Benefits: Eligible
Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time
Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. Met Council’s ten different departments are staffed by experts who helped over 305,000 clients in 2020 and continuously advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our holistic programs range from 100% affordable housing at 20 locations to our award-winning family violence program to comprehensive Holocaust survivor assistance to senior programming to crisis intervention to the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, 20 affordable housing sites, and 15 JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York.
Position Summary:
To conduct outreach for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) targeting underserved communities. Providing clientele with education, assessment, and facilitated enrollment services to SNAP.
Duties and Responsibilities:
As part of the Benefits Access Department, the SNAP Specialist will work with a team to conduct an intensive outreach campaign targeting the working poor, seniors, and immigrant communities. Under the supervision of the Program & Training Manager the SNAP Specialist will:
Conduct outreach to community-based organizations, emergency food programs, and other partners, providing information on SNAP rules and regulations
Educate potentially eligible clients about SNAP
Screen, counsel and advise clients on necessary documentation and eligibility requirements for SNAP (food stamps)
Provide facilitated enrollment services to clients to apply and recertify SNAP via the Human Resources Administration’s database
Responsible for ensuring that all applications are complete with proper supporting documentation
Responsible for tracking client submissions in AWARDS, Met Council’s database system and filing client information
Provide case management and advocacy assistance to clients if issues arise, working in tandem with local SNAP centers and other Benefits Access team members
Occasional travel to local SNAP centers for in-person meetings with Human Resources Administration staff
Attend community outreach events, fairs and forums as needed
Competencies:
Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low-income communities of New York City, familiarity with Borough Park area of Brooklyn strongly preferred
Comfort using online technologies and database systems on a daily basis
Benefits screening, especially for SNAP
Public speaking, including making presentations in various settings
Exceptional customer service skills; ability to help clients navigate through barriers while adhering to Human Resources Administration (HRA) protocol and policies
Attention to detail to ensure that client applications are submitted properly and with necessary documentation
Serve the diverse needs of clients with professionalism and patience
Promptness and adherence to regular work hours is particularly important for this position, as successful candidate is providing direct services to the community.
Skill and Education Required:
High School Diploma (required), Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
Background in Public Health, Public Administration or Human Services
Additional language capabilities, particularly Russian, Hebrew, Yiddish (strongly preferred)
Prior experience working with low-income communities (preferred)
Knowledge of government benefits is a plus
Physical Demands:
Required Constantly: Walking, sitting, grasping, bending, stooping, squatting, computer input, finger dexterity and coordination of hand, eye and foot.
Required Frequently: Standing and climbing stairs; carrying laptop & files (approx. 8-10 lbs).
Required Occasionally: Reaching above the shoulder, and lifting 5-25 pounds, pushing and pulling.
Special Requirements:
Must be willing to travel throughout the 5 boroughs of NYC by public transportation
This position requires a willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City. The primary location for this position will be in the Borough Park area of Brooklyn. The SNAP Specialist will be stationed within the community on a rotating schedule that will be organized by the Program & Training Manager.
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