Empowerment Navigator Specialist

Description

JOB TITLE:  Neighbor Services Specialist 

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Empowerment Services

CLASSIFICATION: Onsite- 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday- Friday; some evenings and weekends required

STATUS: Hourly  

LOCATION: Pinellas Empowerment Center 

Grade: 4

SALARY RANGE: $41,700 - $43,010

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Focused on uplifting our neighbors toward long-term sustainability, Feeding Tampa Bay nourishes human potential by providing access to food and then leveraging that access to connect those we serve with empowering resources. With a commitment to end hunger in our region by 2025, our work is driven by the desire to create health and capability in every family, child and senior we serve. 

At Feeding Tampa Bay, we are on a united path to transform our community. We thoughtfully drive change while embracing and celebrating our collective impact, as well as the impact of each individual. Through our Grow Code we strive to honor all, conquer together, be imaginist, speak with truth, and stay rooted in the mission of Feeding Tampa Bay.

SUMMARY

Feeding Tampa Bay’s Neighbor Services program helps with more than just food. We know that surrounding hunger are often challenges with meeting other basic needs; like finding adequate housing, understanding health care options, locating transportation help, or accessing services to support individuals and families. Our trained team cares about our community and works one-on-one to help neighbors navigate an often complicated social services system. 

We aim to empower our community to utilize resources and services that reduce challenges caused by the financial crisis. We equip neighbors with knowledge, resources, and opportunities to advance economic mobility; empowering neighbors to have a brighter, healthier future. 

JOB OVERVIEW

The Neighbor Services Specialist will focus on providing Feeding Tampa Bay’s suite of empowerment services through a case management approach. Specialists are responsible for assessing client needs, developing action plans, assisting with benefits or other service applications, and submitting referrals to appropriate partner agencies and service providers. Specialists must have strong crisis intervention and motivational interviewing skills to navigate working with a variety of vulnerable populations. This position requires commitment to an in-office schedule based out of The Causeway Center in Tampa and will also occasionally work across our 10 county region. This role is a departure from traditional case management providing a dynamic blend of short term and long term service delivery at the Empowerment Center. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be available to Open and Close Feeding Pinellas location 
• Provide oversight and act as a point of contact (POC) for volunteer questions and concerns, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated as part of the team.
• Cross train and supervise and run the Feeding Pinellas pantry when required
• Supervise and run the Feeding Pinellas trinity cafe when required
• Participate in Feeding Pinellas team meetings and have a strong collaborative relationship with Feeding Pinellas site manager. Defer to Feeding Pinellas Site Manager for general Feeding Pinellas operations and policies. 
• Conduct neighbor intakes and needs assessments in-person at FTB Empowerment Centers and virtually via designated digital platforms or telephonic support
• Operating within the empowerment model, utilize motivational interviewing, crisis-intervention, and de-escalation to create client action plans
• Provide one or more empowerment core services: Food Assistance, SNAP Assistance, Benefits Navigation, Advocacy, Crisis Intervention, and Information and Referrals during each neighbor interaction (community referrals include, but are not limited to: health, mental health, employment, housing and other community resources)
• Complete necessary follow-up to close the loop on resource referrals
• Provide outreach support as needed for Feeding Tampa Bay partner agencies, at Trinity Cafes, Food distributions, etc. 
• Provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) online application assistance 
• Respond to inquiries for food assistance by helping clients navigate current Feeding Tampa Bay resources and make customized recommendations for services
• Centralize connection between services provided in the Empowerment Center to food resources available in Feeding Pinellas and across our 10 county region
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in both documentation and appointment systems. Report other data as required/requested by FTB’s Data and Impact team 
• Create a safe environment for Neighbors, volunteers, and team members by practicing environmental awareness, mitigating risks, and implementing safety policies.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners
• Stay informed about community resources and services; update the NS Resource Database as needed.
• Uphold client confidentiality and privacy standards at all times.
• Actively participate in team meetings, case staffing's, and debriefs.
• Provide exceptional customer service to ensure Neighbors feel welcome and have a positive experience.
• Support Neighbor Services programs executed across the 10 county region 
• Cross-train to provide support in various Neighbor Experience areas, including but not limited to: market shopping, Neighborhood Coordination, community events, helpline coverage, and follow-up calls.
• Serve as a first responder during natural disasters, supporting community distributions, emergency hotline coverage, and triage services as needed.
• Represent Neighbor Services programs internally and externally to the highest standard.
• Stay current on internal processes, programs, and industry best practices through training, community events, and conferences. Maintain 30 hours of continuing education training credits per year.
• Foster a positive and collaborative culture for Neighbors, volunteers, and peers within Neighbor Services.
• Embrace, uphold, and embody FTB’s mission and Grow Code in neighbor, community, and internal interactions
• Maintain regular communication with supervisor, Feeding Pinellas site manager and Neighbor Services Leadership on issues related to neighbor services, facilities, community programs, cross-agency departments, and other stakeholders
• Occasionally represent Feeding Tampa Bay/Feeding Pinellas at community events and meetings 
• Assist other Feeding Tampa Bay staff on special projects
• Commit to upholding policies, principles and best practices for food safety
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 4 years’ experience in social work, human services, counseling, public health, case management, or other relevant/related field 
• Customer Service Experience a Plus
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Experience working in low-income, culturally diverse, community settings and a basic understanding of the challenges and barriers faced when individuals and families seek assistance. Knowledge and experience with homeless or housing insecure populations a plus
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills; especially demonstrate ability to work with and communicate effectively over the phone and in person
• Experience working in high stress environments. Preferred experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation, active listening and motivational interviewing
• Ability to independently oversee multiple projects, taking the initiative to improve the program and smoothly coordinate it while maintaining a very collaborative work style with the Neighbor Experience Team– with oversight of a variety of tasks, flexibility and adaptability are key aspects of this position.
• Comfortable with public speaking in public, including giving group presentations and training workshops to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to handle and document deliverables and data from a number of sources. Spreadsheet skills a must
• Ability to work constructively with individuals (agency staff, the public, and volunteers) from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in culturally diverse work environments. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom and Asana experience a plus. 
• Occasional travel required among our 10 county service region
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s license

Salary : $41,700 - $43,010