SNAP & Benefits Outreach Coordinator
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week
Supervisor: Director of Program & Partner Services
Status: Full-Time
Classification: Non-Exempt
Overview: This position focuses on boosting SNAP and related benefits participation in Erie and Huron counties. Responsibilities include 75% fieldwork, involving outreach and education at various locations and through Second Harvest channels, using digital strategies and hands-on application assistance. The remaining 25% involves office duties, reporting, and keeping abreast of SNAP policies to provide accurate information to the community.
Specific Responsibilities:
Program Coordination
- Recruit and sustain partnerships with community organizations, such as local food pantries, that serve targeted populations. Identify opportunities to provide scheduled on-site SNAP outreach, SNAP training, and/or other avenues of cooperative community outreach.
- Collaborate with the Brand and Digital Coordinator to develop and launch a system for SNAP prescreening and direct application assistance, integrating this process seamlessly with our social media platforms and website.
- Design and implement a comprehensive community outreach plan leveraging Second Harvest’s existing partnerships. The plan should include a regular on-site schedule, traditional outreach, and digital outreach.
- Act as the first point of contact for community member inquiries related to SNAP, other federal benefits, or food access support services.
- Maintain a positive relationship with representatives from the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services at the state and county levels and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.
- Monitor changes and stay up to date with both federal and state policy regarding SNAP. This entails tracking and understanding legislative updates, comprehending their potential impacts, and utilizing this knowledge to better serve our community and ensure that our actions and advice align with the most recent policy revisions.
Education & Community Outreach
- Develop and maintain a trust-oriented environment, implementing trauma-informed care approaches prioritizing emotional safety and respect for all participants.
- Proactively work towards centering the voices of those we serve, acknowledging the intrinsic value of community wisdom and assets, thus empowering individuals and fostering stronger, more sustainable community connections.
- Work with the External Communication and Brand & Digital Coordinator to create content that encourages participation in the SNAP program to individuals in targeted geographic areas.
- Manage incoming direct messages from community members across social media and referral platforms. Connect community members to food assistance and additional support programs. Track demographic and household composition metrics.
- Attend various events to promote Second Harvest programming, conduct SNAP outreach, and inform the community about SNAP and other assistance programs.
- Support partner programs with technical information, best practice knowledge, training, and other SNAP-related content.
Application Assistance
- Prescreen individuals for SNAP eligibility through in-person, phone, and web-based interactions.
- Provide application assistance to community members who are eligible for SNAP.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure prompt, effective, and thoughtful customer service and communications with partner organizations and community members.
- Troubleshoot questions and track issues and concerns.
Reporting & Meeting Requirements
- Maintain accurate records and program metrics in accordance with internal policies and funding requirements.
- Maintain a consistent on-site outreach calendar and ensure the calendar is communicated both internally and through external channels.
- Submit aggregated data on both a monthly and quarterly basis to satisfy grant requirements and track growth over time.
- Complete all paperwork and reporting requirements accurately and in a timely manner. This includes but is not limited to submitting statistics to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks by the 15th of each month; hour and expense information to the Director of Business Services by the 5th of each month; and quarterly grant reports to Feeding America by the end of each quarter.
- Review community member interactions and communicate relevant trends.
General Responsibilities:
- Engage and advocate locally and statewide on the issue of SNAP and federal support programs.
- Uphold the values and mission of Second Harvest at all times.
- Display courtesy and respect at all times to Second Harvest employees, volunteers, donors, member agencies, and the general public.
- Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to Second Harvest.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Excellent planning and organizational skills.
- Experience working with a diverse population.
- Highly developed oral & written communications skills.
- Excellent Computer Skills, including MS Office.
- Ability to work in partnership with other staff.
- Valid Driver’s License.
Education /Training:
- Associate’s Degree or Equivalent Experience in a related field.
- Trained in Trauma Informed Care principles. (Will Train)
- Completion of SERV Safe Food Safety Certification. (Will Train)
- Certified in CPR/AED & First Aid every two years. (Will Train)
- Complete USDA Civil Rights Training for Food Distribution annually. (Will Train)
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- General office environment.
- Travel throughout Erie and Huron counties is required.