Basic Needs Coordinator NEW

Basic Needs Coordinator

Cuesta College

Salary: $70,068.00 – $85,176.00 Annually
Job Type: Full Time – 12 Months/ 100% FTE
Job Number: FY2627-00035
Location: North County Campus, CA
Department: Student Success & Support Programs
Closing: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description Summary

This role may require evening hours to support programming and student needs.

DEFINITION

Under the direction of assigned administrator, perform a full range of programmatic, and technical duties in support of the basic needs program at Cuesta College; oversees the daily operations of the basic needs activities and program area including to oversee and participate in providing students with specialized information, case management services, training, and assistance related to students’ basic needs including food, housing, counseling services, and/or off campus resources. Coordinate with campus and community organizations to obtain resources for students and to promote student success, retention, and completion by removing barriers to their education; and perform a full range of the more complex program support and clerical assistance duties in support of the basic needs program.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Basic Needs Coordinator position is expected to coordinate the overall operation of the District’s Basic Needs Center, including the day-to-day coordination of the operations, activities, services, and perform complex case management and advisement of campus resources to students’ basic needs,

Incumbents in this position support Guided Pathways framework, student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness by coordinating and implementing services across the district to increase student achievement, timely goal completion and closing equity gaps in providing basin needs to students.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Where You Will Work
Serving all of San Luis Obispo County, Cuesta College has provided comprehensive associate degree offerings, certificates, and community programs to the region since 1964. The main campus is located along scenic Highway 1, west of San Luis Obispo and east of the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Cuesta College has a North County Campus in Paso Robles, and South County Center, in Arroyo Grande.

Who We Are

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our culture and the work we do. Cuesta College is proud to be a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) committed to racial and socio-economic diversity as it reflects our communities and student populations. We actively seek to attract candidates who share this commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As part of the Cuesta College team, you can expect to be part of a collaborative community of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community partners advancing educational excellence with intentional support services leading to student success and completion.

• Additional information about the college can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/index.html
• The college planning documents can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/collegeplans/index.html
• Our Student Equity Action Plan can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/info/student-equity-initiatives/equity/index.html
• We offer comprehensive benefit options. Information about benefits can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/human-resources/benefits/index.html

Essential Functions & Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in the administration of the basic needs program area; plan, organize, and coordinate assigned functions, activities, and services of the basic needs program;
• Perform a full range of technical, program support, case management in support of the basic needs program, coordinate with other departments and program areas; ensure activities and operations comply with basic needs program requirements;
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the basic needs program; research, implement, and administer policies, procedures, and changing business practices and processes for assigned area;
• Develop and maintain handbooks, forms, and related policies and procedures;
• Coordinate the planning, design, and implementation of basic needs program elements that support service delivery; participate in processes to define scope and schedule of services and activities; participate in implementation processes;
• Oversee the development of resources, programs, events, and services to support students’ basic needs including housing, food, mental health, and employment; establish local and regional collaborative relationships and partnerships with business entities, community organizations, and local educational agencies pertaining to student basic needs; partner with food bank affiliates, housing resources, and other non-profit entities to support students to secure resources;
• Provide technical information, assistance, referrals, and case management services regarding the basic needs program area to students, staff, and the general public; refer students to applicable community, business, and governmental agencies as well as appropriate student and academic support services offered by the District; interpret and explain program applications, policies, procedures, requirements, and restrictions; develop promotional and informational materials for distribution on and off campus; maintain assigned resource materials.
• Provide assistance in resolving operational problems; identify problem areas and issues; conduct research to find alternative solutions; make recommendations; assist in implementation of recommendations.
• Develop yearly calendar of events, workshops, and other schedules related to assigned activities and services; review, update, and inform others of essential timelines; coordinate, plan, schedule and conduct orientations and other assigned activities; ensure the timely completion of work in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards.
• Monitor the program budget; make recommendations regarding allocation of resources and expenditure of funds.
• Collect, compile, tabulate, and record narrative, statistical, and financial data and other information; compile information from various sources and prepare appropriate forms, schedules, and reports; as required and in accordance with District and external agency requirements.
• Compose, format, prepare and distribute correspondence, publicity materials, surveys, brochures, flyers, bulletins, reports, presentations, and other materials; create and disseminate outreach materials to support the basic needs program.
• Verify and review materials, applications, records, files, and reports for completeness and conformance with established regulations and procedures; apply applicable policies and procedures in determining completeness of applications, records, files, and reports; collect and process appropriate information.
• Establish and maintain records including student records; maintain complex, interrelated filing systems; maintain confidentiality of information;
• Attend professional group meetings and workshops; stay abreast of new trends and maintain a working knowledge of information related to area of assignment. Serve as a District representative on various committees and other basic needs-related projects associated with the program.
• Train and provide work guidance to assigned student workers, and other staff as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Required

• Associate’s degree in either Guidance/Counseling, Human Development, Psychology, Social Science, Business, Recreation or Student Development

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in either Guidance/Counseling, Human Development, Psychology, Social Science, Business, Recreation or Student Development

Experience:

Required

• One-year related work experience

Preferred

• Two years full-time (equivalent) employment in education.
• Bilingual Spanish skill

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of program development, coordination, and assessment;
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and other legal requirements related to the basic needs program;
• Barriers for low-income students/families;
• General policies and procedures for basic needs program.

