Intern - SNAP Outreach

Description

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program to connect clients with food through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card used to purchase groceries online or in-store at participating vendors. It is locally administered by the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). This position reports to the SNAP Outreach Program Manager. This paid internship will be based in our Bloomfield Facility and require an estimated 15 -18 hours per week. Some schedule flexibility is available. It is expected that the duration of this internship will be approximately February 2025 through May 2025.

This internship is particularly relevant for students in the fields of social sciences, public health, public policy, or social work, although any student with a passion to help individuals facing food insecurity may find value in this experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide support and guidance to help Connecticut households understand and access SNAP.
• Work directly with community members to answer questions and help them apply for SNAP benefits over the phone.
• Employ a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Employ excellent verbal, interpersonal, written, and telephone communication skills to interact with individuals of varied backgrounds effectively and respectfully on a regular basis.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Work within government guidelines, and Connecticut Foodshare processing protocols. 
• Assist clients with questions and completion of applications and documentation needed.
• Maintain knowledge of SNAP program parameters and federal decisions affecting the program
• Make calls to clients referred from Google advertising.
• Follow up with clients to return signed forms and request any stories to share with funders.
• Track productivity and demographics for monthly reports.
• Become familiar with other Connecticut Foodshare programs and network relations functions.
• Work with Program Manager and other staff to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the program.

Requirements

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Progressing toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a social science, public health, public policy, or social work field.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Previous knowledge of SNAP program and its guidelines