Project Specialist (MSW - Short Term)

Job Description:

Project Specialist (MSW - Short Term)

Description

The Master of Social Work Project Specialist position will play a critical role in providing holistic case management services for students. This position supports students experiencing housing, food, and transportation insecurity by helping them access emergency assistance while also coordinating wraparound services provided by the Basic Needs Program as well as connections to academic advising, career development, and mental health care. The ideal candidate is passionate about social work in higher education, understands the impact of housing stability on student retention and success, and is committed to equity, inclusion, and access.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management:

Provide direct case management services to students experiencing housing, food, and transportation insecurity.

Develop and conduct intake assessments, service plans, and case notes.

Data & Reporting:

Maintain accurate records in compliance with FERPA and Title IX regulations.

Track student outcomes and assist with written reports for institutional stakeholders and grant funders.

Use data to assess program impact, inform continuous improvement, and prepare for future programming.

Outreach & Collaboration:

Serve as a liaison among student services departments to streamline access to services beyond Basic Needs programming, including academic advising, mental health services, and career development.

Participate in college-wide coordinated care meetings and initiatives related to Basic Needs, equity, and student success.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program.

Experience working with rental assistance programs, housing insecurity, or public assistance programs.

Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and culturally responsive practices.

Work Schedule: TBD - Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 st through June 30 th ). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis.

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.

Closing Date/Time: Fri, 29 Aug 2025

Salary:

35 - 50 Hourly