• Current technologies, personal computer, and associated office software such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and/or database software;
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy;
• Screening and interviewing techniques for the purpose of determining program eligibility;
• Correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; and
• District policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and oversee the daily operations and activities of the basic needs program; implement procedures for the day-to-day operations of assigned program areas.
• Perform a specialized, technical, and complex programmatic and administrative duties that require a high level of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Understand the organization and operation of the District, the basic needs program, and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Learn department and program objectives and goals.
• Understand, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with administrative and office policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Use technical concepts and basic program management tools and techniques to coordinate the basic needs program area and solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
• Develop recommendations for problematic areas and implement and monitor changes. Participate in the development and administration of policies and procedures.
• Provide specialized assistance, training, and information to students, faculty, administrators, staff, and the public concerning the basic needs program, functions, and resources.
• Coordinate and conduct workshops, seminars, special events and class presentations.
• Screen and assess student needs from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Determine the best referral and support plan for students.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses and community organizations
• Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.
• Prepare a variety of clear and concise administrative and financial records. Implement and maintain filing and record keeping systems.
• Exercise skills that emphasize collaboration, consensus building, conflict resolution, and problem solving. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, compile, analyze, and interpret data and information. Independently compose prepare correspondence and written materials related to assigned activities.
• Exercise good judgment and discretion in analyzing and resolving confidential, difficult, and sensitive situations. Work within the policies, functions, and requirements of area of assignment.
• Train and provide work guidance to others. Plan, organize, and assign work to meet schedules and changing deadlines.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work confidentially with discretion. Work independently and effectively in the absence of supervision.
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone, email, virtually or in person.
• Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, ability status, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and
• Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and of staff and students with physical and learning disabilities.

Physical ability to:

• Read and comprehend printed matter and text and data on computer monitors;
• Communicate intelligibly and effectively via speech, telephone, written correspondence, and/or email;
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time;
• Lift and/or carry 25 pounds; and
• Exert manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and other office equipment operation.

Additional Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY
Candidates will be required to submit ALL of the required documents below when applying for this position. When uploading documents, PDF uploads are preferred.

1. Cover letter;
2. Resume;
3. Reference List (see further instructions below);
4. Diversity statement (see further instructions below).

Diversity Statement Instructions: Cuesta College is committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects and honors the diversity of our students. It is important to us that our faculty, staff, and administrators demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as sexual orientation and abilities of all constituents in the Cuesta College community.
In 500 words or less, with consideration to our Mission Statement and our values expressed above, please explain how you will demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in this position.

Reference List Instructions: Your reference list must include three professional references, their contact information, and their relationship to you.

Completed online applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by the closing date for this position. LATE, INCOMPLETE, FAXED, MAILED OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cuesta College will not sponsor any visa applications.

San Luis Obispo County Community College District (“Cuesta College”) is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), age, disability (physical and mental), genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and state law in admission and access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities at any of its campuses. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Cuesta College also prohibits harassment on any of these bases, including sexual harassment, as well as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

In compliance with California law, all prospective staff and students are entitled to read the Annual Security Report, published each October by the Cuesta College Department of Public Safety. This report contains information about our emergency and crime reporting procedures, as well as crime statistics for the past 3 years. You may request a copy of this report at one of our two Public Safety Offices: on SLO campus at Building 6600A or on North County Campus at building N1021, during campus business hours. You may also access the complete text of this report at the following website address: https://www.cuesta.edu/community/publicsafety/crime-information/clery-act.html

Cuesta College uses E-Verify as part of the I-9 process to verify the work eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9 to data from U.S Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. For further information, visit: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/humanresources/Job_Opportunities.html

Interview Process Information

Selected applicants will be invited to attend an in-person interview in our North County Campus. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cuesta

The San Luis Obispo County Community College District promotes inclusiveness, prohibits discrimination, and encourages all qualified persons to apply. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Cuesta College actively seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds to assist students, staff, and faculty. For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) assistance with the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office: (805) 546-3129.

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