Student Outreach Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Student Outreach and Support, the Coordinator of Student Outreach and Support/Basic Needs Case Manager provides advanced basic needs program coordination and student support services. This position will oversee key departmental programs such as Scrappy's Cupboard Food Pantry, Scrappy's Fresh Produce Market, the Student Emergency Fund, the Emergency Technology Program, Cap and Gown Loans, and Aunt Flow period product. This position will also support in the areas of grant writing and review processes, and program development under the direction of the Associate Director of Student Outreach and Support. 

The Coordinator of Basic Needs Services will coordinate basic needs services, including but not limited to food, housing, technology, and financial support. This position will assist in supervising volunteer staff and providing tasks to student staff, graduate staff, and student interns as needed. Additionally, this position provides case management and referrals to campus and community resources, deliver trainings and perform administrative tasks to support basic needs services and student support services. The Coordinator of Basic Needs Services will serve as a member of the Case Assessment, Review, and Evaluation (CARE) Team. This position plays a vital role in the development of a campus environment in which students learn and grow into positive, productive citizens and continue to build on our UTC Community of CARE.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree. Social work, Public Health, Higher Education, Counseling, Psychology or related fields. 1 year of direct experience with basic needs field, or 2 years of internship/practicum/Graduate Assistantship experience with basic needs field, higher education, social work, counseling, nonprofit management. Occasional weekends and evenings.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree. Social work, Public Health, Higher Education, Counseling, Psychology or related fields

Work Location:

• University of Tennessee - Chattanooga, TN Campus
• This is a fully on-site position

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT Market Range: MR07
• Anticipated hiring salary: $47,250- $48,000 
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure

• Find more information on UT Benefits 

ABOUT US

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee's largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs-at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga-nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation-are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.

Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region. 

From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.

Primary Responsibilities/Functions:

• Provide Student Support in Individual and Group Settings (primarily in reference to basic needs insecurities)
• Conduct outreach to referred students
• Provide 1-on-1 non-clinical case management
• Assist in crisis intervention
• Conduct both formal and informal assessments
• Utilize NABITA rubric to determine risk and suicidality scales
• Assess for basic need insecurity
• Provide referrals to resources on and off campus
• Oversee and facilitate functions of SOS Programs:
• Scrappy's Cupboard Food Pantry and Scrappy's fresh produce market 
• Student Emergency Fund
• Emergency Technology Program
• Aunt Flow Period Products

Office Support 

• This position will participate in collaboration within SOS and with on and off campus departments/resources.
• Participate in 1-on-1 supervision with full-time staff and in SOS, SOC/CARE, SEF staff and team meetings
• Facilitate referrals to internal and external resources

 Development and Support 

• Advocate on behalf of Students in University Settings and Processes.
• Assist in processing Academic Notifications
• Collaboration with other on and off campus offices for events and student care
• Provide letters of support for students in different university processes
• Conduct grant writing, application, and evaluation duties, as well as program assessment and data collection duties
• Apply for and maintain grants related to programming and functions.
• Collect, maintain, and assess data related to programming, functions, and other relevant needs

Competencies/Qualifications

• Excellent judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information
• Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem solving techniques, interviewing and investigation
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess and negotiate complex, highly sensitive situations
• Exceptional critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze information, evaluate results, and facilitate resolution of difficult challenges, including the ability to handle complex issues of extreme sensitivity
• Skill in writing concise, logical, analytical reports to convey complex issues.
• Ability to maintain neutrality and work under stress
• Strong and effective interpersonal skills; the ability to listen well and demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for individual needs
• Ability to work as part of a university-wide community to resolve complaints in a neutral and sensitive manner
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and productive working relationships with staff at all levels at the University

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Experience writing grants, working in non-profits, program management, budgeting, or related experience.
• Demonstrate experience working with individuals who may be in distress and/or handling difficult interactions.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, students, faculty, parents, administrators) with diplomacy and tact
• Superior leadership and management skills, including interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills
• Excellent presentation and training skills

Application Review

Review of applications will begin on 9/30/2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.