Community Advocate

The Community Advocate
Faribault Food Access will coordinate outreach and referrals for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and support the general operations of the CAC’s food access program. This position will focus on community engagement, logistical support, and program administration and will collaborate closely with other members of the Food Access Team to ensure that our food access work embodies a culture of abundance, hope, support, and appreciation for those we serve.

Primary Job Responsibilities

Community Engagement
● Build relationships with participants and work with CAC leadership to identify new areas of opportunity for outreach and engagement
● Update confidential client information through 1:1 check-in process to update demographics, build relationships and provide seamless communication and referral to other services
● Coordinate and regularly convene the Community Advocacy Council for the CAC of Faribault, which gives power and voice to underserved populations, and connect their activities with staff as needed

SNAP Coordination
● Serve as the CAC point person for SNAP outreach, referrals, and inquiries, collaborating closely with Community Advocates and the food access team to maximize enrollment
● Conduct outreach and process referrals for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
● Attend SNAP Outreach meetings with the State/Department of Human Services (DHS)
● Work through the MAXIS system and DHS portal in order to access SNAP status, eligibility, and referrals

Food Program Support
● Support general food shelf operations, supply, stocking, and maintenance
● Process incoming food rescue and other donated food for distribution
● Train and oversee volunteers in community-based food access work
● Comply with federal regulations set forth by TEFAP, food recalls, safe food handling and civil rights training, follow all safety procedures and communicate appropriately with other staff and volunteers

General Responsibilities
CAC strives to be a trauma-responsive organization. Along with recognizing the effects that trauma has on individuals, families, and our society as a whole, the CAC aims to reduce the impact of trauma on the lives that the organization touches. Being trauma responsive means believing
that people can adapt, heal, and even grow from traumatic experiences. Post-traumatic growth happens when individuals feel safe, connected and in control—over the course of many interpersonal interactions in a variety of settings. Responding to the community in a trauma responsive way is critical to the success of this position and to the mission of the CAC.
● Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission, “to promote a healthy, caring and just
community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort.”
● Provide person-centered, trauma-informed care practices to build and maintain relationships,
exercise cultural humility, and build trust in order to preserve and uphold participant choice
● Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support individuals and families in need
● Follow all mandated reporting laws for vulnerable adults as well as child abuse and neglect
● Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled organization and team meetings

Required Qualities
● Experience working alongside diverse populations
● 2+ years of experience in customer service, human services and /or food access
● Excellent interpersonal skills, including both verbal and written communication
● Highly organized and effective in a dynamic fast-paced environment
● Excellent ability to multi-task and troubleshoot issues
● Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
● Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours
● Passion for equity and social justice

Preferred Qualities
● Bilingual in English and Spanish or Somali is strongly preferred
● Familiarity with Rice County organizations and resources