Benefits Access and Administrative Coordinato

Northern Illinois Food Bank 

Job Title Description: Benefits Access and Administrative Coordinator 

Classification: Exempt  

Reports To: Sr. Manager of Public Policy and Benefits  

Date Updated: December 2024 

Summary 

The Benefits Access and Administrative Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting Northern Illinois Food Bank's mission by assisting individuals and families in accessing vital government benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF. This position combines direct neighbor service with administrative support, ensuring smooth program operations and a positive neighbor experience. 

Essential Functions 

• Neighbor Services: 
  • Conduct in-person and phone-based eligibility screenings and assist neighbors with applications for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF.
  • Guide neighbors through the application process, including gathering necessary documentation and resolving application issues.
  • Monitor application status and provide ongoing support to neighbors throughout the process.
  • Conduct outreach at partner agencies to raise awareness about available benefits and provide application assistance.
• Program Support: 

• Maintain accurate neighbor records and program data in Salesforce.
• Prepare reports to help the Manager analyze program data to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay informed about changes in benefits programs and ensure program materials are up-to-date.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new program initiatives.

• Administrative Support: 
  • Provide general administrative support to the Sr. Manager of Public Policy and Benefits, including scheduling, correspondence, and meeting preparation.
  • Assist with the development and maintenance of program materials, such as flyers, brochures, and presentations.
  • Represent the Food Bank at community events and meetings as needed.

Required Qualifications 

• High school diploma and 2-3 years of experience in a social services or non-profit setting, or a bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Strong commitment to alleviating poverty and a passion for helping others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with diverse populations.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and data entry.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with case management and public benefits programs.
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM software.

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish.

Supervisory Responsibility 

This is not a supervisory position. 

Work Environment 

This job operates in a professional office environment as well as in local area food pantries and community spaces. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to drive. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some movement is required as well as the ability to lift bags weighing up to approximately 20 pounds. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during the "core" work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and must work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Some evening and weekend hours are required.  

Remote Work 

Based on the Remote Work Policy and the remote work evaluation, this position is eligible for remote work. Please refer to NIFB’s Remote Work Policy and Procedure Guide for more information. 

Position Location 

This position is based out of our West Suburban Center (Geneva) location. 

Travel 

• Must have reliable vehicle with a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to travel throughout 13 county service areas. 
• Position includes mileage reimbursement for outreach in respective territory. 
• Travel to Geneva 2 out of 5 days per week (not reimbursed).

AAP/EEO Statement 

Northern Illinois Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer