SNAP Outreach and Education AmeriCorps VISTA Member

SNAP Outreach and Education AmeriCorps VISTA Member

Serving at: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (Four location opportunities: Winchester, Verona, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, VA) Hybrid work permitted, with guidelines.

Position Status: Full Time (35hr/week)

Service Term: August 12, 2024 – August 11, 2025

Summary

The SNAP Outreach and Education VISTA will play a vital role in increasing community awareness of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – previously called “food stamps”) benefits, facilitating SNAP enrollment, and optimizing access to community resources to support broader household financial stability. Through strategic planning, partnership development, and culturally sensitive outreach efforts, the AmeriCorps VISTA will contribute to improving food insecurity and expanding SNAP access across central and western Virginia.

Responsibilities

Identify priority communities and partners for SNAP outreach.

Provide training and resources to partners for SNAP enrollment assistance.

Facilitate peer support networks for older adults navigating SNAP applications.

Develop communication strategies and content to educate and engage older adults.

Create culturally relevant materials and translate them as needed.

Plan social media campaigns to reach SNAP-eligible communities.

Evaluate SNAP outreach effectiveness and adjust strategies.

Expand the directory of community resources for financial stability services.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Ability to learn about SNAP best practices and attend community training courses on application assistance, and the “train the trainer” model.

An ability to enter communities thoughtfully and respectfully, with a focus on building and enhancing relationships, partnerships, and problem-solving.

Strong proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as other web-based applications.

Strong organization and attention to detail skills, and ability to follow through and bring projects or tasks to completion.

Strong interpersonal skills including both oral and written communication.

Ability to speak publicly and facilitate trainings/meetings for individuals and small groups.

Ability to protect and maintain information in a confidential manner.

Must be at least 18 years of age, and be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.

High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Must have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Frequent driving and travel are required to visit partner agencies and programs. Hybrid work permitted, with guidelines.

Must be available to work 35 hours per week based on the needs and schedule of BRAFB.

Preferred Qualifications

Multilingual skills. (Most common languages in our service areas include Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Kurdish, Spanish, French, and Ukrainian)

People who have work or lived experience with food insecurity are highly encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated interest in working in an environment promoting values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit and/or human services experience, experience working with underserved communities providing programming, community engagement, education, or assistance.

The Food Bank is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspective and lived experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

A Note to Potential Candidates: Studies have shown that women, BIPOC, trans, and non-binary folks are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job posting. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

VISTA Member Living Allowance & Other Benefits (key points):

Paycheck every two weeks via direct deposit. Federal taxes are withheld, though state and local are not. VISTA members are responsible for paying state and local taxes (Covers basic needs housing, food, and utilities, varies in amount, depending on location (county). The rate is based on poverty guidelines for a single individual in the BRAFB area.)

Additional Benefits Provided by BRAFB—housing assistance totaling $4,800.

Healthcare benefits options to choose from depend on whether VISTA members have health insurance coverage when they start service. (see the VISTA Member handbook for more detailed information)

Leave: VISTA members receive personal, medical, and holiday leave.

VISTA training: 1) VISTA Member Orientation, 2) onsite orientation and training, 3) In-Service Training

Relocation VISTA members moving more than 50 miles to a new community to begin service. (See VISTA Relocation Fact Sheet for further details)

Childcare assistance for children under 13 years of age**

Protection of existing public assistance if receiving assistance or service under any federal, state, or local government program before entering VISTA service.

Eligibility of End of Service Benefits (two options)

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,345)

End-of-Service Cash Stipend ($1,800)

Student loan forbearance or deferment (depending on the lender, conditions apply)

Eligibility for 1 year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal positions*

Eligibility to use BRAFB fleet vehicle car for work-related travel, when available

About Blue Ridge Area Food Bank:

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is a respected, regional nonprofit providing nourishing food and hope to neighbors living with food insecurity. Founded in 1981, the Food Bank serves 25 counties and eight cities in central and western Virginia out of four distribution centers in Winchester, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Verona, our headquarters. We provide food to 110,000 visitors each month through a partner network of more than 400 community partners. Total revenues of approximately $50 million and an operating budget of $12 million support the work of more than 70 employees.

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