What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outreach Specialist position at Department of Transitional Assistance?
The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Outreach Specialist. The Outreach Specialist supports the Department’s mission of increasing participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by engaging with community and faith-based organizations to reach and assist eligible individuals.
DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
• Identify and analyze the needs of target populations for outreach initiatives.
• Assess potential barriers to SNAP participation by reviewing current regulations, procedures, forms, notices and systems to identify potential participation barriers.
• Propose changes to streamline case processing, reduce barriers and increase SNAP participation.
• Develop, maintain and distribute materials regarding the functions of the SNAP Outreach unit including procedural memos, forms, notices, brochures and presentations.
• Contact and engage outside agencies and community/faith-based organizations in SNAP Outreach efforts.
• Represent the Department at internal and external meetings with community organizations and partners at community events and external discussion groups on food insecurity.
• Provide support to Outreach providers as it relates to understanding SNAP policies and regulations.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new Outreach partners, updating access for existing partners, and technical support for DTA systems (DTA Connect & Partner Activity Tracking Hub (PATH).
• Promote DTA initiatives with community-based organizations, contracted outreach partners and sister agencies across the state.
• Collaborate with UMass Chan on Outreach Partner annual evaluations.
• Cohost monthly recruitment sessions for potential Outreach Partners.
• Assist in managing inquiries received through the SNAP Outreach mailbox.
Required Qualifications:
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing the government benefit programs, especially transitional assistance programs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word and Power Point to produce highly formatted documentation.
• Knowledge of marketing principles.
• Knowledge of state government system and the Supplement Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).
Preferred Qualifications:
• Ability to communicate effectively and represent the Department and its mission to assist low-income families meet their basic needs.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply Federal, State and local social services programs, laws, statutes & regulations that affect eligibility for SNAP.
Agency Mission:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.
Learn more about our services and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dta
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the-required experience.*
II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.*
III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Salary : $72,172 - $104,315