Neighbor Services Outreach Advisor

About the role

This remote position serves as a subject matter expert and builds strong partnerships with community-based organizations, SNAP outreach providers, counties, and local partners to support referrals and ensure a smooth application process for individuals and families.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert and build strong partnerships with community-based organizations, SNAP outreach providers, counties, and local partners to support referrals and ensure a smooth application process for individuals and families.
• Identify and solidify new SNAP Outreach partnership sites, determine strategies for optimal outcomes, and collaborate interdepartmentally when appropriate.
• Support collaborative outreach strategies and execute independently.
• Educate community members and organizations about SNAP through public presentations, small group and one-on-one meetings, and other communication channels.
• Work to dispel myths, break down stigma, and overcome other barriers to applying for SNAP.
• Conduct community outreach and education by explaining SNAP benefits and eligibility requirements to community members and assisting Minnesotans with the application process, including providing helpful materials.
• Maintain subject matter expertise around SNAP program barriers and policy issues.
• Identify and develop strategies to overcome barriers that prevent people from fully utilizing SNAP.
• Maintain understanding of other nutrition programming and policy at State and Federal levels.
• Provide real-time screening and application assistance over the phone and in the field.
• Cookordinate scheduling for specialized assistance if applicable.
• Develop and maintain innovative outreach methods for identified populations with specific barriers to SNAP access, which may include subgroups such as the working poor, families, veterans, seniors, and non-native speakers of English or those with limited English proficiency.
• Collect required data and, as assigned, develop, and implement systems and materials necessary for the tracking of program efforts, processes, and outcomes.
• Document outreach activities and relationship-building efforts in applicable software.
• Offer follow-up and additional support should any matters regarding SNAP policy, outreach, or the application process itself require additional assistance or education.
• Be able to explain and assist applicants through appropriate complaint and/or appeals channels.
• Meet monthly individual and team assigned goals, including, but not limited to application assistance goals, data integrity goals, outreach event goals, etc.
• Contribute to creation and realization of short- and long-term business objectives.
• Coach interns, volunteers, or others on Outreach activities as needed.

Requirements

• Candidate must reside in one of the following counties: Blue Earth, Brown, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Sibley, or Watonwan.
• A combination of experience and education generally attained through a minimum of 3 years’ experience in customer service/customer contact or human services and/or post-secondary education in a related field(s) (social services, community engagement, public health, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Comfortable communicating via various methods, including phone, emails, text messages, as well as face-to-face in-person communication, for long periods of time.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, specifically Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, etc., and the ability to learn other computer software programs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and follow through on multiple daily tasks and projects.
• Valid MN driver’s license and legally mandated insurance and a good driving record.
• Access to internet connection during entire workday when working off-site. Connection with speed of at least 80 GB internet, with 100 GB preferred. Also, a hardwired connection is preferred over wi-fi.
• Remote position with ability to work in-office or off-site as required, up to 75% of time, very rarely over night.
• When off-site, must have the ability to work confidentially and with privacy, which may include a separate space with a door.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SNAP or other government benefit programs
• Bilingual fluency OR proficiency in English and another language commonly spoken in Minnesota: Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Russian, Vietnamese, or other languages preferred, but not required.
• Experience training/teaching and communicating in front of public audiences.
• Leadership experience (staff, volunteer, intern, etc.)