Job description
At
Second Harvest Heartland
, we believe our differences make us stronger. We draw strength from the unique experiences of each and every employee and our community. We aspire to foster an inclusive culture – in the way we interact with each other and in every area of our work. We commit to advancing equity to make Second Harvest Heartland a better place to work, to be a better partner and to inspire a community where equity is a driver to ultimately end hunger.
Join our Neighbor Services team as a Regional Outreach Specialist. This role is responsible for providing information and assistance to people potentially eligible for the MN Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This includes direct application assistance, in-person, and digital community outreach, and providing community education about the program. Also responsible for creating and maintaining relationships between Second Harvest Heartland (SHH) and community organizations and agencies with the goal of increasing SNAP enrollment and utilization in targeted counties and among communities experiencing barriers to accessing benefits. Remote position with ability to work in-office or off-site as required (this may be upwards of 3+ times monthly).
Must Have:
Bilingual candidates will be paid an additional $2.00 - $3.00 hourly rate, on top of their regular pay rate / Dependent on Qualifications and Experience.
Second Harvest Heartland is an EEO/AA Employer.
Join our Neighbor Services team as a Regional Outreach Specialist. This role is responsible for providing information and assistance to people potentially eligible for the MN Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This includes direct application assistance, in-person, and digital community outreach, and providing community education about the program. Also responsible for creating and maintaining relationships between Second Harvest Heartland (SHH) and community organizations and agencies with the goal of increasing SNAP enrollment and utilization in targeted counties and among communities experiencing barriers to accessing benefits. Remote position with ability to work in-office or off-site as required (this may be upwards of 3+ times monthly).
Work Schedule: Hybrid, and/or remote Full-Time, 40 hours / week.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Consistently exemplify the vision and values of Second Harvest Heartland.
Stay current on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program - Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors (CSFP/NAPS) policy at State and Federal levels.
Maintain an understanding of program barriers and policy issues related to MN SNAP. Identify and develop strategies to overcome barriers that prevent people from fully utilizing SNAP.
Perform community education and outreach efforts including: (1) Provide detailed explanation of benefits to potentially eligible people. (2) Offer Minnesotans information to apply for the program with, or without, additional assistance and support materials. (3) Solidify new partnerships with agencies, organizations, counties, and individuals.
Provide detailed explanation of outreach and screening opportunities to member agencies, particularly food shelves/pantries. Provide training, support and supervision of efforts and assistance, when possible.
Identify new sites to partner with, transition sites for optimal outcomes, and retire unproductive sites, collaborating interdepartmentally when appropriate.
Offer follow-up and additional support should any matters regarding SNAP policy, outreach, or the application process itself require additional assistance or education. Be able to explain and assist applicants through appropriate complaint and/or appeals channels.
Develop and maintain innovative outreach methods for identified populations which may include working poor, families, seniors, people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, immigrant populations, etc.
Collect required data and, as assigned, develop, and implement systems and materials necessary for the tracking of program efforts, processes, and outcomes.
Educate community members and organizations about SNAP through public presentations, small group and one-on-one meetings, and other communication channels. Work to dispel myths, break down stigma and overcome other barriers to program application.
Interpret policy at the state and federal level regarding federal SNAP; ensure accurate information is given to potential applicants and interested community members. Provide feedback to management and DHS (Department of Human Services).
Develop and maintain strong relationships with other support organizations including the State of Minnesota DHS/OEO, Hunger Solutions MN and other Feeding America Food Banks. Leverage these relationships to advocate for more client support and assistance, as appropriate.
Occasionally recruit, train, support and supervise volunteers and interns, in coordination with the SNAP Community Engagement Coordinator and the SNAP Outreach Coordinator.
Provide SNAP Outreach office coverage as assigned.
Must be comfortable working with people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds.
Meet monthly individual and team-assigned goals, including, but not limited to referral and application goals.
Contribute to creation and realization of short- and long-term business objectives.
Must Have:
- A combination of experience and education generally attained through a minimum of 3 years’ experience of customer service/customer contact or human services and/or post-secondary education in a related field(s) (social services, community engagement, public health, etc.).
- Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed and valued, must be able to communicate with others effectively.
- Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, specifically Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, etc. And the ability to learn other computer software programs.
- Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm, both individually and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and follow through on multiple daily tasks and projects.
- Valid MN driver’s license and legally mandated insurance.
- Good driving record.
- Access to internet connection during entire workday when working off-site. Connection with speed of at least 80 GB internet, with 100 GB preferred. Also, a hardwired connection is preferred over wi-fi.
- Remote position with ability to work in-office or off-site as required (this may be upwards of 3+ times monthly).
- When off-site, must have the ability to work confidentially and with privacy, which may include a separate space with a door.
- When off-site, must have the ability to secure workspace and equipment to prevent loss, damage, or breach of security.
Nice to Have:
- Experience training/teaching and communicating in front of public audiences.
- Experience working with diverse populations and community-based/nonprofit organizations preferred.
- Supervisory experience (staff, volunteer, intern, etc.) is helpful.
- Ability to speak a second language (Somali, Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Vietnamese, etc.) to better serve our diverse client base is preferred, but not required.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with professional English skills in written and oral forms.
- High-quality customer service/sales skills (exhibit objectivity, calmness, and helpfulness).
- Ability to assess and troubleshoot resistance to program enrollment, identify barriers and work toward resolution of concerns.
- Comfortable communicating via various methods, including phone, emails, text messages, as well as face-face in-person communication, for long periods of time.
Our Values:
We deliver.- We lead with our hearts.
- We innovate.
- We are all in this together.
- We believe our differences make us stronger.
Starting Pay Range: $19.00 - $24.00 USD hourly or more / Dependent on Qualifications and Experience.
Bilingual candidates will be paid an additional $2.00 - $3.00 hourly rate, on top of their regular pay rate / Dependent on Qualifications and Experience.
Second Harvest Heartland is an EEO/AA Employer.
Benefits include: 9 paid holidays each calendar year, plus 4 extra well-being days, up to 160 hours of paid time off per calendar year, with the option to carry over up to 20 hours to the following calendar year, 8 hours of volunteer time off to serve community each calendar year, up to 6 weeks paid parental leave for birth and non-birth parents, and more! Learn more about our benefits package
here.
Second Harvest Heartland believes no one should ever go hungry, as our region produces more than enough food for everyone. Helping hungry neighbors find their next meal—so they can thrive at work, in the classroom and in their communities—is what drives Second Harvest Heartland, its partners and supporters. Beyond feeding hungry neighbors, Second Harvest Heartland believes in the importance of our work to help sustain our environment.
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