What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Services Specialist I - Older Adult SNAP Outreach Assistant position at City of Alexandria, VA?
Human Services Specialist I
Older Adult SNAP Outreach Assistant
The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist I position.
An Overview
The Human Services Specialist I in the Center for Economic Support (CES) Customer Relations Division is a full-time (40 hours weekly), grant-funded, temporary position that will conduct outreach and application assistance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligible older adults. This position will work with the Community Services Program Coordinators and partner organizations working with aging adults to significantly increase the participation of older adults in SNAP in Alexandria through application assistance, application submissions, and community-based outreach and enrollment initiatives. They will also increase public awareness of hunger in older adults as an issue of national and local importance, and of SNAP as an effective strategy for reducing food insecurity among older adults. The position will assist and receive assignments and supervision from the Food Security Coordinator.
What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate will have working understanding of basic human behavior and social problems specific to older adult population; Knowledge of public assistance programs, community resources and other safety net services for older adults; Ability to deliver services under normal and crisis intervention situations; Ability to interpret laws, policies, and regulations; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, social agencies, and the general public; ability to guide clients in the constructive use of their own capabilities; Ability to provide guidance and assistance to interns and volunteers; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; Ability to prepare and maintain complete and accurate records.
The Opportunity
- Assist older adults with completing and submitting applications for the SNAP benefit;
- Attend community events and other outreach opportunities;
- Collect and manage demographic data on people served;
- Gather and report narrative reports and client stories;
- Build relationships and partnership with agencies and organizations serving older adults;
- Train representatives and volunteers on the SNAP screening and application process;
- Promote SNAP eligibility and overall awareness of incentive programs, such as Farm Market Fresh and Double Dollars at farmer's markets;
- Assists the SNAP Coordinator with organizing community members to identify SNAP obstacles and implement current plan to improve access to SNAP program and nutritious foods;
- Responsible for development of program marketing materials and distribution;
- Assists in the preparation of reports, correspondences, and other administrative tasks;
- Performs related duties as assigned.
About the Department
The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse disorders.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Associate's degree in sociology, psychology, or a related human service field; one year of experience in case coordination, teaching or counseling the economically disadvantaged/developmentally disabled, and emotionally/physically abused/neglected children's population, local offender population, or a homeless population; valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in liberal arts or social science. At least one year of experience coordinating community engagement initiatives. At least one (1) year of experience in developing marketing material. Familiarity implementing and administering outreach programs. At least one year of experience with community hunger, working with older adults, and/or SNAP program. Fluent and Bilingual in Spanish /English and/or Amharic languages.
Notes
This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: Criminal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver's license.
*This is a grant-funded temporary position. Funding is budgeted through April 30, 2026*
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM with flexible evening and weekend availability for special events.
