Navigator, Neighbor Services

Description

JOB TITLE: Neighbor Services Navigator

DEPARTMENT: Operations

LOCATION: Feeding Pinellas Empowerment Center, 6330 54th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709

REPORTS TO: Feeding Pinellas Neighbor Services Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Onsite- 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday- Friday; some evenings and weekends required

STATUS: Nonexempt

SALARY RANGE: $41,700 - $43,010

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Focused on uplifting our neighbors toward long-term sustainability, Feeding Tampa Bay nourishes human potential by providing access to food and then leveraging that access to connect those we serve with empowering resources. With a commitment to end hunger in our region by 2025, our work is driven by the desire to create health and capability in every family, child and senior we serve. 

At Feeding Tampa Bay, we are on a united path to transform our community. We thoughtfully drive change while embracing and celebrating our collective impact, as well as the impact of each individual. Through our Grow Code we strive to honor all, conquer together, be imaginist, speak with truth, and stay rooted in the mission of Feeding Tampa Bay.

SUMMARY

Feeding Tampa Bay’s Neighbor Services program helps with more than just food. We know that surrounding hunger are often challenges with meeting other basic needs; like finding adequate housing, understanding health care options, locating transportation help, or accessing services to support individuals and families. Our trained team cares about our community and works one-on-one to help neighbors navigate an often complicated social services system. 

We aim to empower our community to utilize resources and services that reduce challenges caused by the financial crisis. We equip neighbors with knowledge, resources, and opportunities to advance economic mobility; empowering neighbors to have a brighter, healthier future. 

JOB OVERVIEW

The Neighbor Services Navigator will focus on providing Feeding Tampa Bay’s suite of empowerment services through a case management approach. Navigators are responsible for assessing client needs, developing action plans, assisting with benefits or other service applications, and submitting referrals to appropriate partner agencies and service providers. Specialists must have strong crisis intervention and motivational interviewing skills to navigate working with a variety of vulnerable populations. This position requires commitment to an in-office schedule based out of the Feeding Pinellas Empowerment Center in St. Petersburg and will also occasionally work across our 10-county region. This role is a departure from traditional case management, providing a dynamic blend of short-term and long-term service delivery at the Empowerment Center. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Site Duties:

• Be available to open and close Feeding Pinellas location 
• Act as a point of contact (POC) for volunteer questions and concerns, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated as part of the team.
• Cross-train and facilitate the Feeding Pinellas pantry when required
• Facilitate the Feeding Pinellas Trinity Cafe when required
• Participate in Feeding Pinellas team meetings and have a strong collaborative relationship with the Feeding Pinellas Neighbor Food Programs team. 
• Occasionally represent Feeding Tampa Bay/Feeding Pinellas at community events and meetings.
• Support and participate in the holiday rotation for Trinity Cafe meal service

Neighbor Services and Empowerment:

• Conduct neighbor intakes and needs assessments in-person at FTB Empowerment Centers or virtually via designated digital platforms or telephonic support.
• Triage needs and make appropriate referrals to the suitable FTB service, onsite partner, or community resource.
• Operate within the empowerment model, utilizing motivational interviewing, crisis-intervention, and de-escalation to create client action plans.
• Deliver one or more empowerment core services during each neighbor interaction, including Food Assistance, SNAP Assistance, Benefits Navigation, Advocacy, Crisis Intervention, and Information and Referrals. Community referrals include, but are not limited to, connections to health, mental health, employment, and housing resources.
• Provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) online application assistance.
• Respond to inquiries for food assistance by helping clients navigate current Feeding Tampa Bay resources and make customized recommendations for services.
• Ensure the centralization of connection between services provided in the Empowerment Center and food resources available in Feeding Pinellas and across the 10-county region.
• Complete necessary follow-up to close the loop on resource referrals.
• Provide exceptional customer service to ensure Neighbors feel welcome and have a positive experience.
• Uphold client confidentiality and privacy standards at all times.
• Support services for s’well program expansion at Pinellas location
• Provide outreach support as needed for Feeding Tampa Bay partner agencies, at Trinity Cafes, Food distributions, etc..
• Serve as a first responder during natural disasters, supporting community distributions, emergency hotline coverage, and triage services as needed.

Data, Compliance, and Collaboration:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in both documentation and appointment systems.
• Report data as required/requested by FTB’s Data and Impact team.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners.
• Stay informed about community resources and services; update the NS Resource Database as needed.
• Actively participate in team meetings, case staffings, and debriefs.
• Create a safe environment for Neighbors, volunteers, and team members by practicing environmental awareness, mitigating risks, and implementing safety policies.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisor and Neighbor Services Leadership on issues related to neighbor services, facilities, community programs, cross-agency departments, and other stakeholders
• Assist other Feeding Tampa Bay staff with special projects.
• Commit to upholding policies, principles, and best practices for food safety.
• Stay current on industry best practices through training, community events, and conferences, and maintain 20 hours of continuing education training credits per year.
• Embrace, uphold, and embody FTB’s mission and Grow Code in all interactions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 4 years’ experience in social work, human services, counseling, public health, case management, or other relevant/related field 
• Customer Service Experience a Plus
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Experience working in low-income, culturally diverse, community settings and a basic understanding of the challenges and barriers faced when individuals and families seek assistance. Knowledge and experience with homeless or housing insecure populations a plus
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills; especially demonstrate ability to work with and communicate effectively over the phone and in person
• Experience working in high stress environments. Preferred experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation, active listening and motivational interviewing
• Ability to independently oversee multiple projects, taking the initiative to improve the program and smoothly coordinate it while maintaining a very collaborative work style with the Neighbor Experience Team– with oversight of a variety of tasks, flexibility and adaptability are key aspects of this position.
• Comfortable with public speaking in public, including giving group presentations and training workshops to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to handle and document deliverables and data from a number of sources. Spreadsheet skills a must
• Ability to work constructively with individuals (agency staff, the public, and volunteers) from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in culturally diverse work environments. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom and Asana experience a plus. 
• Occasional travel required among our 10 county service region
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s license
• Bilingual a plus

Salary : $41,700 - $43,010