Well-Being Navigator

Job Description

The Well-Being Navigator is a student support role within the Viterbi Student Wellness Program, responsible for facilitating, enhancing, and supporting the well-being of Viterbi engineering students. Connects students with appropriate resources to meet academic, professional, and personal goals, and provides non-clinical case management support.

Working under the direction of the Viterbi Director of Student Wellness, the Well-Being Navigator will engage directly with students, collaborate with faculty and staff, and support wellness initiatives that enhance the student experience. This role is about building connections, promoting self-care strategies, and ensuring students know where to turn for support when needed.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

1. Student Support & Guidance

• Evaluate student problems, academic, administrative, or personal, and refer the student to the appropriate student services office for additional counseling.
• Liaises with other offices on behalf of students to facilitate problem resolution.
• Offer encouragement, practical strategies, and follow-up to ensure students feel supported.

2. Resource Coordination & Department Engagement

• Act as a wellness point of contact within assigned departments, helping students connect with campus programs and opportunities that support their success.
• Work with Academic Advisors and faculty to create a holistic support system for students.
• Conduct outreach sessions in large lecture classes and student meetings to introduce wellness services and resources.

3. Workshops & Community Building

• Organize and facilitate workshops and small group discussions on topics like stress management, self-care, and building resilience.
• Collaborate with student organizations and peer wellness ambassadors to promote a culture of well-being in Viterbi.
• Partner with faculty and staff to create an inclusive, supportive academic environment where students feel empowered to seek help.

4. Training & Professional Growth

• Participate in professional development in areas such as Mental Health First Aid, Question Persuade Response (QPS) training, and other student support techniques.
• Lead peer and staff training on recognizing signs of stress and supporting students in need.

5. Data Collection and Reporting

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of student interactions, referrals, and non-clinical case management activities.
• Assist the Director of Student Wellness in collecting data on student wellness trends, student needs, and program impact within assigned departments.
• Provide regular updates on departmental wellness trends and student support needs to inform program planning and development.

Viterbi staff are expected to facilitate a culture of support and service, to model civility and respectful engagement at all times, and to maintain the highest ethical standards and to maintain strict confidentiality across all facets of their work.

The above statements reflect the essential and non-essential functions necessary to describe the principal contents of the job. They are not intended to be a complete statement of all work requirements or duties that may be required of the position. I understand that I may be asked to perform other duties as assigned. USC reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Additional Information

Work Modality: This is a hybrid position at USC’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles, California. The Well-Being Navigator will be expected to work onsite for three days per week. This position is not eligible for fully remote work.

Pay Range: The hourly rate range for this position is $32.84 - $37.88. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Fixed-Term Employment: The Well-Being Navigator is a fixed-term position, scheduled to end on December 31st, 2025. Employees hired under a fixed-term agreement acknowledge that the university may change the expected end date at any time by providing a one (1) month written notification. Your employment may also end for other reasons consistent with university policy. According to university policy, no severance benefits are paid to employees hired under a fixed term agreement. When you leave, your final paycheck will include pay for days worked, and for accrued and unused vacation. The university does not pay for accrued and unused sick days upon termination.

Mandated Reporter: By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a mandated reporter as required by state law and USC’s policy at: https://policy.usc.edu/mandated-reporters. A mandated reporter who in his or her professional capacity has knowledge of or reasonably suspects a person who is under the age of 18 years, elderly, or a dependent adult has been the victim of abuse or neglect must report the suspected incident. The reporter must contact a designated agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone or in writing within 36 hours.

Designated Employee: By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a designated employee by USC Policy, which requires reporting of prohibited conduct to the USC Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (EEO-TIX). https://eeotix.usc.edu/faculty-and-staff-reporting-responsibilities/

Campus Security Authority: By virtue of the associated job duties, this position serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) and mandatory reporter under the Clery Act based on university responsibilities. Has responsibility and is required to receive reports of crimes or criminal incidents from victims of crimes and/or third parties; notifies Department of Public Safety immediately of any reported serious crime or criminal incidents that indicates the presence of an ongoing threat to the university community; and notifies the Clery Compliance Coordinator in the Department of Public Safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wellness promotion, student support, resilience-building, and community engagement.
• Familiarity with student support coordination, resource navigation, and documentation best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and connect students with appropriate support services, considering their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Understanding of effective response strategies for students in distress, active listening techniques, and methods for supporting well-being in academic settings.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and fostering inclusive, supportive environments.

• Proven ability to support students experiencing challenges, offering encouragement, guidance, and connections to resources.

• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, and staff.

• Ability to adhere to university policy and procedures. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information. 
• Ability to work well as part of the Student Services team. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to prepare effective written materials, including correspondence and reports. 
• Ability to be flexible, handling several tasks simultaneously. 
• Ability to stay focused on duties and projects and get them completed by the deadline as assigned. 
• Proficiency at computer required. 

Required Applicant Documents

A resume and a cover letter are required. Please feel free to upload your application materials in a single document.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 2 years in higher education, providing counsel, guidance and/or assistance to students. Minimum Skills: Demonstrated experience in wellness, wellbeing, positive psychology, harm reduction, prevention and intervention disciplines. Experience with emergency management and/or behavioral healthcare intervention activities. Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Exemplary interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with demonstrated experience developing and maintaining relationships with heterogeneous populations. Lead guidance skills, able to manage, balance, and prioritize tasks, teams, and projects. Knowledge of risk management, liability issues, and regulations in academics and higher education (e.g., FERPA). Outstanding written and oral communication skills. Experience with legal, statistical and technical documentation. Demonstrated success recruiting, building and maintaining heterogeneous teams. Experience developing communication and instructional materials, and conducting in-person meetings. Preferred Education: Master's degree Psychology Or Master's degree Social Work Or Master's degree Higher Education Or Master's degree in related field(s) Preferred Experience: 5 years providing mental health services and wellness education in higher education or counseling environments with heterogeneous populations. Preferred Skills: Experience in crisis management. Demonstrated proficiency with higher education policies, protocols and databases.