SNAP Outreach VISTA Associate - DC Hunger Solutions

Positions Available

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), in partnership with Hunger Free America, has openings for anti-hunger VISTA Associates in its state-based initiatives headquartered in the District of Columbia and Baltimore, Maryland to help build capacity for the federal nutrition programs in those states.  These positions are a yearlong AmeriCorps/VISTA placement with FRAC’s D.C. and Maryland programs. Currently, DCHS and MDHS are operating remotely. When it is safe to return to the office, this position will require some in-person meetings and work.

Organizational Background – The Food Research & Action Center

FRAC is the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve and implement effective public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States. FRAC engages in research, technical assistance, information dissemination, policy analysis and advocacy, coalition-building, and an array of communications strategies. FRAC works in partnership with hundreds of national, state and local nonprofit organizations, public agencies, corporations and labor organizations to address hunger and food insecurity, and poverty as their root cause.

D.C. Hunger Solutions (DCHS) and Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) are FRAC initiatives working to create local hunger-free communities and to improve the nutrition, health, economic security, and well-being of low-income residents of these communities.

About the Anti-Hunger Corps

The Anti-Hunger Corps VISTA program aims to reduce hunger and, poverty, and build the capacity of the agencies that address these issues. Members will build the capacity of the organization to assist unemployed and under-employed people obtain job training, job placement, and financial literacy services; improve access to food from government and nonprofit sources for targeted populations in particular and food insecure people in general; enable residents of food deserts to access healthier foods through farmers markets and community gardens; help more low-income children to obtain free school breakfasts and summer meals; enable  nonprofit groups fighting hunger and poverty to raise more money and recruit and manage more volunteers, particularly high-impact and skilled volunteers.

Goals and responsibilities of the associate include:

• Assist in the management of the outreach for the SNAP.
• Recruitment and training of SNAP outreach volunteers, interns, and Fellows.
• Assist in SNAP outreach.
• Assist in educating SNAP customers in expanded SNAP (Online SNAP, the Restaurant Meals Program, and Pandemic EBT).
• Utilize social media to promote SNAP Outreach and training.
• Assist in research projects documenting the use of federal nutrition programs.
• Assist in the implementation, access, and quality of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
• Collaborate with existing partner agencies- including community and faith-based organizations as well as local social service agencies and food policy councils.
• Assist targeted outreach for the SNAP.
• Coordinate Maryland’s Hunger Free Campus Network
• Assist in research projects documenting the use of federal nutrition programs.

Skills and Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a field related to social justice/anti-hunger.
• Good oral and written communications skills. Ability to present and speak in public on behalf of the organization.
• Detail-oriented planning and implementation skills.
• Willingness to work varied hours.
• Good organizational skills.
• Self-starter; ability to work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; team orientation.
• Evidence of commitment to social justice; experience with SNAP/food stamp program a plus.
• Knowledge or interest in child nutrition and hunger-related issues.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite products with ability to use Excel for data collection preferred.
• Conversant in Spanish, a plus.
• Ability to travel for local meetings and events.

Time Commitment

This is a one-year, full-time position beginning in October 2022. You are expected to be available for the needs of your community and project at all times, including days, nights and weekends. Because AmeriCorps VISTA service requires a full immersion in the project and community, there are restrictions on outside full-time employment, along with some restrictions on political and religious activities.  For more information, please review the AmeriCorps VISTA Terms, Conditions and Benefits information available here - https://americorps.gov/serve.

Housing:

You are responsible for finding your own housing.

Program Benefits

• Bi-weekly living stipend (DC - $791.70).

• Segal Education Award ($6,195) or End-of-Service stipend ($1,800).

• Health benefits*.

• Housing assistance for one-month rent.

• Potential to forbear or defer student loans while in service.

• Relocation assistance (if applicable).

• Childcare assistance (if applicable).

• One-year non-competitive status for federal government positions.

• A network of over 180,000 AmeriCorps VISTA members and alums.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume, along with 2 references.

Click here for MDHS.

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

FRAC is especially interested in candidates with lived expertise with hunger or poverty 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.