Neighbor Services Outreach Advisor

Second Harvest Heartland•Brooklyn Park, MN

4d•$23 - $26•Remote

About The Position

Role includes both organization-to-organization relationship building and direct service to neighbors. Responsible for creating and maintaining relationships between Second Harvest Heartland (SHH) and community organizations, counties, schools, and other applicable organizations with the goal of increasing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) enrollment and utilization in targeted counties and among communities experiencing barriers to accessing benefits. Responsible for providing assistance and information to people potentially eligible for SNAP. This includes direct application assistance, both in-person and virtual community outreach, and providing subject matter expertise about SNAP and food resources. In addition to in-person work, this position also supports Second Harvest Heartland’s Care Center (SHHCC) team by providing robust direct assistance to neighbors over the phone from multiple channels including IVR/call runs, float support, and assigned cases. Remote position, regular outreach events in community, plus ability to work in-office at Second Harvest Heartland. Travel up to 75% of time but very rarely overnight. Candidate must reside in one of the following counties: Blue Earth, Brown, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Sibley, or Watonwan.

Requirements

Candidate must reside in one of the following counties: Blue Earth, Brown, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Sibley, or Watonwan.
A combination of experience and education generally attained through a minimum of 3 years’ experience in customer service/customer contact or human services and/or post-secondary education in a related field(s) (social services, community engagement, public health, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Comfortable communicating via various methods, including phone, emails, text messages, as well as face-to-face in-person communication, for long periods of time.
Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, specifically Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, etc. And the ability to learn other computer software programs.
Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and follow through on multiple daily tasks and projects.
Valid MN driver’s license and legally mandated insurance and a good driving record.
Access to internet connection during entire workday when working off-site. Connection with speed of at least 80 GB internet, with 100 GB preferred. Also, a hardwired connection is preferred over wi-fi.
Remote position with ability to work in-office or off-site as required, up to 75% of time, very rarely over night.
When off-site, must have the ability to work confidentially and with privacy, which may include a separate space with a door.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with SNAP or other government benefit programs
Bilingual fluency OR proficiency in English and another language commonly spoken in Minnesota: Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Russian, Vietnamese, or other languages preferred, but not required.
Experience training/teaching and communicating in front of public audiences.
Leadership experience (staff, volunteer, intern, etc.)

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert and build strong partnerships with community-based organizations, SNAP outreach providers, counties, and local partners to support referrals and ensure a smooth application process for individuals and families.
Identify and solidify new SNAP Outreach partnership sites, determine strategies for optimal outcomes, and collaborate interdepartmentally when appropriate. Support collaborative outreach strategies and execute independently.
Educate community members and organizations about SNAP through public presentations, small group and one-on-one meetings, and other communication channels. Work to dispel myths, break down stigma, and overcome other barriers to applying for SNAP.
Conduct community outreach and education by explaining SNAP benefits and eligibility requirements to community members and assisting Minnesotans with the application process, including providing helpful materials.
Maintain subject matter expertise around SNAP program barriers and policy issues. Identify and develop strategies to overcome barriers that prevent people from fully utilizing SNAP. Maintain understanding of other nutrition programming and policy at State and Federal levels.
Provide real-time screening and application assistance over the phone and in the field. Coordinate scheduling for specialized assistance if applicable.
Develop and maintain innovative outreach methods for identified populations with specific barriers to SNAP access, which may include subgroups such as the working poor, families, veterans, seniors, and non-native speakers of English or those with limited English proficiency.
Collect required data and, as assigned, develop, and implement systems and materials necessary for the tracking of program efforts, processes, and outcomes. Document outreach activities and relationship-building efforts in applicable software.
Offer follow-up and additional support should any matters regarding SNAP policy, outreach, or the application process itself require additional assistance or education. Be able to explain and assist applicants through appropriate complaint and/or appeals channels.
Meet monthly individual and team assigned goals, including, but not limited to application assistance goals, data integrity goals, outreach event goals, etc.
Contribute to creation and realization of short- and long-term business objectives.
Coach interns, volunteers, or others on Outreach activities as needed.