What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Fellow- SNAP Outreach Team position at Connecticut Foodshare Inc?
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.
About the New England Council
The New England Council is a regional business association. Their mission is to foster economic growth and high quality of life in the region. The fellowship program was established this year in honor of their 100th anniversary and aims to help college students gain valuable work experience to prepare them for long-term career success. Connecticut Foodshare was chosen to host a fellow in our state.
This fellowship is open to current students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree and 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. The SNAP outreach program is a phone-based outreach to help people apply for SNAP benefits. Approximately half of the hours worked will consist of phone contact with people seeking our assistance.
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.
- Assist in the design of training materials for our new partner outreach model.
Additional Fellowship Responsibilities:
- The Fellow will submit a 1000-word essay at completion, reflecting on the fellowship experience as part of this opportunity.
- A luncheon in Boston will be hosted at the end of the summer to meet with New England Council members and other fellows along with other opportunities for networking throughout the summer.
- Submission of a photo and brief bio will be posted on the New England Council website.
- Candidates will have a final interview with New England Council representatives prior to hiring.
Requirements
Minimum Education/Experience:
- Progressing toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social science, public health, public policy, or social work field.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel and familiarity with online shared data forms.
Preferred Education/Experience:
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Previous knowledge of SNAP program and its guidelines
Connecticut Foodshare, as a state contractor, is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination in all its hiring and employment practices. Connecticut Foodshare maintains a drug-free workplace.
