Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week,
Supervisor: Community Partnerships & Outreach Manager
Status: Full-Time
Classification: Non-Exempt
Overview: This position will work to increase awareness of and participation in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other benefit or food access programs in Lorain County. Outreach methods include digital strategies such as G-SNAP and a direct application assistance process. The position will coordinate outreach and education at sites across Lorain County, at Second Harvest Mobile Pantries, and across Second Harvest media and referral platforms. Responsible for staying informed about federal and state SNAP policies and legislation, monitoring changes, and understanding their implications for outreach and assistance efforts
Specific Responsibilities:
Program Coordination
- Establish and maintain partnerships with organizations serving targeted populations. Identify and coordinate opportunities for scheduled on-site SNAP outreach, training, and collaborative community engagement initiatives.
- Develop and execute a streamlined workflow for SNAP prescreening and direct application assistance.
- Design and implement a comprehensive community outreach plan leveraging Second Harvest’s existing partnerships and platforms. The plan should include a regular site schedule, traditional outreach, and digital outreach.
- Serve as the primary contact for community inquiries regarding SNAP, federal benefits, and food access support services.
- Maintain a positive relationship with representatives from the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services at the state and county levels and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.
- Monitor federal and state SNAP policies, staying current on legislative changes and their community impact to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Education & Community Outreach
- Develop and maintain a trust-oriented environment, implementing trauma-informed care approaches prioritizing emotional safety and respect for all participants.
- Actively amplify the voices of those served by recognizing the value of community wisdom and resources, empowering individuals, and fostering sustainable connections..
- Work with the External Communication and Brand & Digital Coordinator to create content that encourages participation in the SNAP program to individuals in targeted geographic areas.
- Respond to community inquiries via social media and referral platforms, connecting individuals to food assistance and other support programs. Track and document demographic and household data for reporting and analysis.
- Attend events to promote Second Harvest programs, conduct SNAP outreach, and educate the community about available assistance.
- Support partner programs with technical information, best practice knowledge, training, and other SNAP-related content.
Application Assistance
- Prescreen individuals for SNAP eligibility through in-person, phone, and web-based interactions.
- Provide application assistance to community members who are eligible for SNAP.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure prompt, effective, and thoughtful customer service and communications with partner organizations and community members.
- Resolve community member inquiries and document recurring issues or concerns for follow-up and improvement.
Reporting & Meeting Requirements
- Maintain accurate records and program metrics in accordance with internal policies and funding requirements.
- Compile and submit aggregated monthly and quarterly data to meet grant requirements and monitor program progress over time.
- Complete all paperwork and reporting requirements accurately and in a timely manner.
- Analyze community interactions to identify and share relevant trends or insights that inform program improvements.
General Responsibilities:
- Advocate for SNAP and federal support programs at the local and state levels, contributing to awareness and policy discussions.
- Uphold the Core Values and mission of Second Harvest at all times.
- Display courtesy and respect at all times to Second Harvest employees, volunteers, donors, member agencies, and the general public.
- Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to Second Harvest.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Excellent planning and organizational skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey information to diverse audiences.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred.
- Excellent Computer Skills, including MS Office.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with team members and external stakeholders.
- Valid Driver’s License.
Education /Training:
- Associate’s Degree or Equivalent Experience in a related field.
- Completion of SERV Safe Food Safety Certification.
- Certified in CPR/AED & First Aid every two years.
- Complete USDA Civil Rights Training for Food Distribution annually.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- General office environment.
- Travel throughout Lorain County is required.