D.C. HUNGER SOLUTIONS – Anti-Hunger Program Associate - SNAP

Position Available

D.C. Hunger Solutions seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to join its staff as an Anti-Hunger Program Associate.

Through advocacy, research, client outreach, coalition-building, technical assistance, public education and program monitoring, the Anti-Hunger Program Associate will be responsible for working to increase participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the District of Columbia.  The Associate will also work on nutrition issues related to hunger among a variety of residents with an emphasis on older adults, veterans, college students, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ and immigrant populations.  As part of the D.C. Hunger Solutions team, the Associate also will work to advance the overall goals of D.C. Hunger Solutions, to support the efforts of partner coalitions, and to address broader food security issues in Washington, D.C.   The ideal candidate must be committed to addressing hunger and poverty in Washington, D.C. This full-time position reports to the Director of D.C. Hunger Solutions. Currently, DCHS is operating in hybrid mode. Candidates must reside in the D.C., Maryland, and Virgina metro areas, as this position will require some in-person meetings and work.

Organizational Background

FRAC works to improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To attain this mission, FRAC engages in research, policy analysis and advocacy, coalition-building, outreach, technical assistance and training, and an array of communications strategies. In partnership with hundreds of national, state, and local nonprofit organizations, public agencies, corporations, schools, and labor organizations, FRAC addresses hunger and food insecurity, and poverty as their root cause.

Founded in 2002, D.C. Hunger Solutions is a separately staffed and budgeted initiative of FRAC, seeking to end hunger in the nation’s capital.  By leveraging substantial available federal dollars and improving D.C.’s operations of federal and local nutrition programs, D.C. Hunger Solutions work has helped to feed tens of thousands of District residents struggling with hunger and has increased access to healthy, affordable food. D.C. Hunger Solutions also leads or plays a key supporting role in the efforts of the various anti-hunger and anti-poverty coalitions throughout the city (e.g., the D.C. Fair Budget Coalition, D.C. Food Policy Council, the Language Access Coalition, D.C. Good Food Purchasing Coalition, Fair Food for All, etc.).  For more information on D.C. Hunger Solutions, visit: www.dchunger.org.

Responsibilities

• Promote participation in and improvements to the SNAP Program as a key defense against hunger and an important nutrition and income support strategy.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase participation in the SNAP Program in the District. This will include site visits, outreach, presentations, training, research, technical assistance, public education, policy advocacy, assistance to partner groups, work in coalitions, social media outreach, and the development of materials.
• Coordinate SNAP outreach in partnership with the D.C. EITC Campaign during tax season. This includes training and assisting volunteers, pre-screening potentially eligible clients, and coordinating the filing of SNAP applications with the D.C. Department of Human Services.
• Analyze policies and practices that foster or inhibit program participation in the SNAP Program.
• Manage the collection and reporting of data related to SNAP participation rates and outreach efforts (e.g., materials distributed, residents pre-screened) for quarterly reports required under work on the state SNAP outreach plan.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to address hunger among older adults, veterans, college students, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ and immigrant families increasing participation in federal nutrition programs available.
• Assist with management of SNAP outreach hotline providing direct service to District of Columbia SNAP clients.
• Cultivate and expand partnership with District of Columbia government agencies, DC Council, community partners, stakeholders, and District residents.
• Work, as part of the D.C. Hunger Solutions’ team, to engage and educate the public and policymakers about the issue of hunger in the District of Columbia and to identify solutions to end hunger in D.C.

Skills and Qualifications

• Background in hunger and anti-poverty work preferred.
• Commitment to social justice and racial equity.
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience.
• Working knowledge and understanding of SNAP and/or other federal nutrition/benefit assistance programs (TANF, Medicaid, etc.).
• Strong oral, written and organizational skills.
• Experience in policy and advocacy working with legislators and government agency personnel.
• Exhibit empathy and sensitivity in communication with low-income families.
• Good conceptual, strategic/critical thinking and creative skills.
• Detail-oriented planning and implementation skills.
• Willingness to work varied hours.
• Proficient in writing clear and concise reports, emails, and documentation
• Balance and oversee simultaneous projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adjust to changing priorities and environments. Remaining agile under changing conditions
• Strong teamwork capabilities.
• Conversant in Spanish a plus.
• Ability to travel for local meetings, training and technical assistance opportunities and outreach events.

Salary/Benefits: 
The salary range for this position is $57,000 - $64,400; excellent health, dental, vision, retirement, and other benefits; generous leave; enthusiastic and supportive staff.

To Apply Click here to submit a resume, brief writing sample (no more than three pages), and cover letter providing a summary of accomplishments and experience.

Opening/Closing Dates

The position is available immediately. It will close when filled. However, FRAC/DC Hunger Solutions seeks to hire a qualified individual as soon as possible.

FRAC/DC Hunger Solutions is especially interested in candidates with lived expertise with hunger or poverty and those with a commitment to racial equity and social justice who can contribute to the diversity of the organization.

FRAC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. FRAC is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based on age, gender, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin.

Keywords

HungerPovertySNAPNutritionAdvocacyPolicyOutreachEquityCommunicationSpanish