SNAP Benefits Navigator

Languages Required: Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Position Summary

Lifespan Local is part of the Southwest Food Coalition which is a network of food providers and community residents who work together to address food insecurity. The coalition is devoted to increasing food access and centering community voice. We received funding to provide comprehensive food services to youth and their families in Southwest Denver through the Healthy Food for Denver Kids (HFDK) grant. Through this grant, we will provide SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits navigation, education and application assistance to families with children 0-5 years old.

We are looking for a Benefits Navigator to provide SNAP benefits education and application assistance at community sites, schools, and ECE’s in Southwest Denver. This is a part-time, contract position, not eligible for benefits.

Lifespan will be partnered with Hunger Free Colorado for SNAP benefits training and support.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist families with kids 0-5 years old in Southwest Denver with navigating SNAP benefits, including application assistance, education, and outreach efforts

  • Communicate and coordinate with other Benefits Navigator and Food Systems Program Manager to make sure efforts are not being duplicated 

  • Create and foster relationships with community organizations including schools, ECEs, and food pantries

  • Create trusting relationships with families and community members seeking assistance

  • Understand and implement best practices in benefits navigation and assistance 

  • Work in conjunction with Food Team and Public Health Team. 

  • Develop SNAP benefits-focused educational resources that can be shared with community members via social media and other channels

  • Keep track of and report education, outreach and application assistance efforts on a monthly basis

Qualifications

  • Knowledge in SNAP benefits – experience completing SNAP applications or ability to learn

  • Knowledge of complex system overlaps such as food systems, benefits navigation, and immigration

  • Experience working with/in underserved communities

  • Existing relationships within the southwest Denver communities (Preferred)

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 

  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) – ability to read, write, and speak

  • Experience working directly from people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds

  • Proficient in basic technologies 

  • Ability to effectively manage own time and schedule

Expected Work Hours

This contractor position has a start date of October 1, 2024, but may be able to start as soon as mid September. The contract period goes until January 31st, with the opportunity to renew for an additional 6 months upon evaluation. Contractor is expected to work 15-20 hours per week, not to exceed 20 hours per week, and not to exceed 520 hours per 6 month contract period. Schedule will consist of application assistance at a variety of locations, preparation, and other events, meetings, and work activities.

Candidates will be required to pass a background check.

Rate of Pay

$28/hr. Mid-September/October 2024-January 2025.

To Apply:

Send a resume to mara@lifespanlocal.org