Case Manager for Basic Needs Coordination

Job Summary

Under the supervision of an Assistant Dean of Students in the Connie Frank CARE (Coordination, Assistance, Response and Education) Center within the Office of the Dean of Students, part of the Division of Student Affairs, the Case Manager for Basic Needs Coordination responds to students, families, faculty, and staff seeking information, guidance, and support on student-related issues. This role provides assistance and advocacy for students who face food, housing, and/or other basic needs insecurity and serves as the university's primary point of contact regarding such matters. This position is an on-site role with the possibility of occasional remote work, dependent upon office needs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students managing a range of basic needs concerns (e.g., homelessness, housing insecurity, food insecurity, emergency financial assistance, budgeting, access to assistance programs, etc.) via ongoing case management; communicate with campus partners to coordinate care and support; develop and maintain an accurate working knowledge of campus and community resources regarding financial aid and unmet financial need; maintain appropriate documentation of notes and other case files in the Maxient database system.
• Under the supervision of an Assistant Dean, respond to families, faculty, and staff who seek guidance around a range of student-related academic, health, and personal issues from the Connie Frank CARE Center in the Office of the Dean of Students.
• Manage the Emergency Dean fund process, including reviewing and processing requests, facilitating awards, and working collaboratively with Student Affairs advancement to support fundraising efforts. Identify, apply for, and manage grant opportunities/awards and other potential programmatic funding sources.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate sustainable basic needs interventions and programs that promote student dignity and reduce marginalization; lead outreach events, educational opportunities, and workshops that increase awareness, build knowledge and skills, and advocate for students’ basic needs among students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Establish and maintain local and regional partnerships with community organizations, business entities, and educational agencies to address student basic needs; collaborate with campus stakeholders to connect prospective and current students to relevant campus and community resources, and actively participate in cross-sector and county-wide efforts, including the Champaign County Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless, to inform policies, practices, and procedures.
• Respond to critical incidents as a member of the after-hours, on-call response team to provide support during critical incidents (e.g. death of a student, apartment fire, mental health emergency, etc.) and campus emergencies.
• Engage in comprehensive assessment, evaluation, and program improvement by regularly tracking, communicating, and reporting relevant data; integrate feedback into program operations; and develop and review key performance indicators to reduce students’ food, housing, and financial insecurity.
• Pursuant to the Illinois Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act, serve as the campus HOUSE (Housing and Opportunities that are Useful for Students’ Excellence) liaison to assist students experiencing homelessness; manage process to provide access to on-campus housing or to suitable off-campus housing between academic breaks to housing insecure students and students with experience in foster care.
• Serve on Division of Student Affairs/university communities and other university related events as needed, which may include some after-hours activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in human services–related fields involving direct support, resource coordination, case management, and/or crisis response. (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, education, student personnel, public health, public administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of professional full-time work experience working in education setting or non-profit organization.
• Experience working with college students in student services, student affairs, or student development capacities or in social services, social work, counseling, or case management roles.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience developing services or programs specifically for historically underrepresented and under-served communities.
• Experience with the writing and management of grants.
• Experience assisting students in crisis and/or who need high levels of support.
• Experience serving in an on-call emergency response team rotation.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of systemic and cultural factors impacting poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and student basic needs.
• Ability to prioritize work and successfully perform duties independently.
• Ability to create and implement new initiatives in order to build a comprehensive program.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse student population.
• Strong attention to details.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple campus partners.
• Aptitude for creating and fostering positive, constructive work team environments.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/1/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $60,000 to $63,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please make sure to upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references when applying. Additionally, if you have your transcripts please upload those as well. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Keri Collins at keric@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

University Overview

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Key skills/competency

• Student Support
• Case Management
• Basic Needs Coordination
• Crisis Intervention
• Program Development
• Resource Advocacy
• Grant Management
• Community Partnerships
• Data Reporting
• Maxient Database