Community Resource Specialist

Overview

Title: Community Resource Specialist

Reports to: Program Manager, Benefits Access

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) is one of the largest and most successful emergency food providers in New York City. WSCAH’s mission is to alleviate hunger by ensuring all New Yorkers have access with dignity to a choice of healthy food and supportive services. Our Social Services department helps families connect to benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), health insurance and other resources that help our customers on their pathway to stability and self-sufficiency. 

Overview:

Reporting to the Program Manager, Benefits Access, the Community Resource Specialist is responsible for helping to improve the lives of our customers by conducting holistic needs assessments and providing the necessary services and/or referrals to help our customers on their pathway to stability and self-sufficiency. He or she will conduct holistic screenings and benefit enrollment services to all WSCAH customers with an emphasis on SNAP enrollment, recertification, and education. 

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8am – 4 pm; may include evening hours.

Location: 86th Street Office and Partner Food Distribution sites, Hybrid work schedule negotiable

Compensation and Benefits:

The annual salary range for this position is $42,000-47,000 based on experience and qualifications. WSCAH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% company-paid medical and dental insurance for employees and applicable dependents, company-sponsored life insurance, 403b retirement plan with 6% match after one year of employment, as well as paid holidays that include a winter break between Christmas and New Year’s Day and vacation leave.

Key areas of responsibility for the Community Resource Specialist will include:

• Conduct intake and assessment for WSCAH customers seeking benefits assistance.
• Identify customer needs and determine benefit eligibility using customer assessment information and tools.
• Assist customers in applying for federal, state and local benefits with a focus on SNAP applications, recertifications, mediations, etc.
• Work closely with our partner sites to promote holistic services, conduct outreach, and provide enrollment services.
• Refer customers to appropriate services, including SNAP benefits, health insurance, public assistance, vocational programs, immigration services, education and other social services.
• Achieve all contract and organizational benefits and referral targets.  
• Train customers on the skills and strategies necessary to be an effective advocate for themselves and their communities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of NYS public benefit information and customer resources. 
• Attend public benefits trainings and outside partner resource events. 
• Work with the Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement to maintain existing partnerships and develop new partnerships that address customer needs.
• Collaborate with the Community Engagement Coordinator to promote important benefits to our customer community via newsletter, presentations, etc.

Data:    

• Record customer information accurately into the Salesforce database, including demographics, household composition, age, ethnicity, employment status, income, referrals and follow-up. 
• Use Salesforce to complete customer intake and assessments.
• Effectively keep track of customer referrals and outcomes using Salesforce.

 Team Member: 

• Work as a contributing team member of the WSCAH organization and perform other duties as assigned to further WSCAH’s mission.

Competencies 

 To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position. 

• Flexibility and Adaptability – Willing and able to change work tasks when needed; shifts priorities based on work demands. Assesses and balances competing values (i.e., policies and mission needs) and operates effectively in the face of uncertainty and change.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving – Reaches sound conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis of pertinent/available information. Takes calculated risks in uncertain or ambiguous situations to make sound, innovative decisions and to address problems.
• Communication – Effectively conveys information both verbally and in writing. Listens effectively. Promotes and models effective teamwork. Works well with people of all levels both within and outside of WSCAH; welcomes differing ideas and points of view and encourages participation at the highest levels. 
• Professional Demeanor – Willing to align professional goals with the needs and priorities of the organization and believes in the importance of doing so. Demonstrates commitment to the job and organization as well as strong initiative and self-motivation to learn, develop, and succeed. Willing to accept personal responsibility and be held accountable for outcomes.

Essential Skills, Abilities and Attributes

Bilingual; fluent command of English and Spanish.

• BS/BA and/or 2 years of social service experience.
• Working knowledge of public benefits, in particular SNAP
• Familiarity with client outreach required.
• Experience with Salesforce Database a plus. 
• Detail-oriented and able to work independently.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
• Strong interpersonal skills; excellent communication and complex/creative problem-solving skills.
• Passionate about WSCAH’s mission

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.

WSCAH is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. WSCAH is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Notice

Candidates for this position must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the date of hire. All individuals hired for WSCAH positions that are on-site and/or require in-person interactions must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless otherwise prohibited by law. WSCAH complies with federal, state, and local laws with regard to accommodations related to this policy.