Public Benefits Outreach Coordinator

Chattanooga Area Food Bank

Public Benefits Outreach Coordinator

Reports to: Programs Manager

The Chattanooga Area Food Bank (CAFB) is seeking a dynamic, team-oriented individual who is committed to fulfilling our mission in leading a network of partners and uniting the community to eliminate hunger by feeding, nourishing and empowering those we serve.

Job Description:

With a primary emphasis on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our Public Benefits Team focuses on increased application access and assistance, education and outreach efforts, and advocacy on behalf of CAFB leadership at both the state and local levels. This is critical to reducing our clients’ reliance on emergency food assistance, achieving greater, more sustainable food security and stable lives.

Reporting to the Programs Manager, his position is responsible for assisting persons potentially eligible for various Tennessee or Georgia public benefits, with SNAP being the primary emphasis. This position will also be responsible for fostering strong, partnering relationships between the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and community agencies while administering assistance to people potentially eligible for Tennessee or Georgia SNAP benefits.

Principal Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Provides SNAP application assistance to the CAFB’s 20-county region spanning two states, including those through the Google SNAP (GSNAP) platform.

·         Accurately maintains program databases.

·         Maintains continual communication with prospective applicants during the application process.

·         Provides regular updates and reports to the Public Benefits Supervisor and Programs Manager regarding activities, progress, and challenges.

·         Develops and maintains relationships with member agencies and other organizations that may be helpful in identifying prospective clients or may provide the opportunity and venue to do outreach.

·         Organizes SNAP referrals from other community organizations and assists those prospective applicants.

·         Creates and nurtures relationships with case workers located at local DEFACs and DHS offices.

·         Regularly meets with Public Benefits Team to discuss program status, goals, methods, experiences.

·         Occasionally travels to and within assigned service area to proactively reach out to residents who may be eligible for SNAP benefits.  Distributes educational materials about eligibility and the application process.  Interviews prospective applicants to determine likelihood of eligibility.

·         Maintains an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of programs, barriers, and policy issues related to (TN or GA) SNAP and Public Benefits programs.

·         Occasionally educates and builds awareness about the SNAP program and its benefits via in-person speaking engagements, advertising and marketing materials.

·         Works with Public Benefits Supervisor and Programs Manager to potentially expand current and/or create additional programs within the CAFB Public Benefits Access Program.

·         Attends staff meetings and outside work-related events.

·         Working hours are primarily Monday-Friday with occasional nights and weekends required

Additional Skills:

Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; to handle emotional situations in a sound and professional manner; to treat everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion
·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple activities with conscientious attention to organization and detail

·         Excellent MS Office skills and experience using various technology platforms to streamline processes

·         Professional written and oral communication skills

·         Ability to create outreach material, with preferred experience with Canva/ other creative platforms.

·         Detail-oriented and organized, with attention to accuracy and deadlines

·         Ability to problem solve, be nimble, anticipate business needs and exhibit professional judgment with respect to confidentiality at all times

·         Energetic and passionate about our community and our mission to end hunger

Qualifications

·         High School diploma/ GED required.  2 years post High School education preferred.

·         Must pass an extensive fingerprinting and background check

·         Bi-lingual English/ Spanish proficiency preferred

·         Proficient Microsoft Office programs and computer skills

·         At least 1 year of customer contact/customer service or human services experience required

·         Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

·         Experience working with community based/nonprofit organizations helpful

·         Ability to listen, assess and troubleshoot resistance to program enrollment

·         High quality customer service skills (exhibit objectivity, empathy, calmness and helpfulness)

·         Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals

·         Ability to set own priorities and work independently

·         Ability to occasionally travel overnight

Salary range is $38.5 – $40.5K

Chattanooga Area Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer