Student Benefits Navigator
Bellingham Technical College (BTC) invites applications for one full-time position as Student Benefits Navigator. This position reports to the Executive Director of Student Financial Resources. It is anticipated to begin by February 1, 2024.
BTC is a premier higher education institution working to provide student-centered, high-quality professional technical education throughout Whatcom County and is the only technical college serving northwest Washington State. Bellingham rests in the scenic northwest corner of Washington State where the Cascade Mountains meet the Salish Sea.
This position serves as a single point of contact for students to access campus resources and public benefit programs to holistically meet a student’s basic needs. Student basic needs include food, water, shelter, childcare, or other needs that support a student with beginning and continuing their enrollment at BTC. The Navigator provides students with individualized support in accessing benefits that is low barrier, compassionate and non-judgmental. They provide assistance with navigating on-campus funding resources and provide referrals to off-campus benefits programs. The Navigator works to enhance partnerships and coordinate services between BTC and community partners to increase and improve accessibility of resources available to low-income students. The Navigator supports the planning and daily operation of the BTC Food Pantry.
Required minimum qualifications include an Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution; working knowledge of public benefits or funding programs such as Basic Food, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), housing assistance, childcare, financial aid, etc.; ability to work independently and within a team, managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively; OR an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job will be considered.
Work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A regular schedule will be finalized upon hire. Schedule may be hybrid with some remote work. Candidate must be willing to work on-site. Leave eligibility, use and cash-out is based on BTC Policy 525.2. Although considered "temporary", for leave purposes only, this position is designated as "Regular" and will be provided under the following criterial: At full-time, this position will receive 8 hours per month of sick leave, 16 hours per month of vacation leave, 3 personal leave days (24 hours) per calendar year, and paid state/college holidays. Vacation is eligible for cash-out at the end of the assignment. Benefits also include a Washington State insurance package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability; a retirement benefits package, with choice between the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3 or the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) 401A plan TIAA. Additional optional benefits include ability to participate in a medical Flexible Spending plan, Limited Purpose Flexible Spending plan, or Health Savings Account; Dependent Care Assistance; discounts for automobile and homeowner insurance; two voluntary investment (not matched) programs - TIAA (403b) or the State Deferred Compensation (457) plan. Employee Assistance Program (EAP); up to 21 days of military leave; up to 5 days of paid bereavement leave, paid civil/jury duty, ability to participate in a shared leave program; up to 2 days of unpaid holiday for reasons of faith or conscience. Based on "regular" designation, this position is eligible for Washington State and BTC Tuition Waiver programs.
BTC is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming campus that supports diversity, promotes a sense of community, provides an effective work and learning environment, and encourages respect for individuals. As an Equal Opportunity employer, BTC values diversity and aims to recruit employees that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, and sexual orientation. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a successful and supportive learning environment for a diverse college student population with a wide-range of backgrounds and experiences.
AA/EOE
