CalFresh Outreach Specialist

Food for People, the food bank for Humboldt County, is looking for an outgoing individual, who works well independently and as part of a team, to work alongside our various food distribution programs as CalFresh Outreach Specialist. This position provides households with technical assistance and support with applying for CalFresh and retaining benefits at key reporting and recertification deadlines (CalFresh is a USDA program that helps eligible households purchase essential foods for good health. This position works with our team of Outreach staff to educate our community about CalFresh as a resource for purchasing healthy foods and provides one-on-one support navigating the eligibility and program processes, both in person and via telephone.

Program teamwork includes traveling countywide with our Mobile Produce Pantry several times per week, working in our on-site Choice Pantry weekly, and visiting our countywide senior distributions and pantry sites on a rotating schedule. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting households with applying for CalFresh and submitting reports, whether on paper or through the online BenefitsCal portal; helping households with creating and using an online BenefitsCal account; developing and distributing CalFresh outreach and education print materials; identifying program access barriers and options for improved access; and networking with other community organizations.

The position is 35 hours/week, Monday through Friday and pays $21.00 per hour. This role is funded through a contract and is guaranteed through June 2026, with the potential of renewal. This position is eligible to take a Spanish language proficiency exam to qualify for additional bilingual compensation. We provide health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, in addition to paid sick, vacation, and holiday time. Optional participation in a matching Retirement Savings Program is available. A valid California driver's license, clean driving record, and strong word processing and data entry skills are required for this position.

This is a great position for someone who is interested in joining a diverse and dynamic team of staff and volunteers in support of an organization that truly makes a difference in thousands of lives right here in Humboldt County. Please review the attached job description and qualifications. After reviewing, if you are interested in applying, applications must include:

• Cover letter that tells us about you, the passions, interests, and experience that would make you a great fit, and how you meet the qualifications listed below

• Résumé

• Completed Food for People application

• Three recent professional references

Position is open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled with selected candidates. Application packets can be submitted by emailing to hrteam@foodforpeople.org.

Qualifications: Must possess a combination of education, experience, skills, and abilities necessary to carry out the job, including but not limited to the following:

• Ability to work with sensitivity and without discrimination towards people of diverse cultures, races/ethnicity, socio-economic positions, ages, religions, genders, physical/mental challenges/disabilities, and sexual orientations.

• Ability to show initiative and share decision-making with co-workers

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Ability to work well as part of a team

• Ability to complete paperwork requirements accurately and consistently

• Personal ability to motivate and relate positively to others

• Ability to track data accurately in databases

• Strong writing skills for the development of flyers, reports, etc.

• Ability to prioritize work tasks and manage time effectively

• Valid California Driver’s license, excellent driving record

• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs

Food for People is designated as the food bank for Humboldt County, and we are considered Humboldt County's primary hunger relief organization, providing food assistance through a network of programs and partnerships that reach more than 21,000 low income children, seniors, and others each month. Food for People currently operates a total of 18 programs for individuals of all ages whose financial circumstances have left them without adequate resources to purchase food. Thank you for your interest in working with Food for People!