Oregon Health & Science University·Portland, Oregon
The Basic Needs Navigator provides individualized support to students facing financial hardship and basic needs insecurity by connecting them to campus and community resources. Additionally, the role involves managing food resource center operations, administering emergency funds, and developing outreach materials to improve student wellbeing.
Department Overview The Basic Needs Navigator supports students experiencing financial hardship and basic needs insecurity by providing individualized resource navigation, developing educational resources, and implementing programs that promote student wellbeing and success.
As part of a collaborative team that includes the Student CARE Program and Food Resource Centers, this position works closely with colleagues to deliver coordinated, student-centered services and ensure students can effectively access campus and community resources.
The Navigator provides one-on-one support to students navigating housing, food security, childcare, healthcare, utilities, emergency funding, public benefits, and other basic needs.
The position develops outreach strategies, resource guides, and educational materials; assists in building campus and community partnerships that expand available resources; and supports efforts to improve access to basic needs services across OHSU, including regional campuses.
Working collaboratively with the Student CARE Program Manager, Food Resource Center Coordinator, and campus partners, the Navigator provides administrative support for the Student Affairs Emergency Fund, contributes to Food Resource Center operations, and assists with assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts to strengthen student support services.
Please include cover letter with application.
Function/Duties of Position Basic Needs Navigation & Direct Student Support Provide individualized support to students experiencing financial hardship and basic needs challenges.
Meet with students via appointments and electronic communication to assess needs and develop support plans Assist students in determining eligibility for and applying to public benefits (e.g., SNAP, OHP, utility assistance) Provide warm handoffs and coordinated referrals to campus departments and community partners related to housing, food, healthcare, childcare and financial stability Provide guidance tailored to diverse student populations, including rural and historically underserved students Maintain accurate records of student contacts, needs, referrals, and resolutions, and identify trends and assess program utilization and effectiveness.
Food Resource Center Support Provide day-to-day operational support to the Food Resource Center Coordinator in the day-to-day management of the Marquam Hill and South Waterfront Food Resource Centers, including assisting with supplies and inventory, picking up and distributing food donations, maintaining clean and welcoming spaces, completing opening and closing procedures, and providing shift coverage as needed.
Collaborate with the Food Resource Center Coordinator and Student Inclusion & Success Coordinators to support food security initiatives and resource distribution at OHSU regional campuses.
Serve as backup operational lead for the Food Resource Centers, ensuring continuity of services during staff absences and periods of increased demand.
Provide supervision and direction to Food Resource Center student employees and volunteers.
Outreach & Resource Development Develop and implement strategies that expand access to basic needs support at scale.
Create and maintain resource guides, toolkits, and online materials.
Develop pre-arrival and orientation communications for incoming students on housing, cost of living, transportation, and public benefits in collaboration with Student Services stakeholders and program admission teams Plan and participate in outreach activities, tabling events, and awareness campaigns to increase student knowledge of basic needs resources.
Identify emerging student needs and proactively design programs and resources to address gaps.
Emergency Fund Administration Provide administrative and operational support for the Student Affairs Emergency Fund and centralized emergency funding processes in collaboration with the Student CARE Program Manager.
Coordinate application intake, student communication, documentation, case tracking, and workflow management; support review processes; and collaborate with campus partners to ensure timely and consistent processing of emergency funding requests.
Maintain accurate records, track fund utilization, and contribute to assessment and reporting efforts to support continuous improvement of emergency funding processes.
Other duties as assigned: Participate in other tasks, projects, trainings, committee work and/or task forces as needed or as assigned.
Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Higher Education or related field, and two years of experience leading projects OR Associate’s degree and three years of experience leading projects OR Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
At least three years of administrative support experience supporting a team of 10 or more Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging through work with diverse student and/or community populations.
At least two years of experience providing direct service, advising, case management, coaching, or support services to marginalized or underserved populations, particularly individuals experiencing barriers related to basic needs.
Experience supporting individuals in navigating local, state, and federal support services; assessing needs; coordinating referrals; providing crisis response or problem-solving support; and helping individuals overcome systemic and structural barriers.
Experience using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and student-centered approaches when working with individuals experiencing stress, hardship, or complex challenges.
At least one year of experience managing complex programs, initiatives, or projects, including developing processes, coordinating partnerships, managing competing priorities, maintaining documentation, and evaluating outcomes.
Experience collecting, tracking, and using data to inform program decisions, assess service utilization, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Knowledge of social, economic, and cultural factors that influence access to basic needs resources, safety net programs, and student success.
Creates an inclusive and welcoming environment that acknowledges, respects, and values differences; communicates effectively and respectfully across diverse identities, experiences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
Applies case management principles, including assessing student needs, coordinating referrals, documenting interactions, following up with students, and supporting progress toward resolution.
Uses trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and student-centered communication practices when supporting students experiencing challenges or barriers.
Demonstrates resourcefulness, initiative, and follow-through, with the ability to identify solutions, locate information, navigate complex systems, and connect students to appropriate resources.
Ability to accurately interpret and communicate information related to policies, processes, eligibility requirements, and available resources; exercises sound judgment and maintains appropriate boundaries and expectations.
Demonstrates adaptability and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach, contributing to both program development and day-to-day operational needs.
Adheres to all OHSU policies, including those that prohibit discrimination and harassment.
Food Handler’s Card (may be obtained upon hire) Ability to perform the job duties with or without accommodation.
Master’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Student Affairs or related field. Experience working in higher education, particularly supporting health professions students or other graduate/professional student populations. Familiarity with student financial aid resources and systems, including federal financial aid, student loans, scholarships, emergency funding, and other financial support resources. Experience assisting individuals with accessing public benefits and community resources, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Oregon Health Plan (OHP), housing assistance, or other public assistance programs. Additional Details This position primarily works during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. On occasion, the position may require flexibility to support Food Resource Center operations, including food pickup, deliveries, inventory activities, and extended service hours, which may include occasional evening hours. This position requires regular presence across OHSU’s Marquam Hill and South Waterfront campuses, including Food Resource Center spaces and office environments. The role is hybrid, with specific work arrangements determined in consultation with the supervisor; however, the individual is expected to work on campus a minimum of three days per week. The position may require local travel between campus locations and engagement in operational activities such as lifting, moving, organizing, and distributing food and supplies. Why apply to OHSU? We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
Candidates must possess at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and two years of project leadership experience, or an associate's degree with three years of experience. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in direct service or case management for marginalized populations.
Market context
In Oregon, Basic Needs Navigator roles are typically tied to agencies serving people who need help with housing, food, benefits, and other support services, so demand often follows community-service and public-program needs. These positions are competitive because employers usually want both direct service or case management experience and project leadership skills; this posting also shows how the platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits can save you time by condensing the original job description. If you are applying, match your resume to both client-facing work and coordination experience, and be ready to show how you have supported marginalized communities.
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