of many social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Understanding of issues related to student development in a university environment.

Other Qualifications:

• Report on work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU's winter break, if necessary.

• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.

• Able to work all shifts and extended hours.

• Able to accommodate a work schedule which at times will require frequent attendance during evenings and weekends. Additional hours may be required during peak periods.

• Upon hire, the candidate must have reliable transportation to all HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position.

• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment, utilizing excellent time and stress-management skills.

• Lead by example, provides mentorship, has attention to detail, is organized, creative, a team player, and collaborates with others.

Key Responsibilities:
1.Provide assessment, support and outreach to students of concern (60%)

• Collaborate with relevant campus partners to develop policies and procedures that assess and evaluate basic student needs.

• Provide case management services for students of concern, including assessment, outreach, advocacy, assistance in accessing resources and navigating the university system.

• Implement appropriate follow-up with students of concern to ensure compliance with recommendations.

• Respond to inquiries and conduct initial intake meetings with students to assess needs for appropriate referrals.

• Monitor and track students of concern throughout the semester.

• Provide support services, including referral and liaison with housing agencies, social services, mental health services, financial support agencies, food services, and other basic needs resources for students.

• Provide communications about preparing a care management plan with students and their parents/family members.

• Work with various departments to assist students with their care management plans.

• Assists students in making use of university and/or community services and benefits by monitoring and tracking individual cases and progress.

• Provide intervention for students with immediate definable resource needs.

• Participate as a member of the Assessment Care Team (ACT), when requested, as well as receive, review, and notify ACT members of all referrals.

• Develop and maintain a database of referral resources for social service agencies within the local community; facilitate relationships with off-campus agencies and resources to connect students to long-term support.

• Collaborate and consult regularly with the Ho'ok? Rising Scholars Program Director and Academic Coaches to ensure comprehensive support is provided to students enrolled in the grant program.

• Consult regularly with other relevant departments on campus regarding services, access, and care to maintain strong collaborative relationships with campus partners in Counseling and Behavioral Health, Student Health Services, Housing and Residence Life, Student Conduct, Center for Academic Success, Security, and other areas to provide a comprehensive network of support for other HPU students in need.

• Facilitates information sharing, as permitted by FERPA, with identified entities including but not limited to campus departments, faculty, staff, parents, families, and designated emergency contacts (as appropriate).

• Ability to response to after hours or weekend emergencies on a limited basis. 
  2.Maintain and coordinate various basic needs program such as the Student Pantry, SAFER Emergency Fund, and Donation Drives. (35%)

• Oversee the Student Pantry program which coordinates the clothing closet, food pantry, and community resource office.

• Assist in the development and implementation of basic needs services and procedures including but not limited to outreach and education, campus wellness initiatives, departmental publications, and social media.

• Assist with student satisfaction surveys and other methods for data collection and assessment of basic needs services.

• Assist with the maintenance of the program budget including accounting and purchasing.

• Identify and apply for funding opportunities that address homelessness/displacement, food insecurity, legal aid, financial literacy, childcare, and transportation.

• Coordinate and collaborate with Campus Advancement Office to grow and stabilize the SAFER Emergency Fund for financial assistance. Identify other sources of external funding including federal, state, and local agencies to support basic needs initiatives.

• Assist with the notification, funds request, and reconciliation of the SAFER Emergency Fund.

• Assist in developing and maintaining a network of community providers and resources that meet the needs (e.g., medical, financial, and otherwise) of the student population; promote providers to students via the website and social media outlets.

• Help to address other programs and services to address various student insecurities (e.g., medical, financial, transportation).

• Remain current and trained on standard and best practices, emerging strategies and interventions, and research at the local, state, federal, and international levels, supporting the reduction of threats to the campus community and connecting students of concern to the supports necessary to enable their retention and success.

• Work with the Vice Provost of Student Success on various initiatives designed to improve retention and other student success initiatives.
  3. Performs other related duties as assigned (5%)

• Serve as an Admin on Duty after business hours to support the Area Coordinators (rotation schedule with the Dean of Students and Assistant Dean of Students).

• Have an understanding of FERPA, HIPAA, and other relevant laws and regulations, and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality.

• Serve on University committees/task forces and attend functions as a representative of the department.

• Actively participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.

• Participates in departmental, division and university goal setting, committees, and special projects.

• Be available to work during some evenings and on weekends to assist.

Hawai'i Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawai'i Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.