Outreach Worker

Lanakila Pacific helps individuals with cognitive, physical, social, or age‑related challenges build independence and improve their quality of life. Lanakila Meals on Wheels is Hawai‘i’s largest provider of home‑delivered and congregate dining meals, offering nutrition, social support, and services that help seniors maintain health and independence.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Outreach Worker is responsible for delivering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach services for Lanakila Meals on Wheels. This role conducts SNAP education sessions, assists individuals with SNAP applications and benefit maintenance, and connects households to additional Lanakila services. The Outreach Worker represents the organization with professionalism and demonstrates our values of teamwork, excellence, achievement, motivation, and STAR service standards.

BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work–life balance, including:

• Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Lifestyle Benefits (employee wellness and support programs)
• Additional organizational perks and employee support programs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Associate degree in Education, Communication, Social Work, Marketing, or related field; or a high school diploma plus equivalent experience in human services, training, or adult education.
• At least 1 year of experience teaching/training (preferably adults) and 1 year of direct customer service.
• Ability to pass required clearances: TB test, criminal background check, pre‑employment drug test, CPS/APS checks.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, and access to an insured vehicle.
• CPR/First Aid Certification and Department of Health Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain on the job).

Preferred

• Experience working with seniors, individuals with disabilities, or in human services programs.
• Experience in outreach, recruiting, marketing, sales, or SNAP/government benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Position-Specific Duties

• Conduct engaging in-person and virtual SNAP education sessions on topics such as program benefits, budgeting, healthy eating, and cooking demonstrations.
• Develop and update curriculum, presentations, handouts, flyers, and data collection tools with supervisor approval.
• Market education sessions, build community awareness, and achieve attendance goals.
• Maintain an inclusive learning environment and incorporate feedback to improve instructional methods.
• Build positive relationships with participants, host facilities, volunteers, guest speakers, and community partners.
• Participate in community events such as resource fairs, food distributions, and senior fairs to promote SNAP outreach.
• Screen individuals for SNAP eligibility and assist with intakes, assessments, applications, and follow up.
• Provide services in various settings, including in-home visits, community locations, office, virtual sessions, and by phone.
• Follow up with active participants to support benefit retention and identify changing needs.
• Complete accurate and timely program reports, including attendance, session data, participant feedback, and outreach metrics.
• Assist with recruiting guest speakers, coordinating group sessions, and delivering meals when needed.
• Address participant questions, concerns, and grievances professionally.
• Promote all Lanakila Meals on Wheels programs through in-person communication, phone, email, and outreach events.
• Collaborate with team members to support program goals and organizational initiatives.

Other Duties

• Provide backup support for department projects and special events.
• Follow all safety procedures, including food safety and sanitation practices.
• Protect and safeguard company assets and operate in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and maintain a respectful, inclusive environment.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
• Represent the organization at community events and fundraising activities as needed.
• Complete all required organizational training and attend staff meetings.

WORKING CONDITIONS / HOURS:

• Monday–Friday, 4‑hour shifts (shift times vary). Occasional weekend and holiday work—including Thanksgiving and Christmas—may be required to meet contract or program needs.
• Work environments include office settings, classrooms, recreation rooms, production areas (including walk‑in refrigerators/freezers), and various community locations.
• Outdoor work may occur during events, outreach, and in‑home visits.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage challenging situations.
• Strong initiative, judgment, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and relationship‑building with diverse individuals.
• Ability to maintain composure, professionalism, and productivity in dynamic situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequent: Standing, walking, sitting, lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs, handling/pushing/pulling, talking, hearing, seeing, feeling (touch/temperature/texture), travel.
Occasional: Lifting/carrying 26–50 lbs; climbing stairs or ladders; stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting; balancing.
Rare: Lifting over 50 lbs; night‑vision tasks; tasting.