SNAP Volunteer Assistor (unpaid)

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in your community? Join us as Volunteer SNAP Assistor and become an integral part of our mission to alleviate hunger in our community. You can help our neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity to navigate the eligibility requirements and application process that often becomes a barrier to receiving food assistance that they need. This unpaid position supports our vulnerable neighbors in accessing government food benefits for which they may be eligible.

Position Summary: 

Volunteer SNAP Assistors work closely with the SNAP Outreach Specialist, using HEAplus to help Arizonans apply online for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – formerly Food Stamps), AHCCCS Health Insurance, and TANF Cash Assistance. (United Food Bank Assistors focus on SNAP; however, AHCCCS and TANF are on the same application and can be filed jointly or individually.)

Volunteer Assistors complete HEAplus applications and case escalations by phone during an interactive interview with the customer. With improved access to electronic data sources, HEAplus is often able to verify much of the information that is needed for an eligibility decision; however, when electronic sources do not verify all information needed, assistors can help customers submit documents to their HEAplus application electronically. 

Location and Schedule:

This role is based at our United Food Bank Administrative Office in Mesa, AZ. The schedule is flexible, part-time, Monday – Friday. 

• We are currently in need of afternoon availability, approximately 1:30pm – 4:30pm. Volunteers can choose to work 2 or more days per week. 
• Once scheduled, any changes should be communicated with at least two weeks’ notice to support effective calendaring and continuity of client application interviews.

Expectations and Duties:

• Conduct client-facing application interviews by phone in a professional, respectful, and compassionate manner, ensuring a positive experience for all neighbors served.
• Accurately complete SNAP applications online through HEAplus, including associated AHCCCS and TANF applications when applicable, in compliance with DES and United Food Bank guidelines.
• Identify application barriers or issues and escalate cases appropriately to the SNAP Outreach Specialist for follow-up or resolution.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of client information and adhere to all privacy, data security, and ethical standards.
• Adhere to assigned schedules and notify the SNAP Outreach Specialist in advance of any scheduling changes, when possible, to support continuity of service.
• Complete and submit weekly activity summaries as requested, including the number of applications completed, case escalations, and general observations or trends.

Qualifications:

Volunteer Candidates should have:

• Excellent telephone & customer service communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and socio-economic levels
• Competency in computer navigation and ability to learn and use detailed, interactive online programs
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality
• Ability to pass a DES background check and HEAplus training 
• Spanish language (speaking) proficiency a plus, but not required

Skills Needed:

Volunteers will need basic computer competency and willingness to learn task-specific programs and tools, including:

• Computer use and navigation
• Internet navigation 
• Interactive online programs (specifically, Health-e-Arizona Plus)
• Scanner/Printer
• Email (Outlook)
• Client Files
• Summary Reports

Physical demands and work environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a volunteer to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to sit at a desk using phone and computer for 2-4+ hours a day doing repetitive motions on a keyboard
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus