Benefit Navigation Specialist

Food Bank of Central New York•Syracuse, NY

1d•$23 - $24•Remote

About The Position

The Benefit Navigation Specialist is responsible for helping clients understand eligibility requirements, complete SNAP applications, gather required documentation, navigate recertification processes, and overcome barriers to receiving food assistance. The specialist serves as an advocate while connecting clients to additional community resources that support food security and financial stability. They conduct eligibility prescreening for SNAP benefits for individuals in regions within our service area, providing SNAP application assistance, and disseminating referrals via phone, email, and in-person/home interactions. The specialist will work closely to track submitted applications and manage cases assigned to them. Additionally, the Benefits Navigation Specialist will participate in community outreach events to inform community members about their role and the Food Bank's services and the eligibility criteria for various programs. This is a remote, work-from-home position; however, applicants are expected to travel throughout our service area on a daily basis. Our current service area includes the following counties in Central & Northern New York and the Mohawk Valley: Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga, Herkimer, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties. The anticipated start date for this position is on or before October 1, 2026.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, outreach, or other related field work activities.
Experience in conducting eligibility prescreening and application assistance for public benefits programs.
Previous experience working with diverse populations and community organizations.
Ability to work with diverse backgrounds and vulnerable populations and environments.
Valid Driver’s License required.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
Proficiency in using databases and maintaining accurate records.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of SNAP and other public benefits programs.
Ability to multitask and compile reports with strong attention to details.
Ability to track assist and track applications including follow up with clients.
Familiarity with the Food Bank's mission and services.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in one of the following: Social Work, Human Services, Public Health, or a related field preferred. Bachelor's degree a plus.
Certification or training in SNAP application processes is a plus.
Community Health Worker or Human Services certification a plus.
Knowledge of SNAP eligibility rules and public assistance programs preferred.
Bi-or multi-lingual preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct eligibility prescreening for SNAP benefits and other public benefits for individuals in assigned regions.
Assist clients in completing SNAP applications, renewals, and recertifications via the phone, web, and/or home visitation.
Educate clients about SNAP program requirements, benefit calculations, reporting obligations, and timelines with submission of application requirements.
Help clients gather and submit required verification documents, including proof of income, residency, household composition, and expenses.
Track application status and follow up with clients regarding outstanding requirements.
Advocate for clients experiencing barriers, delays, denials, or benefit interruptions.
Coordinate referrals to food pantries, community meal programs, WIC, Medicaid, HEAP, housing assistance, and other supportive services.
Follow up with clients to ensure the completion of applications and address any issues.
Collaborate with local Departments of Social Services (DSS) to track and manage submitted applications.
Disseminate referrals through phone, email, and in-person meetings.
Maintain confidential and accurate records of all applications and client interactions using the internal tracking database.
Develop partnerships with community organizations, food pantries, schools, churches, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
Conduct and participate in outreach events and educational workshops to increase awareness of SNAP benefits, food access resources, and Food Bank services.
Monitor policy changes and updates related to SNAP and other public assistance programs.
Prepare and distribute outreach materials to promote SNAP and Food Bank services.
Accurately report required metrics on a regular basis to internal & external stakeholders.
Monitor changes or trends in their community to ensure that the Food Bank is appropriately adapting to said changes/trends.
Represent the Food Bank at community meetings and events to foster partnerships and collaborations.
Assist other regions within our service area when needed.