FLSA: Non-Exempt/Overtime Eligible
Benefits: Eligible
Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time
Location: Queens/Brooklyn Sites
Position Summary:
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 2021 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.
The SNAP Specialist (Spanish Speaker) will 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.
Principal 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 Senior Director of the Benefits Access Department, the SNAP Specialist will:
- Work towards connecting low-income New Yorkers to the SNAP Program, focusing on our targeted communities (e.g., the working poor, seniors, and immigrants) - mainly in Brooklyn and Queens, but not limited to those areas.
This will be accomplished by:
- Conducting SNAP outreach and education at community-based organizations, emergency food programs and other partner agencies with the purpose of disseminating information about SNAP eligibility and benefits. This includes distributing flyers containing the SNAP Specialist’s contact information (e.g., work cell number).
- Attending community outreach events, fairs and forums as needed. Occasionally, this will involve untraditional work hours.
- Educating and guiding households and individuals about the SNAP program’s eligibility criteria and application requirements and processes –in person at assigned sites or by phone.
- Pre-screening households and individuals – in person (at assigned sites) or by phone to identify those who are potentially eligible.
- Counseling and advising clients in person or by phone regarding the necessary documentation and application requirements.
- Helping potentially eligible households and individuals gain access to the SNAP program by providing application guidance and assistance via phone, email, and web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
- Providing recertification assistance to SNAP participants via phone and web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
- Ensuring that all SNAP applications and re-certifications are processed in a timely manner and are complete with proper supporting documentation.
- Providing post-application assistance and advocacy for disputed cases -as needed to existing clients.
- Providing case management assistance to existing clients (e.g., periodic reports and change reports).
- Referring SNAP clients to other low-income programs they may be eligible to receive (e.g., free tax services, etc.) and tracking that information.
- Working in tandem with staff at partner agencies, other Benefits Access team members and local SNAP Centers.
- Responding to all referral inquiries related to SNAP via timely communication with the caller and/or referrer with the purpose of providing guidance to avoid loss of benefits. This includes but is not limited to pre-screening the referred household or individual to determine their eligibility.
- Communicating with management about specific requests for services such as advocacy for non-Met Council clients.
- Tracking all services rendered, including but not limited to pre-screenings (including ineligible), application and recertification submissions, case reviews, follow-ups, advocacy (mediation), etc. in AWARDS, Met Council’s database system as well as Benefits Access’ internal SNAP daily activity tracker.
- Updating notes on any SNAP phone appointment calendar regarding the outcome of scheduled calls.
- Consistently adhering to identified deadlines and other timing issues.
- Additional responsibilities as required.
Competencies:
- Benefits screening, especially for SNAP and VITA free tax preparation services.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- Solid communication skills.
- Strong prioritizing ability.
- Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low-income communities of New York City.
- Comfort using online technologies and database systems daily.
- Public speaking, including making presentations in various settings.
- Ability to help clients navigate through barriers while adhering to the Human Resources Administration’s protocols and policies.
- Attention to detail to ensure that client applications are submitted properly and with necessary documentation.
- Serving the diverse needs of clients with professionalism and patience.
- Promptness and adherence to regular work hours (9:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Thursday and Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm) is particularly important for this position, as the successful candidate would be providing direct services to the community.
- Willingness to work non-traditional hours as needed.
Skill and Education:
- High School Diploma (required); Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
- Prior experience working with low-income communities (preferred)
- Background in public health, public administration, or human services
- Must be fluent in Spanish
- Additional language capabilities strongly preferred, particularly Spanish
- 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:
- This position requires a willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
- The primary locations for this position will be in Queens and Brooklyn.
- The SNAP Specialist will be stationed within the community on a rotating schedule that will be organized by the Senior Director, Benefits Access.
Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.