Basic Needs Assistant (Temporary)

State of South Carolina; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of South Carolina seeks a Basic Needs Assistant to support the Dean of Students and the Basic Needs Committee, focusing on Maverick Market operations and student-centered assistance. The role promotes access to food and basic‑needs resources while coordinating programs across divisions.

Ideal candidates are approachable, organized, and committed to removing barriers to student success, with the ability to collaborate with diverse campus partners and communities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; service-oriented experience is a plus.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn institutional software and systems.
• Perform physical duties maintaining the Maverick Market (standing, stocking, moving supplies).
• Experience in higher education or college student-support environment.
• Experience with food insecurity, basic needs, community resources, or social-support programs.
• Experience coordinating programs, events, committees, or partnerships.
• Experience with data collection, assessment, or program reporting.
• Knowledge of campus and community resources for basic-needs support.

Responsibilities

• Support the Dean of Students and Basic Needs Committee in advancing initiatives.
• Manage daily activities within the Maverick Market and ensure welcoming, student-centered service.
• Coordinate, implement, and promote basic-needs programs and related initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus departments, community partners, faculty, staff, and students to raise awareness and access to resources.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Independent worker

Teamwork

Data collection

Assessment

Program reporting

Community resources

Customer service

Diversity awareness

Education

Associate degree in education or related field

Tools

Institutional software

Job description

The Basic Needs Assistant supports the Dean of Students and the Basic Needs Committee in advancing initiatives that address the basic needs and overall well‑being of students. This position serves as a primary day‑to‑day presence in the Maverick Market, providing welcoming, respectful, and student‑centered support to students accessing food and other basic‑needs resources. In addition to managing daily activities within the Maverick Market, the Basic Needs Assistant assists with the coordination, implementation, and promotion of basic‑needs programs and other initiatives led by the Division of Student Affairs.

The position works collaboratively with campus departments, community partners, faculty, staff, and students to increase awareness and access to resources that support student persistence, retention, and success. The ideal candidate is approachable, organized, dependable, and passionate about removing barriers that may prevent students from being successful in college.

This position will be located on either the Midlands Technical College Beltline or Airport Campus.

• High school diploma or equivalent. Experience working with students, customers, community members, or in a service-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn institutional software and systems.
• Ability to perform the physical duties associated with maintaining the Maverick Market, including standing, organizing, stocking, and moving supplies.
  
• Associates degree in education, social services, human services, student affairs, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education or a college student‑support environment.
• Experience working with food insecurity, basic needs, community resources, or other social‑support programs.
• Experience coordinating programs, events, committees, or community partnerships.
• Experience with data collection, assessment, or program reporting.
• Knowledge of campus and community resources available to support students experiencing basic‑needs challenges.