Housing Support Specialist (Student Services Professional III), Basic Needs & Student Support) - Temporary

About the role

Provide urgent, non-clinical case management and housing navigation services for CSUSB students experiencing homelessness, ensuring timely, coordinated access to basic needs resources and holistic wraparound support. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for emergency housing requests, facilitates referrals and placements into housing programs, and connects students at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert Campuses with campus and community resources to promote stability, well-being, and academic success.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management, crisis intervention, and housing navigation services for students experiencing housing insecurity or other basic needs challenges.
• Conduct individualized assessments, develop action plans, monitor student progress, and provide ongoing follow-up to support housing stability and student success.
• Coordinate referrals and collaborate with campus departments, community agencies, and external partners to connect students with housing, financial, mental health, and other supportive resources.
• Advocate on behalf of students and assist with resolving barriers to accessing services.
• Maintain confidential case files, student records, and documentation in compliance with university policies and FERPA/HIPAA standards.
• Prepare reports, analyze program data, and provide updates to leadership to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Administer and support the CSU Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and Emergency Housing Grant (EHG) programs by conducting intake assessments, determining eligibility, processing documentation, coordinating referrals, monitoring student progress, tracking expenditures, and collaborating with Student Housing and community partners.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, outreach activities, and educational presentations that promote awareness of Basic Needs services, housing resources, financial wellness, and life skills.
• Serve as a campus resource by maintaining knowledge of university, state, and community basic needs programs, interpreting applicable policies and procedures, and providing guidance to students, faculty, and staff regarding available resources and eligibility requirements.
• Participate in multidisciplinary intervention teams, including the CARE Team, and engage in professional development related to case management, housing navigation, crisis response, and student support services.
• Perform other classification-related duties as assigned in support of the Basic Needs program.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related.
• Possession of knowledge and abilities typically demonstrated through three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required.
• A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior.
• General knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends of the Student Services field, as well as policies, procedures, and practices of the program area to which assigned.
• General knowledge of individual counseling techniques and ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of organizational procedures and activities of the campus.
• Working knowledge of student services programs outside the immediate program area.
• Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters.
• Ability to determine appropriate courses of action and techniques for interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate descriptions and explanations of problems, draw valid conclusions, and project consequences of various alternative courses of action.
• Ability to carry out professionally complex assignments without detailed instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in basic needs programs (e.g., housing insecurity, food insecurity, emergency aid, or case management in higher education or community-based settings).
• Demonstrated knowledge of community housing resources, including affordable housing programs, shelters, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.
• Experience with housing navigation, including assisting individuals with housing searches, applications, landlord communication, and lease processes.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal housing assistance programs (e.g., Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers, Continuum of Care systems, coordinated entry).
• Background in trauma-informed care and working with diverse populations experiencing housing instability or homelessness.
• Experience collaborating with community partners, nonprofits, and social service agencies to coordinate support services.
• Ability to provide holistic, student-centered or client-centered support, addressing intersecting needs such as mental health, employment, and financial stability.
• Strong organizational and case management skills, with experience tracking outcomes and maintaining accurate records.
• Experience working in higher education settings or supporting students experiencing housing insecurity.

Special Conditions

• May need to travel to Palm Desert Campus for in-person meetings and drive department pickup trucks.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $5,540 per month. CSU Classification Range: $5,540 - $7,893 per month.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year.
• Eligibility to participate in the fee waiver education program.

Schedule

• Academic year schedule: Monday through Friday (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), some evenings/weekends.
• Summer schedule: Monday through Thursday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm), some evenings/weekends.

Work status: Full-time / Exempt / Temporary (up to one year with the possibility of further renewal).