Outreach Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

6d

About The Position

The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Outreach Specialist . The Outreach Specialist supports the Department’s mission of increasing participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP) by engaging with community and faith-based organizations to reach and assist eligible individuals. DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
Identify and analyze the needs of target populations for outreach initiatives.
Assess potential barriers to SNAP participation by reviewing current regulations, procedures, forms, notices and systems to identify potential participation barriers.
Propose changes to streamline case processing, reduce barriers and increase SNAP participation.
Develop, maintain and distribute materials regarding the functions of the SNAP Outreach unit including procedural memos, forms, notices, brochures and presentations.
Contact and engage outside agencies and community/faith-based organizations in SNAP Outreach efforts.
Represent the Department at internal and external meetings with community organizations and partners at community events and external discussion groups on food insecurity.
Provide support to Outreach providers as it relates to understanding SNAP policies and regulations.
Assist with onboarding and training of new Outreach partners, updating access for existing partners, and technical support for DTA systems (DTA Connect & Partner Activity Tracking Hub (PATH).
Promote DTA initiatives with community-based organizations, contracted outreach partners and sister agencies across the state.
Collaborate with UMass Chan on Outreach Partner annual evaluations.
Cohost monthly recruitment sessions for potential Outreach Partners.
Assist in managing inquiries received through the SNAP Outreach mailbox.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing the government benefit programs, especially transitional assistance programs .
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word and Power Point to produce highly formatted documentation.
• Knowledge of marketing principles.
• Knowledge of state government system and the Supplement Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).

Nice To Haves

• Ability to communicate effectively and represent the Department and its mission to assist low-income families meet their basic needs.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply Federal, State and local social services programs, laws, statutes & regulations that affect eligibility for SNAP.

Responsibilities

• Identify and analyze the needs of target populations for outreach initiatives.
• Assess potential barriers to SNAP participation by reviewing current regulations, procedures, forms, notices and systems to identify potential participation barriers.
• Propose changes to streamline case processing, reduce barriers and increase SNAP participation.
• Develop, maintain and distribute materials regarding the functions of the SNAP Outreach unit including procedural memos, forms, notices, brochures and presentations.
• Contact and engage outside agencies and community/faith-based organizations in SNAP Outreach efforts.
• Represent the Department at internal and external meetings with community organizations and partners at community events and external discussion groups on food insecurity.
• Provide support to Outreach providers as it relates to understanding SNAP policies and regulations.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new Outreach partners, updating access for existing partners, and technical support for DTA systems (DTA Connect & Partner Activity Tracking Hub (PATH).
• Promote DTA initiatives with community-based organizations, contracted outreach partners and sister agencies across the state.
• Collaborate with UMass Chan on Outreach Partner annual evaluations.
• Cohost monthly recruitment sessions for potential Outreach Partners.
• Assist in managing inquiries received through the SNAP Outreach mailbox.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees