Job Details

Center for Basic Needs in the Office of the Dean of Students provides comprehensive basic needs resources, advocacy, and support with the vision that all students have their essential needs met to learn, lead, and serve at the University of Tennessee and beyond.

College students’ basic needs encompass essentials crucial for their personal well-being and academic success. Specifically, these include secure housing, reliable food access, healthcare services, transportation options, financial resources, academic support, and personal safety (Maslow, 1943; The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, n.d.). Meeting these needs is paramount in creating a supportive environment that enables students to focus on their studies, personal growth, and overall success at the university.

The Center for Basic Needs (CBN) Outreach - Student Director will support the planning, facilitation, and implementation of the Center for Basic Needs outreach initiatives. This role would be a hands-on opportunity for students who are interested in case management, student support, event planning, outreach, research, and leadership growth/development.

General Expectations:

·       Work approximately 10 – 20 hours per week on-site (Big Orange Pantry, Free Store, or Outreach Location).

·       Ability to drive a truck and golf cart (if you do not possess a license, this is not required).

·       Exhibit excellent communication skills through speaking, writing, and presenting.

·       Flexibility in assignment and work (no two days are alike).

·       Attend assigned outreach events to table, present to audiences, or provide support for full-time staff.

·       Plan, research, benchmark, and implement outreach opportunities.

·       Be comfortable being recorded and having your picture taken for social media, interviews, and communication promotion for the Center for Basic Needs.

·       Provide a welcoming environment for all patrons through dress, speech, and conduct.

·       Be Reliable, Prompt, Responsible, Adaptable, and Organized

·       Patience and courteousness toward others.

·       Maintaining confidentiality and compliance with FERPA.

·       Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing with the University.

·       Monthly Staff meetings are required.

Student Outreach Director Responsibilities

1.      Assist with planning and implementing Basic Needs Outreach events. These events may fall on weekends or after 5:00PM.

2.      Open and/or Close the Free Store or Outreach Event.

3.      Stock, clean, inventory, organize, and wash/dry (if applicable) donated items and physical building daily.

4.      Collect and deliver donated items in the community via CBN owned vehicle.

5.      Greet visitors in your assigned area. Treat patrons with patience, dignity, and respect.

6.      Research community resources through internet searches, phone calls, and email.

7.      Confidentiality with student, faculty, and staff information (FERPA and general).

8.      Connect students, faculty, and staff to campus and community resources.

9.      Possess excellent customer service skills and a willingness to help in all work areas.

10.  Be on time and stay the entirety of your shift.

11.  Experience with Microsoft Suite, Canva, Outlook, and being comfortable learning new programs.

12.  Be Enrolled as a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in good standing.

13.  Other duties as assigned.

Application Requirements

·       Submit application via FWS site or Handshake

·       Submit resume and cover letter

·       Participate in a 20 - 30 minute interview with Center for Basic Needs staff

Basic Needs Outreach – Student Director will meet with their supervisor/team weekly to bi-weekly and have open and ongoing communication regarding their performance and development. Students will work alongside other student directors and must maintain positive working relationships.