FLSA: Non-Exempt/Overtime Eligible
Benefits: Eligible
Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time
Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.
Position Summary:
The SNAP Specialist will conduct outreach for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); targeting underserved communities. The SNAP Specialist will be responsible for providing clientele with education, assessment, and facilitated enrollment assistance with the purpose of helping them gain access to the SNAP program.
Principal Responsibilities:
As part of the Benefits Access Department, the SNAP Specialist will work with a team to conduct outreach activities to get to our targeted communities (the working poor, seniors, and immigrant communities).
Under the supervision of the Director, Benefits Access, 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.
- 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 (when required).
- Attending community outreach events, fairs, and forums as needed. Occasionally, this will involve untraditional work hours.
- 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 using web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
- 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).
- Providing recertification assistance to SNAP participants via web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
- Enrolling SNAP clients in other programs, such as Fair Fares.
- Connecting SNAP clients with the department’s team of Tax Preparers and Health Insurance Assistor to receive services.
- 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 Salesforce and other relevant tracking tools.
- Additional responsibilities as required.
Competencies:
- Comfort using online technologies and database systems on a daily basis.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- Solid communication skills.
- Strong ability to prioritize.
- Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low-income communities of New York City.
- Public speaking, including making presentations in various settings.
- Ability to help clients navigate through barriers while adhering to Human Resources Administration’s protocols and policies.
- Attention to detail to ensure that client applications are submitted properly and with necessary documentation.
- Ability to serve 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.
Skill and Education Required:
- High School Diploma (required), Bachelor’s Degree (preferred).
- Prior experience working with low-income communities (preferred).
- Prior experience with benefits screenings, particularly SNAP (preferred).
- Background in public health, public administration, or human services.
- Must be fluent in Mandarin and/or Cantonese.
- Knowledge of government benefits is a plus.
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 Flushing, Queens and Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
- The SNAP Specialist will be stationed within the community on a rotating schedule that will be organized by the Director, Benefits Access.
Compensation: $45,000 per year
Benefits: Major medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b); plus holidays
