SNAP Specialist, Russian Speaking

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Benefits: Eligible

Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time

Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.

Position Summary

The SNAP Specialist will conduct outreach for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) targeting underserved communities. The SNAP Specialist will be responsible for providing clients with education, assessment, and facilitated enrollment services to SNAP.

Please note: This position is currently a hybrid position (3-4 days on-site) based out of offices located in Forest Hills, Queens and the Financial District, Manhattan.

Duties And Responsibilities

As part of the Benefits Access Department, the SNAP Specialist will work with a team to conduct an intensive outreach campaign targeting the working poor, seniors, and immigrant communities. Under the supervision of the director of the department, the SNAP Specialist will:

• Conduct outreach to community-based organizations, emergency food programs, and other partners, providing information on SNAP rules and regulations.
• Educate potentially eligible clients about SNAP.
• Screen, counsel, and advise clients on necessary documentation and eligibility requirements for the SNAP Program.
• Help potentially eligible households and individuals gain access to the SNAP program by providing application guidance and assistance using web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
• Provide post-application assistance and advocacy for disputed cases, as needed, to existing clients.
• Provide case management assistance to existing clients (e.g., periodic reports and case change forms).
• Provide recertification assistance to SNAP participants via web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
• Work in tandem with staff at partner agencies and other Met Council departments.
• Attend community outreach events, fairs, and forums as needed. Occasionally, this will involve nontraditional work hours.
• Work towards connecting clients with other low-income programs and benefits, including but not limited to Fair Fares, free tax preparation services, Health Insurance, HEAP, NYC Care, WIC, etc.
• Document all services rendered in Met Council’s database system (Salesforce) and other relevant tracking tools.
• Additional responsibilities as required.
  
  
  

Competencies

• Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low-income communities of New York City
• Solid computer skills
• Strong data entry skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Comfort using online technologies and database systems daily
• Benefits screening, especially for SNAP
• Public speaking, including conducting presentations in various settings
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Ability to help clients navigate through barriers while adhering to local, state, and federal rules and regulations
• Attention to detail to ensure that client applications are submitted properly and with necessary documentation
• Serve the diverse needs of clients with professionalism and patience
• Promptness and adherence to regular work hours is particularly important for this position, as successful candidate is providing direct services to the community
  
  
  

Skill And Education Required

• High school diploma (required), bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Bi-lingual Russian/English (required).
• Background in Public Health, Public Administration, or Human Services.
• Prior experience working with low-income communities (preferred).
• Knowledge of government benefits is a plus.
  
  
  

Special Requirements

• This is not a remote position. Services are provided in person at different community-based organizations.
• This position requires a willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City, though the primary location will be in the Forest Hills area of Queens.
• Other sites may be assigned as required.
  
  
  

Compensation: $45,000 per year.

Benefits: Major medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b); plus holidays.