Neighbor Support Specialist

Treasure Coast Food Bank Inc; Florida; Sur place; USD 36 000 - 54 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Treasure Coast Food Bank Inc. is seeking a Neighbor Support Specialist to connect individuals and families with SNAP, Medicaid, TCA, and Florida KidCare.

The role provides hands-on guidance at community outreach sites, helps with applications, and navigates eligibility requirements to remove access barriers. You will collaborate with ACCESS Florida and DCF, monitor progress, maintain documentation, and engage diverse populations to expand access to benefits and Treasure Coast Food Bank programs,

Qualifications

• Experience navigating public benefits programs (SNAP, Medicaid, TCA, Florida KidCare).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Bilingual preferred, with sensitivity to cultural differences.

Responsabilités

• Provide clear, accurate guidance on public assistance programs and eligibility.
• Assist individuals and families with applications and documentation submission.
• Monitor application status and coordinate with partner agencies.
• Engage in community outreach and build relationships with partners.
• Maintain records of interactions, applications, and outcomes; ensure data accuracy.

Connaissances

Outreach

Case management

Customer service

Benefits navigation

Public assistance knowledge

Communication

Bilingual preferred

Formation

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Outils

Microsoft Office

Online systems

Databases

Description du poste

The Neighbor Support Specialist supports Treasure Coast Food Bank’s mission by connecting individuals and families to critical public assistance programs that promote food security and economic stability. This role provides hands-on guidance to neighbors at community outreach sites, assisting with benefit applications, navigating eligibility requirements, and removing barriers to access.The Specialist serves as a liaison between clients and public assistance agencies, ensuring applications are completed accurately, documentation is submitted timely, and follow-up communication is maintained. This position requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to serving individuals experiencing poverty, food insecurity, and related challenges.What will you do as the Treasure Coast Food Bank's Neighbor Support Specialist?As a Neighbor Support Specialist, you will meet individuals where they are—both physically and in their journey—by providing accessible, user-friendly support for public benefit programs. You will assist neighbors in applying for programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Florida KidCare, guiding them through eligibility requirements and application processes.You will monitor application progress, assist with documentation submission, and maintain communication with partner agencies such as ACCESS Florida and the Department of Children and Families. In addition, you will support outreach efforts across the community, engage diverse populations, and help connect individuals to additional Treasure Coast Food Bank programs when appropriate. Through your work, you will help remove barriers, improve access to resources, and strengthen long-term stability for the communities we serve.Why Treasure Coast Food Bank?Treasure Coast Food Bank is the only Food Bank and largest hunger relief organization on Florida's Treasure Coast, providing the community with millions of meals each year through robust programs and in partnership with over 300 charitable organizations in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. In addition to food distribution, Treasure Coast Food Bank operates a full roster of direct service programs that solve the immediate hunger problem and help individuals and families gain long-term food security, better health outcomes, and stronger self-sufficiency. Treasure Coast Food Bank is a Partner Food Bank of Feeding America, the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States.Essential ResponsibilitiesClient Support & Benefits NavigatorProvide clear, accurate guidance on available public assistance programs and eligibility requirements.Assist individuals and families with applications for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Florida KidCare.Support clients in completing online applications and submitting required documentation.Monitor application status and follow up with clients and agencies as needed.Help clients understand next steps, appointment requirements, and eligibility determinations.Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all client interactions.Outreach & Community EngagementConduct outreach at community locations serving low-income individuals, seniors, families, transient populations, and immigrant communities.Represent Treasure Coast Food Bank at outreach events, community sites, and partner locations.Build relationships with community partners to expand access to benefits services.Maintain a consistent outreach schedule to ensure accessibility and visibility in the community.Agency & Partner CoordinationServe as liaison between clients and partner agencies including ACCESS Florida and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).Maintain strong communication with partner organizations to support client needs and resolve application issues.Stay informed of federal and state policy updates related to public benefits and communicate changes to leadership.Program Support & Data ManagementMaintain accurate and timely records of client interactions, applications, and outcomes.Track and report application activity, outreach efforts, and program performance metrics.Assist with screening clients for additional Treasure Coast Food Bank programs, including Home Delivery and other support services.Utilize databases and reporting systems to ensure data accuracy and compliance.Additional DutiesPreform other responsibilities as assigned in support of program operations and organizational goals.Essential business/ first responder: In instances of a federal, state, or locally declared emergency, Treasure Coast Food Bank is considered an essential business service and emergency responder. All employees may be required to perform regular or emergent duties on-site. Employee safety is balanced with business and community necessity. Some positions are more likely to be required on-site than others.A successful Neighbor Support Specialist is compassionate, organized, and service-driven. This individual is comfortable working directly with diverse populations, navigating complex systems, and providing clear guidance in sensitive situations. They are proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to helping individuals access the resources they need.The ideal candidate demonstrates:Strong empathy and commitment to serving vulnerable populationsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to explain complex information in a clear, user-friendly wayStrong organizational skills and attention to detailAbility to manage multiple cases and follow through on deadlinesCultural competency and ability to work with diverse communitiesProblem-solving skills and ability to navigate changing policies and systemsSelf-motivation and ability to work independently in community settingsQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.Minimum of one (1) year of outreach, case management, customer service, or benefits navigation experience.Experience working in nonprofit, social services, or community-based programs preferred.Knowledge & SkillsKnowledge of public assistance programs including SNAP, Medicaid, TCA, and Florida KidCare preferred.Strong computer and web-based application skills (Microsoft Office, online systems, databases).Ability to navigate online application platforms and assist others in doing so.Strong written and verbal communication skills.High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.Bilingual (especially Creole or Spanish) preferred.Additional RequirementsAbility to travel regularly to outreach locations throughout St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and occasional Saturdays.Valid Florida driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance required.Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening, Level II background check, and driving record check.Ability to stand, walk, and travel frequently throughout the workday.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsThis position operates primarily in community-based settings with occasional office work.Frequent travel to outreach locations, partner sites, and community events.Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work on a laptop for extended periods.Ability to transport materials and equipment for outreach events as needed.Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and electronically.