SNAP Outreach Specialist - Northern Region

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan serves as a common solicitor, storehouse and distributor of food on behalf of its Partner Agencies which are non-profit, charitable organizations serving those in need.

Today the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan provides over 25 million pounds of food each year to those in need through more than 415 partner agencies. Partner Agencies consist of local soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries who strive to feed the more than 300,000 people in eastern Michigan who are food insecure. The excellent relationships established within the Food Bank’s 22 county service area and throughout the state has allowed for numerous programs and initiatives to help fight hunger.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The SNAP Specialist will provide information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and application assistance to families in high need areas of Alpena, Alcona, Cheboygan, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle. Additionally, the SNAP Specialist will work with the Program Coordinator in finding innovative ways to increase the capacity of SNAP outreach among Food Bank member agencies. The position works as a team member to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and carry out the mission of the Food Bank along with the ability to understand and comply with Feeding America & AIB/ Safe food Handling Practices & procedures.

 TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Become fully knowledgeable in the MI SNAP Program, processes and procedures, as position requires

· Disseminate SNAP information and printed materials at soup kitchens and pantries, community centers and service agencies, libraries, special outreach events and other locations where low-income households seek assistance

· Provide detailed explanation of benefits to potentially eligible people

· Develop positive working relationships with potential SNAP applicants and established clients

· Assist eligible people with applications and support materials for MI SNAP program

· Offer services as liaison for future client follow-up and communication

· Outreach to working poor, families, and seniors as well as to diverse cultural and immigrant populations

· Collect and maintain required data and provide reports as assigned by FBEM Leadership

· On-going learning about Federal and State policy to ensure barriers and/or opportunities are being communicated to SNAP Stakeholders

· Provide explanation of a variety of SNAP benefits to community members and organizations through public presentations and one-on-one meetings

· Other duties as assigned

Minimum Knowledge and Education and Work Experience:

· High School or GED required

· 2 years post High School education preferred

· At least 1 year customer contact/customer service or human services experience preferred

· Experience in training/teaching and public speaking preferred

· Valid MI driver’s license, good driving record and proof of insurance required

· Experience working with community based/nonprofit organizations preferred

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

· Ability to listen, assess and troubleshoot resistance to program enrollment

·  High quality customer service skills (exhibit objectivity, calmness and helpfulness)

·  Attention to detail

·  Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals

·  Ability to set own priorities and work independently

·  Professional written and oral communication skills

·  Intermediate Microsoft office programs and computer skills

Working Conditions:

·  Primarily mobile, with meetings at convenient locations throughout the community and broader service area.

·  Occasional office environment and expectations for team interaction

·  Works within a 11 county area

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Working Conditions:

The employee will carry out the job duties from a standard office environment, and will be required to travel to site locations, such as agencies, retail stores, farms, and other food bank locations within assigned area.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, and sit for long periods. The employee will be required to travel within eastern Michigan, with the occasional out of state conference related to the operations of the food bank.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.