Community Wellness & Outreach Coordinator, Greater MN

Position Summary

The Community Wellness and Outreach Coordinator (Coordinator) supports individuals and families in accessing food resources and public benefit programs that promote overall health and wellness. The Coordinator plays a vital role in improving access to food and health resources for communities in Greater Minnesota with a focus on serving the Latine population in Austin and surrounding areas. This position is responsible for conducting outreach, education, and direct support services related to food access (e.g., SNAP and La Canasta Familiar) and healthcare coverage (e.g., Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare).

The Coordinator builds trust within the community, connects individuals and families to vital nutrition and health programs, and works to dispel myths and reduce barriers around public assistance. The position also works to reduce stigma and barriers around public assistance through culturally relevant communication and builds trust by promoting additional health and wellness initiatives throughout the community.

Department: Family Services

Reports to: Nutrition & Food Equity Manager

Location: CLUES Austin, MN Offices

Position Type: Regular, non-exempt

Schedule: Part-Time, 20 hours/week. Generally, Monday – Friday business hours.

Estimated Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour (depending on experience & qualifications).

Benefits: Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies—includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection; retirement plan; educational assistance; paid holidays; and paid time off.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Food Access Supports and Public Benefits Navigation and Enrollment

• Complete Bridge to Benefits screenings and SNAP applications with community members.
• Provide step by step guidance, support, and education in accessing income supports and eligibility to public benefits (e.g., SNAP, etc.).
• Promote and support SNAP outreach, screening, and recruitment for one-to-one application appointments during food distribution and community events.
• Promote SNAP outreach via social media platforms to educate our targeted populations about applying for government assistance.
• Cultivate working relationships with current and potential service collaborators and/or partners to amplify SNAP outreach and application assistance.
• Provide outreach and presentations for promoting food access, benefit navigation and enrollment, and outreach and referrals to CLUES services in general. Maintain accurate data and provide regular activity and progress reports.
  
  

Food Shelf Distribution and Operation

• Lead and coordinate La Canasta Familiar food distribution events in Greater Minnesota for CLUES-Austin and partner sites. Coordinate logistics, including set-up, volunteer recruitment, partner attendance, food bank pick-up, and other needs as they arise.
• Support a dynamic, engaging, and welcoming environment for all program participants and volunteers
• Stock and replenish food during La Canasta Familiar - Austin service hours, ensuring product is distributed as needed to participants.
• Ensure safe handling of food, complying with local health and safety standards.
• Oversee food and product waste handling, complying with compost, trash and recycling guidelines.
• Assist with inventory and ordering of food for CLUES distribution partner sites.
  
  

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Organize and participate in community events, workshops, and meetings to promote organizational programs.
• Create and implement outreach plans that align with the organization's goals and objectives.
• Utilize various communication channels (social media, email, newsletters, etc.) to reach and engage target audiences.
• Maintain a database of community contacts, partners, and stakeholders.
• Collect and prepare reports on outreach activities and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Access to Health Care

• Provide services, resource navigation, guidance, and education as a MNsure navigator.
• MNsure Navigators do not recommend specific plans but instead provide neutral guidance to help individuals find the best coverage for their needs.
• Assist individuals and community members with completing applications, determining eligibility for financial assistance, and enrolling in qualified health plans, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or MinnesotaCare.
• Maintain current, MNsure Calendar of Activities and Events for project year: including but not limited to community members enrolled into public/private insurance programs, number of educational brochures distributed, and number of community members educated.
• Attend and successfully complete all required training programs, webinars, and other professional development opportunities to meet current position certification requirement and expectations.
  

General Duties

• Complete data entry and analysis, such as inputting participant information, and Canasta Familiar optional surveys, participant attendance numbers, SNAP applications completed, MNSure applications completed, etc., for successful submission of monthly statistical reports.
• Maintain safety and security by following all health and safety procedures and communicate appropriately.
• Collaborate with other CLUES programs and departments to integrate programs and resources.
• Understand, support, and promote the mission, operating values and agency services of CLUES within the community.
• Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviors and conduct and set an example for clients to emulate.
• Acknowledge and identify the boundaries of position and refer to support resources as appropriate when the situation merits.
• Maintain open communication with supervisors and solicit feedback when necessary.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  
  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change or add to the duties of this description at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience & Key Abilities

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 years of experience in one or more of the following: Logistics/operations, food handling, community outreach, and/or nonprofit work.
• Office administrative experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of resources in the community required with strong outreach skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English with cultural sensitivity and awareness required. Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse individuals in a service-oriented environment preferred.
• Physical ability to bend, lift, and carry up to 30 pounds, load and unload boxes and bags, and walk or stand for long periods of time.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.
• High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work.
• Must complete food safety, civil rights, pallet jack and trail lift gate training within 30 days of employment.
• Must be organized and have ability to work under pressure and stress, have attention to detail and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong ability to represent the interests of the agency with community stakeholders.
  
  

Language Skills

• Effective communication in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing, required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maintain accurate documentation, and respond appropriately to questions and requests.
  
  

Transportation

• Must have a reliable motor vehicle for independent transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automotive insurance, and maintain a good driving record. Must submit to and pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check.
  
  

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other common software (e.g., database, reporting, client management systems, etc.).
• Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Background check

• Must pass a criminal background check, driving record check, and MNsure background study. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to periodic re-verification of these, and additional background checks.