Sr Neighbor Serv Outreach Advisor

JOB TITLE: Senior Neighbor Services Outreach Advisor

DEPARTMENT: Neighbor Services

LED BY: Neighbor Services Strategic Partners Supervisor

FSLA STATUS: Non-Exempt

HOURS: Full-Time; 40 Hours per week

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for providing information and assistance to people potentially eligible for the MN

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This includes direct application assistance,

in-person, and digital community outreach, and providing community education about the

program. Also responsible for creating and maintaining relationships between Second Harvest

Heartland (SHH) and community organizations and agencies with the goal of increasing SNAP

enrollment and utilization in targeted counties and among communities experiencing barriers to

accessing benefits. Remote position with ability to work in-office or off-site as required (this

may be upwards of 3+ times monthly)

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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

This list is not intended to be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. As SHH grows and the

community needs change, employees should expect that new and different tasks, temporary and

on-going, will be part of one’s daily work.

• Consistently exemplify the vision and values of Second Harvest Heartland.
• Stay current on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Commodity
• Supplemental Food Program - Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors (CSFP/NAPS) policy at State and Federal levels.
• Maintain an understanding of program barriers and policy issues related to MN SNAP.
• Identify and develop strategies to overcome barriers that prevent people from fully utilizing SNAP.
• Perform community education and outreach efforts including: 

  • (1) Provide detailed explanation of benefits to potentially eligible people. 

  • (2) Offer Minnesotans information to apply for the program with, or without, additional assistance and support materials. 

  • (3) Solidify new partnerships with agencies, organizations, counties, and individuals.

• Provide detailed explanation of outreach and screening opportunities to member agencies, particularly food shelves/pantries. Provide training, support and supervision of efforts and assistance, when possible.
• Identify new sites to partner with, transition sites for optimal outcomes, and retire unproductive sites, collaborating interdepartmentally when appropriate.
• 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.
• Develop and maintain innovative outreach methods for identified populations which may include working poor, families, seniors, people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, immigrant populations, etc.
• Collect required data and, as assigned, develop, and implement systems and materials necessary for the tracking of program efforts, processes, and outcomes.
• 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 program application.
• Interpret policy at the state and federal level regarding federal SNAP; ensure accurate information is given to potential applicants and interested community members. Provide feedback to management and DHS (Department of Human Services).
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with other support organizations including the State of Minnesota DHS/OEO, Hunger Solutions MN and other Feeding America Food Banks.
• Leverage these relationships to advocate for more client support and assistance, as appropriate.
• Occasionally recruit, train, support and supervise volunteers and interns, in coordination with the SNAP Community Engagement Coordinator and the SNAP Outreach Coordinator.
•  Provide SNAP Outreach office coverage as assigned.
• Must be comfortable working with people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds.
• Meet monthly individual and team assigned goals, including, but not limited to referral and application goals.
• Contribute to creation and realization of short- and long-term business objectives.

VALUES

• We Deliver: We use our head and heart to make decisions, we make the best use of donor

dollars, and we achieve results safely and reliably.

•  We Lead with Our Hearts: We keep our neighbors, partners, and teams at the center of our

work. We seek to understand and anticipate their needs.

• We are all in this Together: We collaborate, internally and externally. We

communicate openly, seeking feedback and sharing knowledge.

• We Innovate: We seek out bold new ideas, we embrace change, and we commit to

continuous improvement for ourselves and our work.

• We Believe our Differences Make us Stronger: We are curious about and embrace cultural

differences. We build teams that reflect our community.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• All relevant experience including work, education, transferable skills, and military experience will be considered.
• Experience working with diverse populations and community based/nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed and valued, must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, specifically Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, etc. And the ability to learn other computer software programs.
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm, both individually and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and follow through on multiple daily tasks and projects.
• Valid MN driver’s license and legally mandated insurance.
• Good driving record.
• Access to internet connection during entire workday when working off -site. Connection with a 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 (this may be upwards of 3+ times monthly).
• When off-site, must have the ability to work confidentially and with privacy, which may include a separate space with a door.
• When off-site, must have the ability to secure workspace and equipment to prevent loss, damage, or breach of security.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an

employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions. Below is a table with the percentage of time that this position is expected to be

engaged in the following physical requirements.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Below is a table with the percentage of time that this position is expected to be engaged in the following physical requirements. 

TALKING 

HEARING 

VISION 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Below is a table with the percentage of time that this position is expected to be engaged in the following possible environmental requirements. 

Second Harvest Heartland is an EEO/AA Employer