Basic Needs Coordinator (On-Site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $57,650/yr - $69,400/yr.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully On-Site.

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around March 17, 2026.

This is a union represented position, covered by UAW-SSAP (SV).

CANRA (U13): Mandated Child Abuse Reporter.

X Clery Act (U15): Campus Security Authority.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Using knowledge and skills as a seasoned, experienced Student Services professional, performs the full range of duties and responsibilities within a Student Life specialization. Assesses situations and determines appropriate action or referral. Works independently under general supervision to provide information and interpretation of complex policies, procedures and regulations. Identifies and responds to student needs for programs, services, and crisis intervention. Manages program's curricular implementation and accountability framework. Responsible for the submission of quarterly, mid-year, and annual performance reports to corresponding stakeholders and funders. Produces program reports, collects student data, documents participant contacts and progress, and tracks academic progress of program participants. Participates in strategic and program planning. Coordinates, designs and implements appropriate program enrichment interventions, workshops, materials and activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

BASIC NEEDS COORDINATION, EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING

Assist with daily operations of the Basic Needs Center. Oversee CalFresh Outreach and Professional Clothing Closet services and programming, including supervising and mentoring student staff. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate response and dissemination of basic needs resources and services. Develop presentations and educational materials on basic needs topics for student, staff and faculty; inclusive of intersectional and intercultural experiences.

Partner with departments to provide large and small-scale student centered programming, including training and workshops. Maintain consistent communication with Human Service Agency representatives to support student applications and CalFresh Outreach efforts.

Provide outreach and support education regarding social service programs (i.e. WIC, SNAP/EBT, VITA etc.). Refer students to campus and community support resources.

Design and implement preventative programs, interventions, workshops, and materials for on and off campus residents.

Support traditional campus events and engagement efforts.

CRISIS RESOLUTION AND REFERRAL

Meets face to face with students, colleagues and stakeholders, to assess student well-being, resource needs and support plans.

Support with case management, intervention and referral coordination to students who have immediate needs for resources related to, but not limited to, health, food, housing, and financial needs.

Maintain a follow-up system for student referrals, offering support to encourage compliance with care plans and recommendations.

Maintain knowledge of crisis response practices to provide appropriate support and connect students with relevant on- and off-campus resources.

Support and cover duties for colleagues during peak times or absences.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORT

Produces program reports, collects student data, documents participant contacts and progress through regular evaluations and consultations.

Participates in strategic and program planning, recommends revisions based on experience and stakeholder feedback.

Develops and maintains relationships with internal and external organization stakeholders critical to program success (e.g. HSA - CalFresh enrollment report; donors, etc.).

Manages evaluation forms, compiles data, and reports on outcomes.

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT

Maintain accurate and timely records for programs (i.e. CalFresh and the Professional Clothing Closet), anticipating student needs and implementing improvements to enhance service. * Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of legal/policy considerations when working with high risk students.

Maintain knowledge of social and clinical services and obtain relevant releases of information as appropriate.

Attend administrative meetings at the campus, regional, and systemwide levels as required. * Contribute to reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and best practices for basic needs programs and services.*Serve on department and campus committees that support and advance basic needs initiatives and partnerships.

ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH

Support with basic needs literacy education for faculty, staff, and students including identifying students in need and appropriate referral resources.

Provides consultation to faculty, staff, campus organizations, students and parents as required.

Assist in maintaining and expanding outreach and communication tools (i.e. social media, tabling, engagement opportunities with campus departments, open forums, discussions, student government collaborations, etc.)

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree Bachelor's degree in social work, community health, higher education, human services, or related areas from an accredited institution.
• Advanced degree master's degree in social work, community health, higher education, human services, or related field from an accredited institution. (Preferred)
• Minimum 3 years directly related experience.
• Experience developing and implementing programs/services for underserved populations. (Preferred)
• 3-5 years of work in a field such as counseling, student personnel services, social service work or the equivalent combination of education and experience. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences. Knowledge of student security and privacy requirements including FERPA (Family Educational Required Rights and Privacy Act).
• Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs / Student Life specialization.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance.
• Abilities in project management, problem identification and reasoning skills.
• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/