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Job Summary

The SJSU Cares Program is seeking a Basic Needs Lead Coordinator, Benefits and Resources to support students experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, and personal or financial hardships. The incumbent will serve as the primary coordinator for CalFresh and public-benefits access while supporting the CSU Parenting Student Initiative and other basic-needs programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate CalFresh and public-benefits outreach, application assistance, workshops, appointments, and follow-up for students
• Provide resource navigation and referrals for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, WIC, utility assistance, childcare, food assistance, emergency assistance, and other support services
• Lead the implementation of the CSU Parenting Student Initiative, including work plans, partnerships, outreach, student engagement, assessment, and reporting
• Develop and maintain partnerships with campus departments, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community resources
• Recruit, train, and oversee student assistants and interns while providing backup support for the Spartan Food Pantry, including inventory, ordering, data tracking, and customer service

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices
• Highly knowledgeable of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and it’s California branded, CalFresh program, application process and eligibility requirements, SJSU Cares resources/services, including the Spartan Food Pantry, Case Management support, CalFresh Outreach Weeks, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, to communicate with students, faculty, staff and community partners
• Ability to work with current versions of Microsoft Office & G Suite; email and phone skills
• Ability to listen and determine the true intent of a question and provide correct information
• Ability to patiently explain procedures and or the necessity of seeking assistance from the appropriate source
• Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports
• Ability to work specifically with college students who have experienced food insecurity and/ or financial hardships or emergencies.
• Skill in developing and managing budgets
• Knowledge of program assessment, learning outcomes, and strategic planning
• Knowledge and skills in promoting social justice
• Ability to research, interpret and take action based on an understanding of complex policies and procedures
• Considerable judgment and discretion in applying complex administrative policies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis on critical review and editing of documents for clarity, readability, grammar, usage and syntax
• Demonstrated ability to exercise leadership and work as a team member while maintaining ability to work independently to lead projects to completion
• Develop and implement detailed projects in a well-organized and efficient manner
• Ability to analyze and review a wide variety of documents and forms for accuracy and completeness and to process them in a timely and efficient manner
• Ability to perform standard business math, track financial data, and make simple projections
• Ability to comprehend and interpret regulations and requirements and apply them in a production process
• Ability to perform accurately in a detail-oriented environment
• Ability to handle multiple work priorities, organize and plan work and projects
• Ability to effectively handle a broader range of interpersonal contacts, including those at a higher level and those sensitive in nature

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, or related field
• Experience providing CalFresh/SNAP application assistance or public-benefits navigation to college students
• Experience providing support to parenting students
• Experience partnering with public agencies and non-for-profit organizations
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License for the operation of any vehicle or equipment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as seen on application
• Experience providing excellent customer service in a high volume, fast paced environment
• Bilingual communicator; Spanish and/or Vietnamese preferred

Compensation

Classification: Student Support Professional III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,925/month - $6,500/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,540/month - $7,893/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: November 4, 2026 through November 18, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

People and Culture
jobs@sjsu.edu

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.