SNAP Outreach Navigator

About the position

Hunger Free Colorado, a statewide nonprofit organization, connects people to food resources to meet existing needs and drives policy, systems and social change to end hunger. As the state’s leading anti-hunger advocacy organization, Hunger Free Colorado is dedicated to achieving a future in which all Coloradans have equitable access to the nutritious food needed to thrive and reach their full potential. The organization is committed to achieving racial, economic and food justice and seeks employees who share these values. In 2020, Hunger Free Colorado adopted a new vision for our staff experience: “Employees can exercise influence at all levels of the organization and are provided relevant and intentional opportunities to grow as professionals and people.” The Client Services Department is on the front line of this work, connecting people in need to available food resources. We do this work through two programs: The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) Outreach program, which includes Mobile Outreach throughout the Denver metro area to support clients in-person and a statewide multilingual Food Resource Hotline, The SNAP PEAS (Partners Engaging in Application Services) program. SNAP PEAS is a network of partner organizations across the state which we empower and support to provide SNAP outreach as part of their work. This position will work within the SNAP Outreach program, with assignments in both Mobile Outreach and the Food Resource Hotline. Hunger Free Colorado is seeking two mission-driven, motivated, and highly compassionate Mobile Outreach & Hotline Specialists to provide direct support to people in need by assisting them in navigating benefit systems and attaining resources and benefits they are eligible for. Support is provided through Hunger Free Colorado Mobile Outreach sites and through the Food Resource Hotline. Additionally, this role will ensure the accurate dissemination of information and application assistance, support expansion opportunities into new communities and build and maintain relationships within communities and related organizations who host Hunger Free Colorado outreach work. This role serves as an advocate for clients by combining empathy, listening skills, and expertise in food resource referrals that result in effective navigation of various systems and connection to resources.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with clients at Hunger Free Colorado Mobile Outreach sites to: Maintain organized, safe, and respectful environment for clients. Share information with clients about the food resources available to them, such as WIC, food pantries, summer meals, etc. Screen for SNAP eligibility, provide application assistance, follow up to assist with benefits retention via redeterminations, change reports, etc. Provide clients with contact information for various other organizations that assist with needs beyond food resources. For instance: Immigration, housing, phone, and other forms of assistance.
• Support the Food Resource Hotline by answering calls and reaching out to community partner referrals. Screen for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) eligibility and provide application assistance Disseminate information to clients about the food resources available to them Provide referrals to WIC, food pantries, summer meals and other resources Follow up with SNAP applicant to ensure timely submission of documents and assist them in retaining their benefits
• Track all record in a secure Salesforce database
• Maintain an organized, safe and respectful environment for clients
• Occasional evening and weekend work as well as professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Bilingual (fluency in BOTH Spanish and English required)
• Passion for, and commitment to, the mission, vision, and values of Hunger Free Colorado.
• Ability to work a hybrid position, meaning a combination of both in-person and remote / online assignments.
• This position requires regular travel to partner organization sites around the Denver metro area, as well as occasional visits to the Hunger Free Colorado office for team gatherings.
• Ability to work independently, maintaining strong communication ties with site contacts, meeting their needs while aligning with Hunger Free Colorado policies and procedures.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings.

Nice-to-haves

• Proactively engage with members of the public, providing high quality direct services in a face-to-face setting.
• Work independently and with minimal supervision within a community-based setting.
• Connect quickly with people from diverse backgrounds.
• The successful candidate will be energized by providing direct service in face-to-face community settings and via phone line support.
• They love to provide exceptional customer service and work with people, proactively engage with those they’ve never met, many of whom may initially be hesitant to speak with Hunger Free Colorado.
• They can work independently within communities with little to no oversight and are comfortable adjusting their approach to engagement as necessary.
• They have a strong interest in advocating for themselves and their clients.

Benefits

• vision
• basic life
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• health
• dental
• critical illness
• accident
• voluntary life insurance coverage with a generous subsidy for health insurance premiums
• retirement plan
• paid vacation
• sick leave
• a minimum of 11 paid holidays off per year
• professional development benefits are available for staff who have worked at least 6 months full time
• Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program