SNAP Specialist, Russian Speaking

As part of the Benefits Access Department, the SNAP Specialist will work with a team to conduct an intensive outreach campaign targeting the working poor, seniors, and immigrant communities. Under the supervision of the director of the department, the SNAP Specialist will:

• →Conduct outreach to community-based organizations, emergency food programs, and other partners, providing information on SNAP rules and regulations.
• →Educate potentially eligible clients about SNAP.
• →Screen, counsel, and advise clients on necessary documentation and eligibility requirements for the SNAP Program.
• →Help potentially eligible households and individuals gain access to the SNAP program by providing application guidance and assistance using web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
• →Provide post-application assistance and advocacy for disputed cases, as needed, to existing clients.
• →Provide case management assistance to existing clients (e.g., periodic reports and case change forms).
• →Provide recertification assistance to SNAP participants via web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
• →Work in tandem with staff at partner agencies and other Met Council departments.
• →Attend community outreach events, fairs, and forums as needed. Occasionally, this will involve nontraditional work hours.
• →Work towards connecting clients with other low-income programs and benefits, including but not limited to Fair Fares, free tax preparation services, Health Insurance, HEAP, NYC Care, WIC, etc.
• →Document all services rendered in Met Council’s database system (Salesforce) and other relevant tracking tools.
• →Additional responsibilities as required.

• Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low-income communities of New York City
• Solid computer skills
• Strong data entry skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Comfort using online technologies and database systems daily
• Benefits screening, especially for SNAP
• Public speaking, including conducting presentations in various settings
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Ability to help clients navigate through barriers while adhering to local, state, and federal rules and regulations
• Attention to detail to ensure that client applications are submitted properly and with necessary documentation
• Serve the diverse needs of clients with professionalism and patience
• Promptness and adherence to regular work hours is particularly important for this position, as successful candidate is providing direct services to the community

• High school diploma (required), bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Bi-lingual Russian/English (required).
• Background in Public Health, Public Administration, or Human Services.
• Prior experience working with low-income communities (preferred).
• Knowledge of government benefits is a plus.

• This is not a remote position. Services are provided in person at different community-based organizations.
• This position requires a willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City, though the primary location will be in the Forest Hills area of Queens.
• Other sites may be assigned as required.

Compensation: $45,000 per year.

Benefits: Major medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b); plus holidays.