Outreach Specialist (Bilingual Preferred) - Gleaners Food Bank Of I

Essential Functions of Bilingual Outreach Specialist

• Utilize a neighbor-centered approach that aims to assess, plan, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the services provided to individuals and families in need of support and assistance.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of the interventions and review the progress made towards achieving the neighbor’s stated goals.
• Develop and document a neighbor centered support plan outlining the specific actions and interventions that will be implemented to address the neighbor’s needs.
• Conduct an initial assessment of the neighbor’s situation gathering income, household size, expenses, and other relevant information to determine eligibility for federal assistance programs, including but not limited to, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), Medicaid, and CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund)
• Work directly with neighbors to assist them in applying and obtaining SNAP and other public assistance programs, including but not limited to the submission of documentation, attending benefit enrollment interviews, and serving as authorized representatives.
• Follow procedures for maintaining strict neighbor confidentiality, accurate case notes, and completion and submission of metrics and required reports.
• Employ culturally competent and empathetic communication skills during each client interaction.
• Coordinate and facilitate referrals to service providers for neighbors based on individual needs, including but not limited to, food, utility assistance, public assistance, housing, education/training, employment, mental and physical health, transportation, and child care.
• Work with Network Service Managers and community partners to identify high-volume locations for conducting outreach.
• Assist with educating community partners, neighbors, volunteers, and staff about SNAP other public benefits.
• Maintain Salesforce database of neighbors screened and conduct follow up to track neighbors post-screening
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience of Outreach Specialist:

• High School diploma/GED or equivalent experience
• One or more years of experience in related field (such as customer service, community organizing, case management in a nonprofit setting, or social work) is required
• Bilingual strongly preferred (Spanish, Haitian, Creole, Burmese, etc...)

Other Relevant Skills and Abilities of Outreach Specialist :

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Able to effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Basic math and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm in high pressure situations.
• Experience with MS Excel/Word/Survey Monkey/Outlook and Google documents.
• Initiative/self-starter/ability to work without close supervision.
• A commitment to full and visible participation as a hunger relief leader in the community.
• Ability to fully utilize case management system (Salesforce).

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations: Valid driver's license/Clean driving record /Must be insurable by company vehicle insurance provider.

Work Environment & Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that an individual must meet in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Gleaners will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to push, pull, lift, move and carry up to 25 pounds up to 10% of the time.
• Ability to move within/between Department or Facility.
• Ability to sit and stand.
• Ability to speak clearly.
• This position is hybrid (Remote/Office/Off-site locations).
• Exposure to abnormally hot/cold environments.
• Fast paced & deadline oriented.
• Frequent use of a computer.
• Works independently and with others.
• Flexible work schedule (i.e. weekends and/or evenings).
• Travel up to 75% of the time, with occasional (optional) overnight stays.

Please see the attached job description for the full description

Gleaners Food Bank is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and provides equal opportunities for employment and advancement for all individuals, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, pregnancy, leave status, genetic information, veteran status, creed, citizenship status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, or any other status or category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.