Benefit Navigation Specialist - Lewis County

Description

Job Description

Position Title: Benefit Navigation Specialist - Lewis County

Department: Outreach

FLSA Status: Full Time Hourly/Non-Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours per Week/Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (Includes 30-minute unpaid meal break). Occasional off hour events and weekends based on community schedules.

Benefits: Eligible for Full Time Employee benefits including Health, dental, and vision insurance, 12 paid Holidays, 1 Floating Holiday, generous PTO, administered 401(k) after 1 month with employer match after 1 year, and more.

Reports To: Outreach Manager

Salary Range: $22.99/hour-$23.68/hour

Revision Date: 09/03/26

WHO WE ARE:

Food Bank of Central New York is a not-for-profit organization leading the effort to eliminate hunger in our region, by partnership with others in our community, through education, advocacy, and distribution of nutritious food. We partner with 360 community partners in the counties of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence.

The core of our work is achieved by partnering with local agencies that distribute food to individuals and families in need. The key partners that make up our emergency food network are food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters. Other not-for-profit agencies such as day care centers, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, and group homes are able to utilize membership as a way to supplement their agency food needs.

Our Vision is to see a community where everyone has access to nutritious food and no one is hungry.

Our Mission is leading the effort to eliminate hunger in our region, by partnership with others in our community, through education, advocacy, and distribution of nutritious food.

Hunger is a very serious problem in the United States today. Despite its great wealth, an estimated one in eight Americans rely on emergency food assistance. Among the thousands of people who depend on charitable food programs in central and northern New York, and the Mohawk Valley:

· 29% are children 18 or younger

· 10% are without health insurance

· 68% have been unemployed for more than two years

· 32% have a working family member

· 91% are below the federal poverty line

41% earn less than $12,000 annually 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Benefit Navigation Specialist is responsible for helping clients understand eligibility requirements, complete SNAP applications, gather required documentation, navigate recertification processes, and overcome barriers to receiving food assistance. The specialist serves as an advocate while connecting clients to additional community resources that support food security and financial stability. They conduct eligibility prescreening for SNAP benefits for individuals in regions within our service area, providing SNAP application assistance, and disseminating referrals via phone, email, and in-person/home interactions. The specialist will work closely to track submitted applications and manage cases assigned to them. Additionally, the Benefits Navigation Specialist will participate in community outreach events to inform community members about their role and the Food Bank's services and the eligibility criteria for various programs.

This is a remote, work-from-home position; however, applicants are expected to travel throughout Lewis County, New York on a daily basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to reside in or near Lewis County.

The anticipated start date for this position is on or before October 1, 2026.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct eligibility prescreening for SNAP benefits and other public benefits for individuals in assigned regions.
• Assist clients in completing SNAP applications, renewals, and recertifications via the phone, web, and/or home visitation.
• Educate clients about SNAP program requirements, benefit calculations, reporting obligations, and timelines with submission of application requirements.
• Help clients gather and submit required verification documents, including proof of income, residency, household composition, and expenses.
• Track application status and follow up with clients regarding outstanding requirements.
• Advocate for clients experiencing barriers, delays, denials, or benefit interruptions.
• Coordinate referrals to food pantries, community meal programs, WIC, Medicaid, HEAP, housing assistance, and other supportive services.
• Follow up with clients to ensure the completion of applications and address any issues.
• Collaborate with local Departments of Social Services (DSS) to track and manage submitted applications.
• Disseminate referrals through phone, email, and in-person meetings.
• Maintain confidential and accurate records of all applications and client interactions using the internal tracking database.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, food pantries, schools, churches, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
• Conduct and participate in outreach events and educational workshops to increase awareness of SNAP benefits, food access resources, and Food Bank services.
• Monitor policy changes and updates related to SNAP and other public assistance programs.
• Prepare and distribute outreach materials to promote SNAP and Food Bank services.
• Accurately report required metrics on a regular basis to internal & external stakeholders.
• Monitor changes or trends in their community to ensure that the Food Bank is appropriately adapting to said changes/trends.
• Represent the Food Bank at community meetings and events to foster partnerships and collaborations.
• Assist other regions within our service area when needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Has the capability to lift and carry outreach materials and supplies independently up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel within assigned regions regularly and our overall service area on occasion.
• Comfortable traveling to various community locations, events, and client homes independently.
• Ability to work in diverse environments, including outdoor events.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for employees who require them due to medical conditions or disabilities.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Associate’s degree in one of the following: Social Work, Human Services, Public Health, or a related field preferred. Bachelor's degree a plus.
• Certification or training in SNAP application processes is a plus.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• This position will receive a pre-employment background check. Food Bank of Central New York complies with all applicable state and federal laws pertaining to drug testing and background checks, including Article 23-A.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, outreach, or other related field work activities.
• Experience in conducting eligibility prescreening and application assistance for public benefits programs.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations and community organizations.
• Ability to work with diverse backgrounds and vulnerable populations and environments.
• Community Health Worker or Human Services certification a plus.
• Knowledge of SNAP eligibility rules and public assistance programs preferred.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency in using databases and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of SNAP and other public benefits programs.
• Ability to multitask and compile reports with strong attention to details.
• Ability to track assist and track applications including follow up with clients.
• Familiarity with the Food Bank's mission and services.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.
• Bi-or multi-lingual preferred.

The purpose of this job description is to provide an overview of the scope of the position. This is not a comprehensive list of duties/responsibilities. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.