Benefits Navigator

ICC Illinois Central College; United States; On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

11 paid holidays

Health/dental/vision insurance

Tuition waivers for employee and asp

Job summary

Illinois Central College is seeking a Benefits Navigator to support student success by providing case management and helping students access basic needs benefits and community resources. You will collaborate with the Counseling Services team and coordinate campus resources such as Cosmo’s Cupboard and related centers.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 2+ years in relevant work, plus strong communication skills and the ability to drive a van for pantry distribution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 2+ years in case management or nonprofit settings.
• Ability to drive a passenger van for food pantry distribution.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and benefits support for students.
• Assist students with eligibility for benefits programs and referrals to resources.
• Coordinate Cosmo’s Cupboard, Cosmo’s Care Center, and Cosmo’s Closet operations.
• Serve as liaison for homeless students and support non-English speakers.

Skills

Case management

Student advocacy

Microsoft Office Suite

Verbal and written communication

Multi-tasking

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license / van driving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Title: Benefits Navigator

Campus: East Peoria Campus

Employment Type: Management, StaffFull time

Department: Counseling Services

Start Date: 01/04/2027

Job Description: Summary As a member of the Division of Student Success at Illinois Central College, the Benefits Navigator is essential in fostering positive student interactions, enhancing student-centered processes, cultivating a sense of belonging, and collaborating to support student success. Reporting directly to the Director of Counseling Services and focused on case management and connecting students with internal and external resources, this position helps to advance departmental and divisional goals while supporting the college’s overall mission and strategic priorities. The Benefits Navigator is primarily responsible for providing case management, basic needs assistance, and connecting students with benefits and internal and external community resource support. This individual will assist students with meeting their needs through benefits assistance, thorough and intentional referrals, and individualized case management. Compensation for the Benefits Navigator is $52,915.20 - $59,529.60 annually.

Essential Functions

Facilitate student success by offering personalized support, guiding students to resources, and acknowledging each student's unique story. Enhance student success by identifying and providing feedback on process improvements and utilizing data as needed to ensure that resources and services effectively meet student needs. Support student success by collaborating to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing student needs and enhancing overall outcomes. Advance student success by engaging in ongoing professional development and growth opportunities to stay current with best practices and effectively address evolving student needs. Provide case management and benefits support for students requiring assistance with basic needs; includes assisting students in determining eligibility for benefits programs (federal, state, and local) and applying for these programs, as well as identifying and connecting relevant campus and community resources. Maintain a thorough understanding of eligibility requirements for benefit programs and stay informed about changes to both internal and external resources. Serve as the institution’s liaison for homeless students, connecting them with emergency resources and care networks. Oversee and coordinate all aspects of Cosmo’s Cupboard (ICC food pantry), Cosmo’s Care Center (privacy and lactation space), and Cosmo’s Closet (clothing closet); including supervising student workers, organization, policies, direct student assistance and needs-based referrals. Manage the Childcare Voucher Program for parenting students with children in childcare. Act as a referral source for faculty and staff, helping to connect students with identified resource needs. Deliver presentations on available resources and other educational topics when appropriate. Collect and analyze data to inform best practices, including annual report metrics and those required for the Benefits Navigator and HOUSE Liaison roles for the state. Coordinate culturally specific resources, including those for non-English speakers. Serve on committees and contribute to Division-wide responsibilities, including academic advising, as needed. Coordinate the United Way campaign. Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in case management, community resource advocacy, working with disadvantaged individuals, or non-profit experience.
• Ability to drive a passenger van for food pantry distribution.
• Ability to relate and interact well with college students.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in related field (social work, psychology, education, sociology, etc.) or higher degree in related field.
• Preference for candidate who can speak Spanish.
• Community College experience.

EEOC Statement

Illinois Central College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, order of protection status, use of VESSA rights, genetic information, military or veteran status (including discharge status), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Illinois Central College offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, including:

• paid time off
• 11 paid holidays
• 2 floating holidays medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employee, spouse and dependent children
• on-site childcare center
• 403(b) retirement plans
• and State University Retirement System pension plan

To learn more about full-time health care benefits at ICC.

Make an Impact at Illinois Central College

At Illinois Central College, our employees help transform lives through education and strengthen the communities we serve. From faculty to staff, every role contributes to student success and community impact.

At ICC you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference in students’ lives
• Work alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to education and service
• Contribute to the growth and success of our local communities
• Explore our open positions and discover how you can make an impact at ICC.