Benefits Access Specialist

Hunger Free America (HFA) strives to build a nonpartisan, grassroots movement to enact the policies and programs needed to end hunger and ensure that everyone has sufficient access to nutritious food.  

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) is the largest and most effective of our nation's public anti-hunger programs and the NYS Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition counseling, health education, and nutritious foods to eligible women, infants, and children. This position will report to the Director of Community Organizing and will be a leader in our community organizing team who will conduct outreach in all boroughs. As part of a small team, the Benefits Outreach Associate will conduct outreach (virtually and in-person) within their existing network - whether that be a school, church, block association, etc. - and as assigned by Hunger Free NYC to deliver information regarding vital food resources.  

HFA is seeking to fill a temporary, Part-time Benefits Access Specialist position that will report to the Benefit Access Program Manager. The part-time position will end six months from the start date. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Benefit Access Specialist will provide SNAP eligibility screenings and application assistance remotely or in person at our South Bronx Neighborhood Field office.
• The Benefit Access Specialist will conduct follow-up to ensure that applicants receive the correct amount of monthly SNAP benefits in a timely manner and help to resolve cases in which this has not occurred.   
• Work collaboratively on outreach and referral strategies with the Benefit Access Program Manager to meet monthly targets.
• The Benefits Access Specialist will also work to connect clients with other nutrition programs such as Pandemic-EBT (for families with school-aged children), home meal delivery, and referrals to food pantries and soup kitchens. All work must be entered into a Salesforce database to track client progress. 
• Other tasks as needed. 

Desired Background and Skills

• A working knowledge of SNAP and WIC, attained after successful completion of an orientation and training conducted prior to any field work.  
• An interest in learning the most up-to-date information on food benefits to answer questions at outreach events.  
• Multilingual reading comprehension and writing skills are highly desirable, but not required for this position (Spanish, Bengali, Mandarin/Cantonese, Haitian-Creole, French, Bengali, Urdu, or Arabic).  
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work constructively with diverse groups of people.  
• Involvement in community activism and advocacy.  
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; skills with Salesforce a plus.  
• Excellent verbal communication skills.  
• Willingness to travel throughout New York City using public transit and other methods.  
• Desire to help others and willingness to learn. 

Essential Physical Demands:

• The person in this position: 
• Must be able to frequently remain in a stationary position. 
• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, other offices, etc. 
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. 

Salary and Benefits

• This is an entry-level position with a nonprofit organization.
• This position is temporary.
• Part-time (18-20 hours per week) positions are non-exempt with a rate of $22.50 per hour, ending six months after being hired.

Hunger Free America is an equal opportunity employer. People of all races, sexual orientations, ages, faiths, economic and social backgrounds, genders, physical abilities, and national origins are strongly encouraged to apply.