Second Harvest Heartland

Role Description The Neighbor Services Department works directly with neighbors to provide information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and provide community partners with information and food resources. Outreach Interns support this work by sharing clear, accurate information about SNAP and helping applicants understand if they may be eligible for support through screenings, scheduling appointments, and referring to other support. They engage with community members at events, partner sites, and in our Brooklyn Park office, working to dispel misconceptions and increase access to food resources. Interns also provide administrative support to the Neighbor Services team, participate in meetings and trainings, and build skills in community outreach, public speaking, and intercultural communication. Duties and Responsibilities - Conduct in-person and over-the-phone outreach to partner organizations, which will include: - Speaking with neighbors about SNAP and other food support. - Providing information to increase community members' knowledge and possible future utilization of SNAP and other resources in their community. - Screening interested neighbors for SNAP eligibility and scheduling them with Second Harvest Heartland’s SNAP Team for application assistance. - Support administrative work: - Researching, updating, and creating new community resource lists. - Assisting with the department’s large volume of incoming and outgoing mail. - Preparing materials for outreach events. - Make phone calls to community members interested in applying or learning more about SNAP/CSFP and helping screen their eligibility. - Complete other responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor and other staff. Behavioral Expectations - Demonstrate behavior consistent with SHH’s mission, vision, and values daily. - Understand safety policies and actively promote safe practices in the workplace. - Strong commitment and ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. - Demonstrate self-awareness, including an understanding of how their own experiences, and actions will impact the team environment. - Support and collaborate on organization’s initiatives. Essential Qualifications - Access to a reliable form of transportation is required. - Initiative to identify and act on problems. - Comfort using modern technology, including computers, tablets/iPads and Microsoft Office Suite programs is preferred. Use of telephone/telephony software is required. - Time management and organizational skills, including ability to work independently and self-motivate. Desired Qualifications - Applicants in the St James/Mankato and St Cloud area are encouraged to apply. - Applicants who are bilingual in English and another language commonly spoken in Minnesota are strongly encouraged to apply. - Some languages in demand in the communities served include Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Karen and Russian. Time Requirements and Schedule - Work sites: - If located in the Twin Cities metro area, Second Harvest Heartland office site in Brooklyn Park, as well as various partner sites throughout the Twin Cities metro. - If located in the St. James/Mankato area or St. Cloud area, work sites will be remote. - Total time requirement: 6 months; 12-20 scheduled hours per week. - Orientation and Initial training: 1-3 full days in-office in Brooklyn Park. - Days of the week: Flexible but scheduled in advance. Generally, Monday through Friday with the opportunity for occasional weekend hours. - Time of the day: Flexible but scheduled in advance. Generally, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; some evening and weekend opportunities. Professional Development Objectives - Making concrete, positive changes in the food security of households in Minnesota. - Become a knowledgeable advocate for SNAP and CSFP and other social assistance programs such as WIC, Medical Assistance, etc. - Increase personal comfort and confidence with direct service to a wide variety of populations served by Second Harvest Heartland. - Learn to work independently while serving an integral role within a broader collaborative team. - Be introduced to the inner workings of a successful non-profit and develop a range of outreach skills. - Gain exposure to a variety of program models by working closely with other non-profits and community organizations. - Increase understanding of state and federal policies regarding federally funded programs. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Environmental Demands The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Second Harvest Heartland is an EEO/AA Employer.