Benefits Outreach Coordinator
New York, NY
Dislocated Workers Program /
Part-Time /
Hybrid
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 Outreach Coordinator position that will report to the Director of Organizing with additional support/guidance from the Benefit Access team. The part-time position will end six months from the start date.
This position must be filled by a qualified Dislocated Worker. Candidates must pass a brief Dislocated Worker screening to be eligible for the position. Candidate must qualify as a Dislocated Worker. A "dislocated worker" is someone who lost their job due to one of the following situations:
- You were terminated or laid off from your job, are eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits, and are identified by us as unlikely to return to your previous industry or occupation.
- You lost your job as a result of a plant closing or substantial layoff.
- You have been unemployed for a long time and are unlikely to get another job in the same or similar occupation.
- You were self-employed and are unemployed due to general economic conditions or a natural disaster.
- You may also be considered a dislocated worker if you have been away from the labor force for many years. For example: you were a full-time homemaker, and you must now return to the labor force because you have lost your source of income.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Work collaboratively on outreach and referrals with the Director of Community Organizing and the Benefits Access Department.
- Interact with members of the public while observing all proper COVID-19 requirements (mask-wearing and social distancing) stipulated by both Hunger Free America and the host/partner/event organizer.
- Inform individuals and families about vital food benefits – SNAP and WIC.
- Refer clients to Cash Assistance, Medicaid, Tax credits, Fair Fares, and HEAP when possible.
- Perform administrative duties such as the management of Air Table databases used for reporting requirements, the official Hunger Free NYC WhatsApp business account, and other platforms as needed. Safeguard the integrity of the data collected and follow up with organizers if any issues arise.
- As a representative of Hunger Free NYC, the employee will act professionally at all times and assume the following duties in preparation for outreach events:
- Print and prepare adequate copies of outreach materials including flyers, brochures, etc. beforehand.
- Wear proper attire (which will include a Hunger Free NYC shirt)
- Bring any materials necessary for setup, which include a table/stand, tablecloth/banner, clipboard, etc. (to be provided).
- Perform administrative duties such as data entry for event outcomes.
- Other tasks as needed.
Desired Background & 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, 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 using Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; skills with Air Table 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.
Location
- Virtual meetings held remotely from the coordinator’s home.
- Outreach will be primarily a hybrid model of both in-person (outdoor/indoor) and virtual events conducted with a focus on the South Bronx Office.
- Occasional visits (as needed) to the following office locations: Main Downtown Office in Manhattan: 50 Broad Street Suite 1504| New York, NY 10004 AND South Bronx Neighborhood Field Office: 938 Sheridan Ave | Bronx, NY 10451.
Salary and Benefits
- This is an entry-level position with a nonprofit organization.
- This position is temporary.
- Part-time (15-18 hours per week) positions are non-exempt with a rate of $21 per hour, ending six months after being hired with the potential for extension.
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.
