CalFresh Outreach Intern

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The CalFresh Intern will assist the CalFresh team at Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County in increasing participation in CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps; nationally known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP). The primary objective of this position is to increase the capacity of the CalFresh team at Second Harvest in the following ways: (1) Conduct community outreach throughout Orange County (2) Cover Second Harvest's Food Assistance HelpLine (3) Offer case management assistance to the CalFresh outreach staff, and other CalFresh related tasks in the office. This position provides a unique opportunity to directly help feed food-insecure individuals and families in Orange County, as well as provide additional wraparound services and referrals. Interested candidates must be comfortable interacting with a diverse and vulnerable population. Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred. Depending on your skill level and the length of your internship, the CalFresh intern may be trained to submit CalFresh applications for potentially eligible clients at partner locations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conducting community outreach with the purpose of creating awareness, dispelling myths, and increasing participation in the CalFresh Program. Outreach locations include food distributions, non-profits, and various organizations serving low-income individuals.
• Representing Second Harvest at community resource fairs and events to promote our CalFresh services.
• Covering Second Harvest’s Food Assistance Helpline and providing excellent customer service to individuals, including returning phone calls and text messages within 24 hours. This includes pre-screening, scheduling appointments, answering eligibility questions, and providing food assistance referrals.
• Assisting the CalFresh outreach team with tasks related to case management. Go above and beyond to ensure all clients who are eligible for benefits receive them. This includes following-up with clients in a timely manner and communicating with the rest of the CalFresh team, as needed.
• Become a knowledgeable resource on CalFresh eligibility requirements and programmatic nuances.
• Provide in-person CalFresh application assistance through online portal at locations throughout Orange County, depending on your skill level and the length of your internship at Second Harvest.
• Uphold the integrity of Second Harvest’s CalFresh Outreach Program and the Orange County CalFresh Collaborative.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Ability to lift 25-50 pounds to carry equipment and supplies as needed.
• Regular driving throughout Orange County.
• Extended periods of sitting while working on a phone and computer.
• Indoor office environment and indoor warehouse environment with moderate noise at food bank location.
• 50%-70% of time spent off-site at locations throughout Orange County.
• Minimum of 8-10 hours per week during office hours which are 8am - 4:30pm, but schedule varies based on Department needs. Possible evening and weekend hours.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance.
• Pass Background Check
• Excellent professional etiquette skills, including diplomacy.
• Excellent data entry skills. Keep all tracking and reporting systems updated and accurate.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to problem solve. Proactive about seeking solutions in order to meet personal and team goals.
• Excellent relationship management skills.
• Excellent Time management skills/ability to juggle multiple responsibilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent team player.
• Sensitive to clients’ hardships and empathetic.
• Hardworking and goal-oriented.

• Flexible and adaptable to change.
• Commitment to living out Second Harvest’s core values of Compassion, Integrity, Stewardship, Service Excellence and Diversity.

This is an unpaid internship opportunity and you may be eligible to receive college credit for this position, but you are responsible for coordinating credit with your college/university. We will provide documentation needed for credit, and letters of recommendation upon request.

Volunteers and interns will receive mileage reimbursements for additional miles.