Programs Specialist

Are you someone who enjoys meaningful work that helps others in the community? Do you find satisfaction in helping people obtain the resources they need ? Do you also have a heart for nonprofits and a desire to give back to your community? Are you looking for more than just a job; a place to make a real difference in the lives of people every day?

If this sounds like you – let’s talk!

Join one of the largest and most respected nonprofit organizations in Southwest Florida; selected the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and acknowledged nationally as an industry thought leader. All Faiths Food Bank has been selected as one of the Best Companies to Work For in 2023 and 2024 by Florida Trend Magazine.

All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) works not only to fight hunger today but also strives to end hunger - forever - by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, enjoy better health outcomes, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Together with our partners, we provide healthy solutions to end hunger in our community.

GENERAL FUNCTION

All Faiths Food Bank is currently seeking a full-time Programs Specialist to represent the organization, provide program support, and participate in DeSoto’s expansion efforts. The Programs Specialist will be an extension of the DeSoto Food and Resource Center, offering both food and benefits in the community. The main responsibilities include offering needed benefit application assistance at the FRC, mobile pantries, and partner organizations within DeSoto County, building awareness of food distributions in the community, and encouraging participation of food bank services.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Assistance and Community Outreach (50%)

• Complete initial SNAP Outreach training, Advanced Tax Certifications training, and maintain training necessary to remain up to date with the Department of Children and Families and the IRS.
• Disseminate SNAP and VITA information at food pantries, community centers and service agencies, libraries, special outreach events and other locations where low-income households seek assistance in partnership with Program Specialist (DeSoto).
• Assist potentially eligible individuals with the Florida online ACCESS SNAP/Medicaid/TANIF and/or tax returns in-person primarily at the FRC, but also at mobiles, and at partner organizations in partnership with Program Specialist (DeSoto).
• Provide follow-up with applicants to ensure successful enrollment in SNAP/Medicaid/VITA.
• Maintain and update records or all benefits applications produced through Link2Feed and internal spreadsheets.
• Participate in evaluation efforts such as neighbor stories, surveys, and client feedback.
• Assist with identifying expansion opportunities and supporting new initiatives in DeSoto County.
• Assist with FRC planning/event coordinating for DeSoto County in collaboration with Program Specialist (DeSoto).
• Assist other program related activities as needed.
• Assist with other community and networking activities as needed and approved by Site Director.

Registration and Mobile Food Distribution (50%)

• Complete weekly Primarius orders for Migrant Camps and other sites as requested.
• Attend Mobile, partner agencies or school pantries (existing and new) to provide support as needed.
• Support includes providing registration assistance, register existing clients and register new clients; pack and distribute food and/or provides traffic assistance.
• Support food distribution efforts at the DeSoto Food and Resource Center including packing food items, handing out food, registration, and/or survey assistance.
• Assist with data cleaning and documentation of TEFAP compliance.
• With supervision from the Site Director, complete weekly FRC volunteer scheduling and communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field, or 3 years of documented social service experience.
• At least three years’ work experience with non-profit work, social services, health care, or community work/outreach.
• Ability to work independently and working well with others.
• Self-motivated, reliable.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstration of active listening skills.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and engagement skills with a challenging population and in non-traditional work conditions.
• Computer experience, including troubleshooting and problem solving and proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel) and database management.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, respect, and understanding of community values and community members.
• Experience with outreach and successful engagement with diverse populations, including working with clients, developing trust, and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments.
• Knowledge of community resources, program goals, and understanding of organizational values and processes.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Capacity to travel by foot, car, or other means appropriate to connect with population served.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation required. Must show proof of valid auto insurance. Must meet underwriting requirements to drive fleet vehicles or personal vehicles for business purposes

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• How did you hear about this role?
• What interests you MOST about this position?
• Are you currently, or have you ever been, an employee of AFFB? If so, when and in what capacity?
• Are any of your relatives, household members employees at AFFB? (this includes those individuals with whom you have a close relationship)
• What is your expected/required compensation for this role?

Language:

• Spanish or Creole (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23