Description

Title: SNAP Benefits Navigator

Department: Community Access

Reports To: Director, Club Connect

Location: 56 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

Position Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $41,600-44,000 annually commensurate with qualifications; excellent benefits package

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI serves the most vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with critical services and programs. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – the poor and working poor, low income people with chronic illnesses, persons with criminal justice involvement, substance users, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Benefits Navigator is responsible for providing health insurance enrollment and SNAP benefits to uninsured and low-income Staten Island residents. The Benefit Navigator focuses on enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. The Benefits Navigator is responsible for conducting SNAP outreach, prescreening potentially eligible individuals/households for SNAP with low-income Staten Island residents, and assisting individuals and households in completing a SNAP application. The Benefits Navigator will primarily work from our Next Step Recovery & Resource Center located at 56 Bay Street.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create new partnerships with other agencies to identify those most in need for SNAP benefits and develop an ongoing flow of new screening and enrollment opportunities.
• Disseminate materials and information to individuals potentially eligible for SNAP.
• Educate the public on SNAP eligibility by conducting in-person and/or virtual presentations/workshops.
• Raise awareness of CHASI’s benefits programs by working with the Communications team to put messaging on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Pre-screen individuals for SNAP.
• Assist clients in completing the SNAP application and gathering required documentation.
• Submit and track applications (e.g. approvals/denials, barriers faced in the process) and maintain case files for each client.
• Provide advocacy assistance to clients as necessary.
• Follow up with applicants through the completion of the enrollment process.
• Provide recertification assistance to previous clients.
• Attend regular and ad hoc individual and team meetings to review operational progress.
• Complete reports and documentation as required.
• Attend community events to engage potential clients about SNAP and FSC services through dialogue and information tables.
• Refer applicants to additional benefit programs and services as appropriate.
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 2 years of experience in the human services field required; experience providing community-based outreach, making linkages and referrals, and/or establishing community partnerships highly preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalency required; associate or bachelors degree in a related field preferred.
• Familiarity with resources on Staten Island highly preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Proficiency with technology, web-based applications, and Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to be responsive to and work well with diverse client and staff populations.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills; comfort with public speaking; ability to manage communications tactfully and professionally with a high attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with an ability to handle multiple projects and activities while meeting established timelines.
• Ability to work independently while also being a team player with an ability to work on diverse teams with shared responsibility and accountability; ability to contribute to a positive, productive, open, and supportive environment.

Please Note: As a public health organization, Community Health Action of Staten Island is now requiring all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a qualified medical exemption; if selected for the role you must have at least one dose of the vaccine to begin employment.

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff.

People of color, LGBTQ, women, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.