Community Outreach Specialist

Description

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities, including people with low or no income, low-income people with chronic illnesses, people with criminal justice involvement, people who use drugs, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

The Community Outreach Specialist leads community-based outreach and education for CHASI's Nutrition Navigators Direct Services program. The role expands awareness of SNAP and other nutrition resources by coordinating and staffing community events, farmers markets, presentations, and material distribution; building relationships with community organizations, employers, colleges, elected officials, faith-based groups, and other stakeholders; and connecting potentially eligible residents to SNAP screening and navigation. The Specialist will also be trained to provide SNAP pre-screening and basic navigation support when needed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct SNAP outreach and education activities throughout Staten Island, including community events, farmers markets, presentations, tabling, and material distribution.
• Engage community members in respectful, accessible conversations about SNAP, eligibility screening, application assistance, recertification support, and CHASI services.
• Deliver SNAP informational presentations to community-based organizations, employers, colleges, faith-based groups, elected officials' offices, and other stakeholders serving low-income or newly unemployed residents.
• Develop and maintain outreach relationships with community partners and identify new venues and populations for Nutrition Navigators activities.
• Coordinate with CHASI's outreach committee and program teams so SNAP information is integrated into agency events, food pantry operations, mobile pantry stops, and other CHASI services.
• Distribute approved SNAP and nutrition program materials and support the development, inventory, and timely replenishment of outreach materials.
• Screen for interest and potential SNAP eligibility, make warm handoffs to Benefits Navigators, and track referrals through follow-up as required.
• Complete training to provide SNAP pre-screening and basic navigation assistance and support Benefits Navigators during high-volume periods or staff coverage needs.
• Conduct appointment reminder calls and follow-up communication related to screenings, applications, and recertification when assigned.
• Document outreach activities, contacts, referrals, presentations, materials distributed, and outcomes accurately, completely, and on time.
• Contribute to internal and funder reports and support progress toward assigned outreach, presentation, referral, and engagement targets.
• Represent CHASI professionally at community meetings, events, and partner activities, including occasional evening or weekend assignments.
• Maintain current knowledge of SNAP and other nutrition resources through required training and professional development.
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI's Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, general supplemental functions, and essential requirements for the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all job functions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of relevant experience in community outreach, public education, human services, benefits access, community engagement, or a closely related field.
• Experience engaging diverse communities and building productive relationships with community partners.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate multiple events and follow-up activities.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers, web-based applications, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, protect confidential information, and meet documentation and report deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-based environment.
• Ability to travel throughout Staten Island and transport or manage outreach materials as needed.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends based on community event schedules.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in human services, public health, communications, community development, or related field.
• Experience conducting SNAP, nutrition, public benefits, food access, or health-related outreach.
• Experience delivering community presentations, coordinating tabling events, and developing outreach materials.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or proficiency in another language commonly spoken by the communities CHASI serves.
• Familiarity with Staten Island neighborhoods, community organizations, employers, colleges, and other local resources.

TO APPLY:

E-mail your resume to [email protected]; include the job title in the subject line.

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, or marital status.

The pay range for this role is generally $37,000-$43,000 annually, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity