Program Purpose: The St. Louis Area Foodbank has identified interventions related to COVID-19 recovery that will respond to the need and advance the organization's mission of building stronger communities by empowering people with food and hope. AmeriCorps Members will expand access to nutritious food, and aid in the recovery of the community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization will complete this through a combination of food access interventions-including public benefits outreach, sourcing food donations, improving the client intake process, and strengthening community relationships. Each of the efforts will be supported by AmeriCorps Members. The outcome of these actions will be to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and program reach of the Foodbank's network of partner agencies, as well as increasing the number of individuals who report increased food security.

Program Impact: Building a stronger bi-state region by nourishing people, empowering communities and transforming systems.

Service Position Summary: The Community Resource Member focuses on increasing the number of approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications completed by the Foodbank and its community partners in support of those seeking food assistance. To achieve this, the member will complete SNAP and other benefit applications, implement improvements to the follow-up process, as well as recruit, support, and onboard community partners. In addition, the member will use warm handoffs through the maintenance of a comprehensive list of referral partners while growing awareness of SNAP and our services.

Essential Functions of Position: The St. Louis Area Foodbank has determined that the probability of access to vulnerable populations is so great that all members will undergo all required criminal history checks: NSOPW, FBI, and Missouri State Police, as well as other states, as necessary. Must be able to successfully pass pre-placement drug screening and have a clean driving record.

• Support neighbors with completing SNAP and other benefits applications and answer questions regarding the approval process. Serve as a neighbor advocate while following up and providing referral services.
• Update neighbor application and referral information in the database and submit to appropriate state offices.
• Grow awareness of the Foodbank's services through collaboration to create newsletters, educational flyers, social media posts and videos.
• Support the development and expansion of programs to increase food security by staying abreast of changing processes, new referral opportunities and implementing ways to provide more holistic support to those managing the social service landscape, including researching & developing new and creative opportunities for outreach.
• Organize in person and virtual outreach events to educate our community of resources provided by the St. Louis Area Foodbank
• Partner with other team members to incorporate educational opportunities about SNAP and other benefits into our programs such as mobile distributions, school markets, healthcare partnerships and Food on the Move.
• Support efforts to update and maintain policy manuals and standard operating procedures.
• Travel within SLAFB service territory to attend outreach activities and meetings as needed.
• Leverage at least 5 additional non-AmeriCorps volunteers to serve alongside Members to increase the impact of the program and build sustainability in the community.
• Additional service projects, as approved by the program director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Passion for the Foodbank mission and the ability to demonstrate SLAFB's Core Values: Stewardship, Teamwork, Agility and Respect
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills including empathy and compassion for the clients we serve.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and excellent technological skills navigating online systems.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and withstand extreme temperatures outdoors at Food Distributions.
• Ability to think strategically while acting tactically.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively over the phone.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as art of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills. Ability to generate new ideas and think critically about the best ways to implement them.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and handle interruptions while maintaining focus on tasks and produce accurate work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Must have reliable transportation with proof of insurance and be willing to travel within a 125-mile radius on a regular basis. May require further overnight travel occasionally.
• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus

Eligibility: An AmeriCorps participant must: be at least 17 years of age at commencement of service; be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.

Academic and Experience Qualifications: At minimum, have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred. Two years previous experience coordinating programs and/or volunteer activities with partners and volunteers of varying socio-economic backgrounds for a non-profit organization strongly preferred. Prior exposure to navigating SNAP programs a plus. Experience working with state, federal or grant funding preferred

Commitment Required: This position requires a minimum of 900 hours of service during a period of not more than one year. Generally, members are expected to serve a minimum of 35 hours per week. While general work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, workdays may differ due to project demands. Start dates are flexible. End date will be no more than 365 days after start date. Members will be expected to participate as a team in MCSC AmeriCorps Opening Day in Jefferson City and in at least 3 local national service days (9/11 Day of Remembrance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, AmeriCorps Week).

Orientation and training provided.

AmeriCorps Program Benefits:

• Living allowance stipend: Members will receive a total allowance of up to $18,880 depending on term of service.
• Education award: Members may receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award in the amount of up to $6,495 upon successful completion of their term of service in accordance with the Member Service Agreement. Members that are at least 55 years of age at the start of service may transfer their award to a child, stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild or foster child.

• Additional benefits may include access to healthcare, childcare, and other benefits.