AmeriCorps VISTA CalFresh Outreach Summer

 AmeriCorps VISTA CalFresh Outreach Summer Associate
Job Description
Job Title: AmeriCorps VISTA CalFresh Outreach Summer Associate
Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt
Time Range: May 26th-August 3rd 2015
Reports to: Kid Programs Coordinator
The mission of Feeding America San Diego (FASD) is to feed the hungry; to advocate; and to educate. Through
partnerships with more than 150 agencies, schools and corporate partners, FASD distributes 19.2 million meals
annually, 50 percent of which is fresh produce. The mission of Feeding America San Diego (FASD) is to feed the
hungry; to advocate; and to educate. Through partnerships with more than 160 agencies, schools and corporate
partners, FASD distributes 19.2 million meals annually, 50 percent of which is fresh produce. In addition to
distributing food through partners to address short-term needs, FASD conducts CalFresh (federally known as the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP, and formerly known as food stamps) Outreach to alleviate the
long-term poverty that causes hunger and promote self-sufficiency.
In collaboration with the New York City Coalition Against Hunger (NYCCAH), which represents New York’s more
than 1,100 food pantries and soup kitchens, Feeding America San Diego will host its third year of an Anti-Hunger
and Opportunity Corps (AHOC) AmeriCorps VISTA program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Food and Nutrition Service and the Walmart Foundation, in conjunction with 40 other anti-hunger and anti-poverty
organizations across the nation. NYCCAH sponsors 3 AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate members to be hosted
at Feeding America San Diego and provides support to both members and the organization.
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST DO BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Fill out an application through AmeriCorps at:
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=59880&fromSearch=true
For AmeriCorps application assistance, please email: Alexis Wojtowicz, [email protected]
2. Submit a resume and cover letter to: Human Resources, [email protected]
JOB SUMMARY
The overall goal for the CalFresh Outreach Summer Associate is to educate San Diego County low-income
residents about CalFresh and thereby eliminate potential difficulties they may have applying for the program.
Therefore, under the direction of the Programs Manager, the CalFresh Outreach Summer Associate of Feeding
America San Diego (FASD) is primarily responsible for facilitating the process of CalFresh application by advocating
on behalf of individuals applying for CalFresh through client prescreening, application assistance, data processing,
and client management. The CalFresh Outreach Summer Associate is also responsible for providing agency-based
support and individual guidance for understanding CalFresh benefits; facilitating and administering application
completion; maintaining an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of program, barriers, and policy issues related
to the CalFresh program; working with the programs team to ensure goals for the programs are met; building a
positive rapport amongst community partners and CalFresh clients. The CalFresh Outreach Summer Associate will
maintain regular contact with clients involved in denial cases and with the agencies participating in the CalFresh
Outreach program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The following duties and responsibilities are those considered to be essential but do not represent all job functions
that may be required to be performed by this position. Other comparable duties and responsibilities may be assigned
as needed. Evening and weekend work required as determined by operational needs or as assigned.
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Attend training session where staff will present an overview of the program and basics of CalFresh participation
guidelines, the application process, and how to pre-screen clients.
Understand and explain the misconceptions, fears, and myths about CalFresh participation.
Become fully knowledgeable with the CalFresh programming throughout San Diego County. Maintain client confidentiality.
Attend food bank distributions, food pantries, resource fairs, farmers markets and assist participants with the prescreening and application process.
Provide detailed explanations of benefits to potentially eligible individuals. Assist eligible people with applications and support materials for FASD CalFresh program. Outreach to working individuals, families, and seniors, as well as to diverse cultural and immigrant populations. Collect required data and as assigned, develop and implement systems and materials necessary for the tracking of program efforts, processes and outcomes. On-­‐going learning about Federal and State policy to ensure barriers and/or opportunities are being communicated to supervisor. Continually provide high levels of relationship development and customer service. Identify barriers that prevent the people from fully utilizing CalFresh program. Some on site office work: follow up calls, logging pre-screening data, case management, etc.
Attend and participate in all appropriate meetings as scheduled.
Evening or weekend work as required, and all other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE
! Minimum: At least two years college level coursework with an emphasis in Social Service, Business
Administration, Management, Advocacy Marketing or comparable course of study, and one year experience in
food distribution programs and/or working in a similar or related capacity for a nonprofit organization.
! Preferred: B.A. degree from an accredited university or college in Social Service, Business Administration,
Management, Marketing or comparable course of study preferred and five or more years of experience in a
position requiring similar skill sets. Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
! General knowledge of nonprofit organizational practices.
! Basic understanding and interest in promoting nutrition education.
! A professional demeanor with an aptitude for analytical thinking and problem solving.
! Responsible, well organized, and demonstrate initiative.
! Strong proficiency in Windows 2000, Excel, Microsoft Word, Publisher, Outlook and contact management
programs.
! Must be accurate and detail oriented, possess strong organizational and time management skills and must
possess the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a complex and fast paced environment.
! Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
! Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
! Must have excellent customer service skills.
! Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, organizational, and public speaking skills.
! Proven track record of success.
! Must be able to work with a range of people from divergent socio-economic, cultural backgrounds and origins.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Must have reliable transportation and possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license, a satisfactory driving
record, including proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage and insurability under the Agency’s insurance carrier
standards.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
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$587 biweekly living allowance
Education award ($1,212) or end-of-service cash stipend (~$250)
A network of over 180,000 AmeriCorps VISTA members and alums
Questions or position inquiries: please e-mail Erin Hogeboom at [email protected].