Basic Needs Assistant

Position Summary:

The 11-month Basic Needs Assistant is responsible for coordinating and supporting student basic needs initiatives that promote student well-being and academic success. The position coordinates the daily operations of the Cortland Cupboard and assists with the administration of related programs addressing food insecurity, housing insecurity, and other basic needs concerns. The position supports program reporting, data management, emergency assistance processes, and assessment activities related to student basic needs services. The position collaborates with university and community partners to enhance awareness, accessibility, and effectiveness of services that support students’ health, wellness, and success. This position has a 11-month professional obligation (August 1 to June 30).

Starting Salary: $41,000 + depending on experience ( DOE )

Major Responsibilities:

Cupboard Operations and Basic Needs Services

• Track Cupboard inventory and place appropriate restocking orders as needed.

• Coordinate with partner organizations to help and fulfill program initiatives.

• Maintain Cupboard safety and cleanliness standards.

• Support the SUNY Cortland Cupboard Committee by preparing and providing program updates, utilization data and other information to inform committee discussions and decision-making.

• Coordinate basic needs programs that support students’ access to food, clothing, and other essential resources, including program promotion, application review, resource distribution, and record management.

• Collaborate with the SUNY Cortland Homeless Liaison to support students experiencing housing insecurity and connect them with available resources and services.

Outreach, Education, and Student Engagement

• Coordinate and implement marketing and outreach activities to increase awareness and utilization of the Cortland Cupboard.

• Organize and facilitate food access events on campus to advertise Cupboard and increase availability and access of Cupboard items.

• Coordinate the dissemination of SNAP resources information to students in compliance with SUNY requirements.

• Support outreach and educational initiatives that address emerging student basic needs concerns.

Community Partnership and Resource Development

• Support and maintain partnerships with food banks and other community organizations to increase student access and distribution to food and basic needs resources.

• Support the planning, implementation, and assessment of the sustainability programs surrounding food.

Assessment, Reporting, and Administrative Support

• Collect, compile, and summarize utilization and outcome data for basic needs programs.

• Assist with assessing program effectiveness and identifying opportunities for service improvement.

• Assist the Assistant Director of Care and Outreach Services in reviewing and responding to Student Emergency Fund applications.

• Issue, maintain, and track grocery and gas cards distributed through the Student Emergency Fund.

• Assist with preparation of the Cortland Cupboard annual report and other required program reports.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree OR high school degree with two years of related work experience.

• Experience in leadership, volunteer service, education, campus or community engagement activities.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and web-based communication tools.

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to safely push, move, and transport carts, pallets, and other materials weighing up to 500 pounds using appropriate equipment.

• Valid driver’s license at time of hire and throughout duration of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience implementing food or food insecurity programs.

• Experience planning programs, events, or outreach activities.

• Experience working with diverse populations.

• Experience using social media, marketing, or communication tools to promote programs and services.