SNAP Specialist, Russian Speaking

About the role

The SNAP Specialist will conduct outreach for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) targeting underserved communities. The role provides clients with education, assessment, and facilitated enrollment services to SNAP. This is a hybrid position (3‑4 days on‑site) based out of offices in Forest Hills, Queens and the Financial District, Manhattan.

Responsibilities

• 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 SNAP 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 involves nontraditional work hours.
• Work towards connecting clients with other low‑income programs and benefits, including 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.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• 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.
• Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low‑income communities of New York City.
• Solid computer skills and strong data entry skills.
• Excellent communication skills and 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 barriers while adhering to local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Attention to detail to ensure client applications are submitted properly with necessary documentation.
• Serve diverse client needs with professionalism and patience.
• Promptness and adherence to regular work hours is important for direct community service.

Benefits

• Major medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pre‑tax commuter benefits.
• FSA.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Paid holidays.

Pay

$45,000 per year.

Schedule

Full‑time, 40 hours per week; non‑exempt/overtime eligible. Hybrid schedule: 3‑4 days on‑site.