Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

Tailor your resume to this Benefits Navigation Specialist-St. Lawrence County role.

Rezi rewrites your resume against Food Bank of Central New York's job description. Free.

Resume score gauge reading 58 out of 100

Don't guess if your resume is good enough.

See how it scores against the Benefits Navigation Specialist-St. Lawrence County posting at Food Bank of Central New York — free, in seconds.

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

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.

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 occassion.
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.
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.
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.
Knowledge of SNAP eligibility rules and public assistance programs preferred.

Skills

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.

Location

St. Lawrence County
Northern New York

Work Type

Full Time Hourly
Remote
Work-from-home

Experience Level

2 years of experience in social services, outreach, or other related field work activities.

Education Level

Associate’s degree in 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.
Community Health Worker or Human Services certification a plus.

Salary/Compensations

$22.99-23.68/hour

Benefits

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

About the Company

Established in 1985, Food Bank of Central New York is a not-for-profit organization leading the fight to end hunger across an 11-county service area that includes Central New York, Northern New York, and the Mohawk Valley.
The Food Bank acts as the primary food distribution hub for hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and faith-based organizations in our region.
In addition to food acquisition and distribution, we address the root causes of food insecurity through innovative programming, nutrition education, outreach, and collaboration with non-traditional food bank partners such as healthcare providers.
The Food Bank also engages in state and federal advocacy efforts to strengthen anti-hunger policy and work alongside community partners to create lasting solutions that ensure all neighbors can thrive.
Our impact over 12 months is: 22.5 million pounds of food distributed, 18.7 million meals provided to neighbors in need, 7.6 million pounds of produce and dairy distributed, 6.1 million pounds of food rescued from 146 retail partners, and 576,080 pounds of hygiene & household items distributed.