Monday, January 23, 2012

Food Stamp Specialist, Just Harvest - Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 1/23/12

Just Harvest: A Center for Action Against Hunger is an anti-hunger advocacy and education organization in Allegheny County. We promote public policies that address the needs of poor and hungry people in our community and the root causes of economic injustice.

Job Announcement: Food Stamp Specialist

Just Harvest is seeking a new member of our food stamp team that is a detailed orientated and dedicated professional who will provide outstanding customer service to people in need through assistance with applying for food stamps.

Qualifications:
In addition to personal integrity, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to Just Harvest’s mission of economic justice, the successful candidate will have:

• Prior volunteer or work experience in a community setting—especially in community outreach, case management or advocacy—strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the food stamp and or welfare system strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven ability to do work efficiently with limited resources.
• Some college work preferred.

Key job responsibilities:

• Assist clients in completing food stamp applications.
• Conduct pre-application screening for food stamp eligibility of people in need of food stamps.
• Assist clients with post-application requirements such as verification of information, re-certification of eligibility, and compliance with welfare department requirements.
• Identify and resolve problems in client food stamp applications to assist eligible clients in receiving benefits.
• Assist clients in understanding their rights, responsibilities and benefits in the food stamp program.
• Contact and engage local social service agencies, employers, schools, and other organizations to promote food stamp participation among people in need.
• Prepare and distribute community outreach materials to promote food stamp participation.
• Keep accurate and detailed client service records.
• Assist clients in communications with welfare department.
• Interact with welfare department caseworkers and other staff to resolve problems facing clients.
• Work with community partners to strengthen collective outreach campaign activities.
• Participate in regular Just Harvest staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Excellent communications skills in both writing and speaking.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Computer literacy (including competency with MS Word, Excel, and Access and knowledge of or ability to learn Public Welfare Department’s online Compass application system).
• Ability to juggle multiple unrelated tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to defuse stressful situations.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Patience and empathy with people in need.
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity.
• Ability to work in small office setting with limited direct supervision.
• Excellent interviewing and listening skills.

Wages and benefits:
Full-time position (35 hours/week) $12 per hour. Health insurance: Full payment of individual and partial payment of dependent coverage. Paid holidays, vacation time and sick leave.

TO APPLY: 

Send cover letter and resume, and by Tuesday 31, 2012 to search@justharvest.org Materials may also be mailed to Just Harvest, 16 Terminal Way, Pittsburgh PA 15219. Attention: Co-Directors. No phone calls please.

Just Harvest is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Please mention that you heard about this opportunity from Dewey & Kaye Jobs Watch in your cover letter when applying for this position.

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