Department: Benefits Hub / Student Support Center / EDT Division
Reports To: Benefits Hub Program Manager
Work Schedule: Up to 19 hours weekly, flexible scheduling available to accommodate academic commitments.
Wage: Starting at $16.66/hour, Experienced $17.28/hour
Location: Highline College Campus
Must be Work-Study Eligible only.
What is Work Study? If you receive Financial Aid you may be eligible for Work Study. Running Start Students and International Students are not eligible for Work Study.
Position Summary
This role is an excellent opportunity to develop professional skills in social services, college and community resource navigation, public speaking, and data tracking while making a meaningful impact on your fellow students’ success.
The Peer Navigator (Tier 1) will serve as the first point of contact for students seeking support with public benefits, basic needs resources, and financial wellness. As a trained peer navigator, you will provide initial screenings, share information about available resources, and assist students with completing basic applications. For students requiring more in-depth or ongoing case management, you will make referrals to a Support Coach (Tier 2).
Appointments will be conducted one-on-one both in person and virtually.
Key Responsibilities:
- Complete public benefits screening appointments with students (in-person and/or virtual).
- Provide information and guidance on available resources, such as SNAP, housing assistance, and other basic needs programs.
- Support students in completing initial applications for public benefits when applicable.
- Accurately track appointments, referrals, and outcome in Apricot, the Benefits Hub’s secure data management system.
- Refer students with more complex needs to Tier 2 campus partners, including CLCs, Women’s Programs/WorkFirst Programs, WES, SHoRe, and the Community Pantry Program Manager.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of public benefits and resources through ongoing training.
- Uphold strict standards of confidentiality and handle student information with care.
- Participate in regular team meetings, trainings, and check-ins with supervisor and team.
- Occasional classroom visits and/or tabling at campus events.
Qualifications
- Must be a current Highline College student.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds.
- Comfort with having sensitive conversations and connecting students to resources.
- Basic computer skills, including the ability to learn and navigate data systems like Apricot, ctcLink, and web resource portals.
Training & Support
- All Peer Navigators will participate in a comprehensive onboarding and training program led by the United Way of King County (UWKC) and Highline College.
- Ongoing support and supervision will be provided by the Benefits Hub Program Manager.
- Training includes resource navigation, cultural humility, trauma-informed practices, and proper use of the Apricot database.
Benefits of the Role
- Gain hands-on experience in student support and resource navigation.
- Build skills in communication, data tracking, and problem-solving.
- Make a real difference by helping your peers access the resources they need to thrive.
- Training provided – no prior experience with public benefits is required.
Interested? Submit a resume or a brief description of your work experience and/or goals to benefitshub@highline.edu by October 27, 2025.