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Basic Needs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Basic Needs Coordinator

Pikeville, KY ยท On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Basic needs are defined as food, safe and stable housing, transportation, healthcare, clothing, financial sustainability, and emergency needs for students with dependents. The CBN coordinates ...

Basic Needs Coordinator

San Luis Obispo, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

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 ...

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Posting Details Position Details Position Type Administrative Working Title SIB/Basic Needs Coordinator Classification Title Coordinator College/Division Student Affairs Department Student ...

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Basic Needs information

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$26K

$67.1K

$144.5K

How much do basic needs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for basic needs in the United States is $67,113.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a basic needs job?

Basic Needs jobs are roles that support individuals and communities in accessing essential resources such as food, shelter, healthcare, and financial assistance. These jobs can be found in government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and community centers. Workers in Basic Needs positions help connect people to vital services, provide direct aid, and advocate for resources to ensure well-being and stability. Common job titles include case manager, food pantry coordinator, housing assistance worker, and benefits specialist.

What are common challenges faced by basic needs coordinators when supporting students, and how are they addressed?

Basic Needs Coordinators often face challenges such as navigating limited resources, addressing urgent or sensitive student situations, and coordinating with multiple campus and community organizations. To manage these issues, coordinators typically maintain strong relationships with local agencies, utilize case management tools, and participate in ongoing training on crisis response and resource navigation. Collaboration and clear communication within a multidisciplinary team are essential to ensure students receive timely and holistic support.

What is the difference between Basic Needs vs Food Service Worker?

AspectBasic NeedsFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsNone or minimalFood Handler's Permit, sometimes food safety training
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, social servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agenciesHospitality, food industry
Common Search IntentAssistance programs, social servicesFood service jobs, restaurant work

Basic Needs roles focus on providing essential support and resources to vulnerable populations, often within social service settings. Food Service Workers primarily handle food preparation and service in hospitality environments. While both roles involve service, Basic Needs positions emphasize social support, whereas Food Service Workers focus on food handling and customer service.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a basic needs coordinator?

To thrive as a Basic Needs Coordinator, you need a background in social work, public health, or a related field, along with knowledge of community resources and case management. Familiarity with client management systems, resource databases, and sometimes relevant certifications such as Certified Social Worker (CSW) is beneficial. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and connect individuals with vital services. These skills ensure vulnerable populations receive timely support, helping to address barriers to well-being and promote community stability.
More about Basic Needs jobs
What cities are hiring for Basic Needs jobs? Cities with the most Basic Needs job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Basic Needs jobs? The most popular types of Basic Needs jobs are:
What states have the most Basic Needs jobs? States with the most job openings for Basic Needs jobs include:
Infographic showing various Basic Needs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,113 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Basic Needs Coordinator

University of Pikeville

Pikeville, KY โ€ข On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

The Coordinator of Basic Needs (CBN) provides administrative, programmatic, and technical oversight in support of student's basic needs and programming related to basic needs. Basic needs are defined as food, safe and stable housing, transportation, healthcare, clothing, financial sustainability, and emergency needs for students with dependents. The CBN coordinates services, functions, and activities related to basic needs; provides case management and specialized information related to basic needs to students, staff, faculty, and others; and coordinates with campus and community organizations to obtain resources for students to promote student wellbeing, success, retention, and graduation by removing barriers to their education.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Coordinates and assists with evaluating the basic needs of students.
โ€ข Facilitates care interventions for students who identify having an unfulfilled basic need and assists with managing a care intervention referral tracking and notes system.
โ€ข Connects students to campus services, programs, resources, and other institutional opportunities to aid in the retention and success of all students as well as outreaches and connects students to community (federal, state, local) programs, services, and resources.
โ€ข Collaborates with faculty and staff to address and respond to student concerns and needs.
โ€ข Develops partnerships on- and off-campus, including coordination with the local social services to ensure students have access to community-based services.
โ€ข Identifies and links students to on- and off-campus basic needs' services and resources, such as housing, food, clothing, technology, and health services.
โ€ข Collaborates with the campus financial aid and Human Resources offices to ensure students are receiving the maximum aid available.
โ€ข Partners with the Human Resources office to develop partnerships off-campus for federal work study (FWS) jobs. โ€ข Coordinates and oversees the college-wide food pantry efforts and drives to local food banks and/or grocery stores to assist in restocking food for pantries as needed.
โ€ข Maintains current knowledge of a variety of complex regulations, requirements, and policies related to the basic needs program area.
โ€ข Develops brochures, forms, spreadsheets, databases, handbooks, manuals, and other written materials to support access to basic needs services and resources.
โ€ข Coordinates, plans, and develops, presentations and workshops relating to basic needs services and resources.
โ€ข Develop and maintain a database of referral resources for social service agencies within the local community; facilitate relationships with off-campus agencies and resources to connect students to long-term support.
โ€ข Conduct initial intake meetings with students to assess needs for appropriate referrals.
โ€ข Plan, develop, and implement a marketing program detailing the services and assistance available from the Basic Needs Office (to students, faculty, and staff).
โ€ข Prepares reports, statistics, assessments, evaluations, and presentation documenting Basic Needs for division of health and wellness in a timely manner.
โ€ข Assists in the development and implementation of Basic Needs policies and procedures including but not limited to outreach and education, campus wellness initiatives, departmental publications, and social media.
โ€ข Assists with student satisfaction surveys and other methods for data collection and assessment of Basic Needs services. โ€ข Identify and apply for funding opportunities that address homelessness/displacement, food insecurity, legal aid, financial literacy, childcare, and transportation.
โ€ข Other duties as assigned.
Education:
  • Preferred education: Master of Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related.
  • Required education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related; and in the process of masters.

Experience:
  • Experience with case management, experience working in higher education.
  • Experience with applying for federal/state services.

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 07/27/2026 will be given priority consideration.
Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.
The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.
The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.
For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and contact information for three to five professional references.