SNAP Outreach Worker

Lanakila Pacific is a local 501(c)3 non-profit that is a family of programs and services designed to help seniors and people with cognitive, social and physical challenges improve their quality of life. Lanakila Meals on Wheels provides meals and other services to help our participants maintain their health and independence.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The SNAP Outreach Worker is responsible for the delivery of Lanakila Meals on Wheels’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Outreach (SNAP) contract deliverables. This includes developing, coordinating, and conducting related education sessions and assisting households to apply for, maintain, and understand how to utilize their SNAP benefits. Lanakila Meals on Wheels is Oahu’s largest and only island-wide meal provider for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The SNAP Outreach Worker helps to address food insecurity within the senior, disabled, and other at[1]risk populations in line with the values and goals of the department. The SNAP Outreach Worker supports the mission, vision and values of the organization, and upholds and enforces the guidelines and policies of the organization, and demonstrates Lanakila Pacific’s values of teamwork, excellence, achievement, and motivation in all personal interactions and exemplifies Lanakila’s STAR service standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:

Position Specific Duties:

• Independently conducts education sessions/presentations for potential and current SNAP recipients (e.g., benefits of SNAP, healthy eating, budget, cooking demo). The education sessions should be appealing and appropriate for the target audience and enable the Outreach Worker to share information about the audience information about the SNAP program.
• Develops education curriculum including presentation materials, handouts, data collection, flyers, and any other tools related to the services—receives supervisor approval prior to implementing new materials. Stays up-to-date and updates the curriculum to meet the needs of the participants and ensure the curriculum is current and relevant.
• Networks and markets the education sessions to target audiences. Works with the supervisor to set and achieve attendance goals.
• Maintains a positive learning environment. Conducts in-person and virtual sessions in ways that are conducive for learning and inclusion. Is open to feedback and constructive criticism to continuously refine instructional methods and curriculum.
• Develops and maintains positive rapport with potential and active participants, host facility staff, volunteers, guest speakers, and community supporters.
• Screens potential applicants to determine potential SNAP eligibility and assists households with receiving SNAP benefits.
• Completes intakes, assessments, reassessments, applications, and other documents as needed to assist participants in becoming eligible and applying to receive program services. Make recommendations and assist with referrals to other appropriate services as needed.
• Follow up on applications. Communicates with applicants regarding eligibility status and makes recommendations and assists with referrals to other services if ineligible for program.
• Follow up with active participants periodically to support participants maintaining services and assess if needs have changed.
• Represents the program in handling questions and complaints. Timely and appropriately addresses program and participant issues and grievances. Addresses any inappropriate participant behavior. Counsel's participants and, with supervisor approval, terminates participants when appropriate.
• Assists in recruiting guest speakers and resources for in-person and virtual group sessions, facilitating discussions, verifying attendance, delivering meals, recording service units for billing, etc.
• Timely and accurately completes program reports including, but not limited to roster of attendance, length of sessions, participant comments and feedback, guest speaker/activity details, and outreach efforts. Supports the preparation of data/reports for billing, operations, and program evaluation.
• Promotes all Lanakila Meals on Wheels services in-person, by phone, email, and other means available with the goal of recruiting program participants.
• Communicates effectively, accurately, and timely.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other team members needed to achieve program or organizational goals.

Other Duties:

• Follows all safety procedures and practices, and that safeguards and proper safety gear, such as gloves, are used when appropriate.
• Follow established work rules, standards of conduct, policies, procedures and practices.
• Performs other related business duties as assigned.
• Completes training as mandated by organizational policy.
• Demonstrates the ability to work with confidential information and comply with established policies, procedures, and practices.
• Demonstrates a willingness to gain and possess thorough knowledge of Lanakila Pacific’s programs and seeks ongoing educational opportunities related to the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Scheduled to work approximately 20 hours/week, Monday to Friday between 7:30 am –4:30 pm. May be required to work outside of normal business hours including weekends and holidays to meet operational needs and contract requirements.
• Indoors, office setting, production areas including inside walk-in reefer/freezer. Outdoors in various residential, in home, and community settings, travel to provide services, meet participants, distribute meals, outreach, give presentations, etc., as required.

Equipment Use:

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Database, or comparable programs.
• Other standard office equipment, i.e., computer, copier, fax, card reader, phone, projector.
• Company vehicle.

Mental Demands:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to deal with difficult people or situations.
• Ability to plan and organize tasks and possess sufficient flexibility to respond to changing situations requires ability to continuously repeat instructions and remain calm.
• Uses considerable initiative and exercises good judgment.
• Ability to multi-task and work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people and at times under difficult situations.
• Ability to maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Education: An associate degree from an accredited institution in Education, Communication, Marketing, Social Work, or another related field. A high school diploma or Certificate of Completion or equivalent plus years of experience with direct support of people, training/facilitating adults, experience in human service agency or related field may qualify to be substituted on a year-to-year basis for the education requirement.
• Experience: 1-year experience in general office work, 1-year experience in direct customer service, sales/promotion, direct marketing, or other one-on-one customer support positions.
• Clearance/Certification: 1) TB clearance, 2) Criminal background check, 3) Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, 4) Child Protective Services/Adult Protective background check.
• CPR/First Aid Certification, Department of Health Food Handlers Safety (Obtain on the job)
• Valid driver’s license and clean driver abstract

Preferred:

• Experience: One year of work experience in teaching or direct customer service serving the elderly and/or disabled; one year of outreach and presentation experience; knowledge of the eligibility and use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequently = F Occasionally = O Seldom = S Rarely = R

F Standing

F Lifting/Carrying below 25 lbs.

F Walking

F Lifting/Carrying 26 – 50 lbs.

F Sitting

F Lifting/Carrying above 50 lbs.

F Climbing (ascending/descending ladders, stairs) F Seeing (able to see clearly 20 feet or more)

F Balancing

F Color Vision

F Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or squatting F Night Vision (work at night with use of lighting)

F Handling/Push/Pull (work with hands, arms, fingers)

F Talking

F Feeling (perceiving attributes i.e., size, shape, temperature, texture)

F Hearing

F Tasting

F Travel