Job Opportunity at WithinReach: Community Outreach Specialist /AmeriCorps

Position Title: Community Outreach Specialist /AmeriCorps – 4 positions available
Please note that this is a Volunteer with Stipend position, not full time employment.
WithinReach is a leading resource for family health in Washington State – working hard to ensure that all families in our state have access to needed health programs and information. With highly talented and dedicated staff, WithinReach is an innovative not-for-profit organization that strives for excellence in all it does.
Position Summary: Help to alleviate hunger and poverty in Western Washington by serving on WithinReach’s community outreach team as a part of the Bridge to Basics Program, a collaborative effort between WithinReach and the United Way of King County.
Work to increase food security by providing in-person Basic Food eligibility screenings, application assistance, and targeted community referrals to underserved and culturally diverse communities at food banks, job training centers, and libraries. Use iPad technology, assist eligible residents in applying for benefits on the spot; then support individuals throughout the application process by providing case management and follow-up services.
Additionally, train and supervise community members to volunteer with the Bridge to Basics program and reach out to their neighbors in need. Serve others while gaining valuable cultural competency, case management, and volunteer management skills as well as extensive exposure to social service programs and infrastructure.
Increase access to Basic Food by helping others navigate the application process promoting community health and well-being. Help us put food security back on the menu through direct client engagement, education, and empowerment.

Basic duties include:

• Providing information, referral and application assistance services to individuals and families throughout King County and Snohomish County, connecting them to the Basic Food (food stamps) program as well as other food, health and utility resources in the community.
  
• Approach and screen people at pre-determined outreach sites for program eligibility, guidance through the application process when necessary, and follow up and client advocacy.
  
• Collect and input data about participant food insecurity, eligibility and demographics.
  
• Recruit, train and supervise Bridge to Basics volunteers.
  

Outreach duties will be conducted in shifts at outreach sites organized through community partnerships. Each member will have two to four out-of-office outreach shifts per week. Data input, follow up and client advocacy will be conducted in office via phone or email.
Skills Needed:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
  
• Ability to work effectively with diverse clientele
  
• Approachable, with the ability to interview individuals to obtain information, assess client
  needs, and provide appropriate information and referrals
  
• High level of energy for off-site work, including the ability to carry equipment up to 25 pounds
  
• Reliable, with good time management and organizational skills
  
• Attention to detail
  
• Ability to use computer programs to accomplish tasks and to input client data proficiently
  
• Access to a car for daytime travel is strongly encouraged, valid driver’s license required
  
• Work experience with low-income populations in health care or human service field preferred
  
• Applicants who are fluent or bilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin),
  Russian, or Ukrainian are encouraged to apply
  
• Please note that various background checks will be submitted for all final applicants before the
  start of the position.
  Qualifications:
  
  • AA Degree or 2 years of equivalent educational background/experience.
    
  • Work experience with low-income populations in health care or human service field.
    
  • Knowledge of social service and health programs in Washington State, such as WIC, First Steps,
    Children’s Medical, etc. is very desirable.
    

To Apply: Follow the link and click “Apply Now!” https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=32879
Learn more:
Frequently Asked Questions about AmeriCorps:
http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/faq/index.asp
Learn more about the volunteer program with Bridge to Basics:
http://www.uwkc.org/ways-to-volunteer/ongoing-campaigns/bridge-to-basics/
Watch a video about the Bridge to Basics program, created by past AmeriCorps members:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id13mdrwQ4M&list=UUOGMAsHl5EiWrpCqZu5XwOQ&index=2&fe ature=plcp