Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program Community Outreach Worker

Position Title: Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program Community Outreach Worker

Reports To: Food Access Manager

Classification: Non-Exempt

Date: May 2023

THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond. RIPHI oversees public health programs, conducts translational and policy research, and trains students and public health practitioners. In recent years, RIPHI’s programs have attracted local and national media attention as well as local and national awards for public health innovation. RIPHI owns and operates Open Door Health, the state’s first and only LGBTQ clinic; Open Door Health provides primary care, sexual health care, family planning services, and gender affirming care to Rhode Island’s diverse community. Open Door Health also hosts the state’s only Express STD Clinic, where patients can walk in and receive STD screening services in 30 minutes or less. RIPHI hosts a large Ryan White HIV treatment and care program at Open Door Health. In addition, RIPHI operates Food on the Move, one of the largest mobile produce programs in the country. RIPHI leads Nourish Rhode Island, a coalition advocating for SNAP incentives in grocery stores to promote healthy eating among SNAP recipients. During the 2022 legislation session, the NOURISH RI coalition secured an $11.5 million state appropriation for the Department of Human Services to fund a statewide Retail SNAP Incentive Program. RIPHI leads a citywide clinical collaborative to promote COVID-19 testing and vaccination equity among the city’s largest safety net health centers. In coming years, RIPHI will also support innovations in harm reduction centers as the state legalizes harm reduction services and safe injection sites. RIPHI’s rapid and currently growing portfolio also includes programs related to food insecurity, nutrition and active living, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce HIV transmission, geographically focused health interventions, and other efforts to reduce health disparities. To learn more about RIPHI and Open Door Health, visit https://www.riphi.org and www.odhpvd.org.

Position Summary:

The Eat Well, Be Well Rewards (EWBWR) Program is an innovative, first-in-the-nation statewide retail SNAP incentive program. This program is operated by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) and will enable all SNAP recipients in the state of RI (approximately 140,000 individuals) to receive 50% off their fresh fruit and vegetable purchases at participating grocery stores. The EWBWR program is expected to launch in fall of 2023. RIPHI has been awarded the evaluation contract from the DHS. The role of the Community Outreach Worker (COW) will focus on engaging small independent retail grocery stores to participate in the EWBWR program. The COW will travel to grocery stores throughout the state to discuss this program opportunity with retailers. COWs will receive training and all necessary documents to provide the retailer with details of the EWBWR program. COWs will also be cross trained in data collection and will participate in data collection efforts at retail sites for retailers currently enrolled in the EWBWR program.

Responsibilities Outreach Activities:

• Assist in the creation of a priority list of retailers to engage

• Introduce independent retailers to the EWBWR program

• Provide technical assistance to any retailers in completing the vendor agreement form

• Manage relationships with retail partners

• Report back to team weekly on progress

Evaluation Activities:

• Complete CITI certification training

• Recruit and consent store shoppers to participate in RIPHI’s evaluation

• Administer survey

• Receive training on Veggie Meter tool

• Administer Veggie Meter to enrolled and consented participants

Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Spanish speaking preferred

• Non-supervisory role

Knowledge & Skills

• Highly organized and strong attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and comfortable speaking in public situations

• Track record of developing community relationships

• Driver’s license and vehicle required (gas mileage will be reimbursed)

• Appreciation of RIPHI’s mission and the goals of the Eat Well, Be Well Rewards program

• Experience conducting interviews or working on community data collection efforts

Must be able to respond to constructive feedback from supervisors and colleagues History of working well on a team

• Spanish speaking ability required for at least one person in this role

In the wake of COVID –19, RIPHI has implemented many protocols to ensure the safety of our staff and the various populations we serve. You must be willing to learn and adhere to all safety protocols and you must be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
All RIPHI employees are required to be up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine and follow protocols at our markets.

Experience:

• Client Services & Customer Support: 1 year (Preferred)
• Community Organizing: 1 year (Preferred)
• External recruiting: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000