Volunteer In Service to America (VISTA) – AmeriCorps SNAP Outreach and Impact Builder

Description

Are you ready to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity? We are thrilled to announce a VISTA opportunity serving Connecticut Foodshare, our nearly 500 partner program network and neighbors that utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, we help provide nutritious food as well as long-term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By joining Connecticut Foodshare, you will contribute to driving community awareness, garnering support, leveraging research, and engaging volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.

What is a VISTA?

Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.

Position Summary:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach VISTA will help significantly increase the scope of Connecticut Foodshare’s SNAP Outreach efforts by leveraging our relationships with our partner pantries to offer SNAP application assistance at their locations. SNAP is one of the most powerful tools for addressing hunger in our community. SNAP helps eligible individuals and families stretch their budgets and afford the food they need to stay healthy. The SNAP Outreach program at Connecticut Foodshare is a key resource that has the capacity to significantly reduce hunger in our state. The ideal candidate would have a passion for addressing social justice issues with dignity and creating a thriving community free of hunger. The candidate should be an excellent communicator with verbal and written styles and the ability to collaborate in a team setting. The candidate should be a self-starter, organized, with the ability to multi-task and a great attention to detail.

The position is based out of our Bloomfield office with some statewide travel - mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation.

Responsibilities:

• Learn SNAP program, including benefits, application process, and guidelines
• Design training module, guidance and data collection tools
• Recruit and identify interested partner programs that are a good fit 
• Conduct trainings for partner program staff and volunteers 
• Provide support and assistance to ensure success
• Reduce barriers to access for people served 
• Document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements

Benefits:

• A biweekly living allowance ($957.46 every 2 weeks)  
• Members receive free basic healthcare coverage during their AmeriCorps service 
• Childcare assistance (Eligible members receive a subsidy for children under 13 years) 
• A choice of either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00 to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year 
• 1 year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs 
• Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country 
• Eligibility for forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans 
• 1 year of professional experience with a cutting-edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit  
• Potential for hybrid work model  
• Develop skills and explore career interests 
• Build professional network 
• Make a positive impact in the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors 

Requirements

Minimum Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED 
• Experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation

Preferred Education/Experience

• Associate’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field OR 1-3 years of experience in a similar or related role
• Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
• Prior experience with SNAP or similar government regulated benefits program preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish language skills preferred  

Salary : $7,395