WIC Benefits Specialist (DOL)
: Job Details :

Hunger Free New York City (HFNYC) strives to build a nonpartisan, grassroots movement to enact the policies and programs needed to end hunger in New York City, and ensure that all New Yorkers have sufficient access to nutritious food.The NYS Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,Infants, and Children (WIC), administered by the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH), provides breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, health education, health care referrals, referrals to other services, and nutritious foods to approximately 435,000 women, infants and children each month through 92 local providers (hospitals, local health departments and community-based organizations) at 400 services sites. The fundamental purpose of the program is to ensure the health and well-being of income-eligible families with young children. WIC provides individually tailored food prescriptions issued to each participant for specific types and brands of foods that meet strict nutrition requirements. Currently in New York State, it is estimated that 775,000 women, infant and children are potentially eligible for the WIC program, but only 435,000 are actually receiving the benefits.This is a full-time position, with a strong possibility of becoming permanent. The needed technology & equipment will be provided.This position must be filled by a qualified Dislocated Worker. Candidates must pass a brief Dislocated Worker screening to be eligible for the position.Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in determining the eligibility of potential WIC participants (pregnant women, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children) through screenings according to program standards and connect potentially eligible clients with their local WIC office.
• Conduct outreach efforts in person as well as virtually to connect with low-income individuals, community agencies, and the general public.
• Establish and strengthen existing collaborations with community providers, explain program services, and solicit referrals.
• Achieve program targets and assist in supporting all reporting requirements.
• Attend required training/webinars and conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned. (Ex: Fair Fares, PEBT, School Meals, Summer Meals and referrals to food pantries and soup kitchens.
• Participate in events late nights and during weekend hours.
• Work 35 hours per week.
• Other tasks as needed.

Desired Background Skills

• A working knowledge of WIC, attained after successful completion of an orientation and training conducted prior to any field work.
• An interest in learning the most up-to-date information on food benefits to answer questions at outreach events.
• Multilingual reading comprehension and writing skills are highly desirable, but not required for this position (Spanish, Bengali, Mandarin/Cantonese, Haitian-Creole, French, Bengali, Urdu, or Arabic).
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work constructively with diverse groups of people.
• Involvement in community activism and advocacy.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; skills with Salesforce a plus.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel throughout New York City using public transit and other methods.
• Desire to help others and willingness to learn.

Essential Physical Demands

• Must be able to frequently remain in a stationary position.
• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, other offices, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.

Salary and Benefits

• This is an entry-level position with a nonprofit organization.
• This position is temporary.
• Full-time (35 hours per week) positions are non-exempt with a rate of $25.82 per hour, ending three months after being hired.

Hunger Free America is an equal opportunity employer. People of all races, sexual orientations, ages, faiths, economic and social backgrounds, genders, physical abilities, and national origins are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to ...@hungerfreenyc.orgBe sure to include WIC Benefits Specialist-DOL in the subject line. Applicants sending resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.