SUMMARY

The mission of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is to ensure that everyone in our communities has the nutritious food they need every day. The Benefits Outreach Counselor supports this mission by assisting eligible clients in completing the application for SNAP (food stamps) and other public benefits through the Ohio Benefit (OB). This position requires the person to travel to various community locations to educate the community about SNAP and other public benefits and screen clients one-on-one for these benefits. This position also requires the Outreach Counselor to build partnerships with community organizations, and work with staff and volunteers to connect eligible community members to benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is not all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

• Work as part of a team to find and reach community members who are eligible for but not receiving SNAP benefits. This individual is responsible for submitting on average 50 SNAP applications per month.
• Identify and reach out to agencies and organizations within assigned territory to partner on SNAP and public benefit enrollment events.
• Publicize and market the Help Center via flyers, brochures, referral cards and other means.
• Deploy to community events, Mobile Pantry distributions, pop-up clinics, libraries, hunger centers, and other available venues.
• Work to connect with clients in neighborhoods of high need, and help them apply using intake forms in the community.
• Maintain required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with social service agencies, community partners, clients, volunteers, and coworkers in order to uphold the exceptional reputation of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the Benefits Outreach Department.
• Work directly with clients to assist them in applying and obtaining primarily SNAP, and other public benefit programs using the Ohio Benefit State-wide software.
• Educate clients about State and Federal regulations about documentation, ABAWD requirements, and what they can expect in an interview with their county’s Job and Family Services.
• Inform clients of follow up processes within their county and empower them to advocate for themselves in order to receive their benefits.
• Refer clients to other social service agencies as needed, in order to meet their needs as expressed to the Outreach Counselor. Form and maintain relationships with other social service agencies.
• Track applications completed daily on the department’s shared programs such as Ohio Benefit and Faux-asis Software.
• Complete and submit to program management accurate statistics and impact reports including client follow ups.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Qualifications:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. A Bachelor’s degree in related field (such as education, social work, psychology, etc.) or one year of experience in related field (such as community organizing, customer service, case management in a nonprofit setting, or social work) is required. Experience in public benefit management software preferred but not required. Experience in training, teaching, and/or public speaking is preferred but not required. Experience working at a nonprofit social service agency, either as a volunteer or employee, is required. Must possess outstanding communication skills with strong attention to detail. Must be able to effectively work in a team atmosphere with highly diverse people in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the Benefits Outreach Department and carry out the mission and values of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Must be able to work independently towards personal and team goals, as well as prioritize own work. Must be available to work some evenings and weekends, as needed, as part of a 40 hour work week. Must be able to maintain own schedule and balance flexible hours. Must be oriented towards efficient problem solving, multi-tasking, conflict management, and teamwork. Must possess basic understanding, familiarity, and sensitivity to hunger and poverty issues. Proficiency in Windows based computer software required. A valid Ohio Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance are required (mileage is reimbursed). Unencumbered driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements and Environment

The physical requirements for this position include: Ability to frequently remain in a stationary position. Occasional ability to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Ability to operate a computer or other office productivity machinery frequently. Occasional ability to ascend/descend stairs to access work spaces. Ability to position or move body to access filing cabinets or other work equipment frequently. Ability to constantly exchange accurate information and communicate in person or via telephone with clients, partners, donors, coworkers and other members of the community. Must be able to frequently view a computer screen. Ability to move office equipment/supplies constantly. Ability to lift 25-50 lbs on a regular basis. Travel is constantly required for this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee will be required to travel to various locations in the community.

Starting Salary: $20.40/Hr