Navigation Specialist-St. Lawrence

Position Title:

Benefit Navigation Specialist-St. Lawrence County

Department:
Outreach

FLSA Status:
Full Time

Schedule:

40 Hours per Week/Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (Includes 30-minute unpaid meal break). Occasional off hour events and weekends based on community schedules.

Benefits:
Eligible for Full Time Employee benefits including Health, dental, and vision insurance, 12 paid Holidays, 1 Floating Holiday, generous PTO, administered 401(k) after 1 month with employer match after 1 year, and more.

Reports To:

Outreach Manager

Salary Range: $/hour

Revision Date: 09/03/26

Established in 1985, Food Bank of Central New York is a not-for-profit organization leading the fight to end hunger across an 11-county service area that includes Central New York, Northern New York, and the Mohawk Valley. The Food Bank acts as the primary food distribution hub for hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and faith-based organizations in our region.

In addition to food acquisition and distribution, we address the root causes of food insecurity through innovative programming, nutrition education, outreach, and collaboration with non-traditional food bank partners such as healthcare providers. The Food Bank also engages in state and federal advocacy efforts to strengthen anti-hunger policy and work alongside community partners to create lasting solutions that ensure all neighbors can thrive.

Our impact over 12 months is:

• 22.5 million pounds of food distributed
• 18.7 million meals provided to neighbors in need
• 7.6 million pounds of produce and dairy distributed
• 6.1 million pounds of food rescued from 146 retail partners
• 576,080 pounds of hygiene & household items distributed

The Benefit Navigation Specialist is responsible for helping clients understand eligibility requirements, complete SNAP applications, gather required documentation, navigate recertification processes, and overcome barriers to receiving food assistance. The specialist serves as an advocate while connecting clients to additional community resources that support food security and financial stability. They conduct eligibility prescreening for SNAP benefits for individuals in regions within our service area, providing SNAP application assistance, and disseminating referrals via phone, email, and in-person/home interactions.

The specialist will work closely to track submitted applications and manage cases assigned to them. Additionally, the Benefits Navigation Specialist will participate in community outreach events to inform community members about their role and the Food Bank's services and the eligibility criteria for various programs. This is a remote, work-from-home position; however, applicants are expected to travel throughout St. Lawrence County as well as Northern New York on a daily basis.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to reside in or near St. Lawrence County.

• Conduct eligibility prescreening for SNAP benefits and other public benefits for individuals in assigned regions.
• Assist clients in completing SNAP applications, renewals, and recertifications via the phone, web, and/or home visitation.
• Educate clients about SNAP program requirements, benefit calculations, reporting obligations, and timelines with submission of application requirements.
• Help clients gather and submit required verification documents, including proof of income, residency, household composition, and expenses.
• Track application status and follow up with clients regarding outstanding requirements.
• Advocate for clients experiencing barriers, delays, denials, or benefit interruptions.
• Coordinate referrals to food pantries, community meal programs, WIC, Medicaid, HEAP, housing assistance, and other supportive services.
• Follow…