At the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, we are committed to creating a future without hunger where access to healthy food by all is recognized as fundamental to the well-being and success of individuals and the foundation of a strong, vibrant society. We strive to be a client-focused, engaged, high-performing team, leading a collaborative effort across our region to ensure equitable access to nutritious food through our values of Integrity, Learning, Inclusion, Caring, Respect, and Abundance.

Do you have a passion for nutrition and community health? Want to make a real difference in the lives of others?

The Food Bank of the Southern Tier (FBST) is seeking a Snap Navigator  to join our team!

JOB SUMMARY

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Navigator helps individuals and families access nutrition assistance by coordinating SNAP outreach, assisting with applications, maintaining community partnerships, and documenting services and outcomes within an assigned county. Working primarily at county worksites and community locations, the Navigator organizes daily activities independently within approved plans and program requirements, maintains regular communication with the SNAP Navigator Manager, and works with regional SNAP Navigators and colleagues across Food Bank of the Southern Tier (FBST) departments to coordinate services.

The Navigator serves people from diverse backgrounds and with varied lived experiences, including people experiencing trauma, financial hardship, or barriers to accessing assistance. The role requires compassion, patience, calm communication, and respect for each person’s dignity and choices. Success requires accurate, confidential work, sound judgment, consistent follow-through, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while providing attentive, responsive client service. 

Reports To: SNAP Navigator Manager

Work Type: On-site. Work occurs at the assigned county worksite and community locations. Attendance at the Food Bank office is required at least one to two days per month. Additional attendance may be required for meetings, training, or operational needs.

Standard Work Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Work schedules may be adjusted to accommodate partner visits, outreach events, or other operational needs.

Travel Requirements: Regular travel within the assigned county and travel throughout the six-county service area as needed.

Assigned Service Area
Chemung County
Broome County

Schuyler County

Primary Work Location

Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Ave., Elmira, NY 14903

Catholic Charities, 232 Main St., Binghamton, NY 13905

Catholic Charities, 105 9th St. #20, Watkins Glen, NY 14891

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Outreach Planning & Community Education

• Collaborates with the SNAP Navigator Manager to develop and implement the assigned county’s outreach plan to reach underserved residents, address misconceptions about SNAP, and build community support. Seeks input from the Director of Communications on messaging, outreach materials, and public awareness activities.
• Develops county outreach schedules and activity plans for review and approval by the SNAP Navigator Manager, using identified community needs and assigned program targets.
• Identifies outreach locations and service gaps using community needs, partner feedback, and program activity data.
• Coordinates tabling and outreach at food pantries, meal sites, mobile distributions, schools, healthcare facilities, and other community locations.
• Prepares and distributes accurate, accessible SNAP information using current program guidance and approved messaging.
• Delivers community presentations that explain SNAP, address misconceptions, and connect residents with application assistance.
• Submits proposed outreach materials and publicity to the SNAP Navigator Manager for approval before distribution or publication. Consults the Director of Communications as needed on messaging, branding, and public-facing content.

Client Screening & Application Assistance

• Responds promptly and professionally to SNAP inquiries from individuals, families, partner agencies, and community organizations.
• Conducts preliminary eligibility screenings using approved guidance and tools; explains that the administering agency determines eligibility and benefit amounts.
• Guides applicants through application steps, required documentation, submission, and follow-up within the scope of authorized outreach services.
• Provides estimated benefit information when supported by approved tools and available information, without guaranteeing eligibility or benefits.
• Identifies barriers to completing applications, coordinates appropriate follow-up, and refers unresolved or complex issues to the SNAP Navigator Manager or administering agency.
• Connects individuals with food programs and other community resources appropriate to their stated needs.
• Provides additional pre-screening and application assistance during staff vacancies or extended absences as assigned by the SNAP Navigator Manager, including service outside the primary county when needed.

Community Partnerships & Worksite Coordination

• Establishes and maintains productive working relationships with the local Department of Social Services and other community service providers.
• Coordinates referrals and co-located outreach with partner organizations to improve access and reduce duplication of services.
• Communicates recurring application barriers and service gaps to the SNAP Navigator Manager and collaborates on approved solutions with community stakeholders.
• Collaborates with host-site staff, including Catholic Charities staff where assigned, and attends relevant worksite meetings to exchange service updates and coordinate shared workplace needs.
• Follows established host-site safety, security, shared-space, and operational expectations; raises conflicting instructions or concerns with the SNAP Navigator Manager.
• Coordinates outreach schedules, referrals, and service handoffs with other SNAP navigators to maintain continuity and avoid duplicate client contacts.

Program Records & Performance Reporting

• Maintains complete, accurate, and timely client service records, correspondence, referral information, and application outcomes in approved systems.
• Protects confidential client information through authorized collection, access, storage, transmission, and disposal practices.
• Prepares assigned activity and outcome reports by established deadlines and verifies entries for completeness and accuracy.
• Tracks progress toward assigned annual outreach and application-assistance targets, implements approved actions to achieve those targets, and promptly communicates shortfalls, barriers, and recommended adjustments to the SNAP Navigator Manager.
• Reviews service trends and partner feedback to recommend practical improvements in outreach, client follow-up, and recordkeeping.
• Maintains documentation of approved business expenses and travel, submits records promptly, and requests required approvals before committing funds.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Collaborates with internal departments, community partners, and other SNAP outreach staff to coordinate program delivery, share relevant information, resolve service concerns, and avoid duplication of services.
• Exchanges best practices, outreach approaches, and program resources with other SNAP navigators, Feeding America member food banks, and relevant professional networks to strengthen service delivery.
• Contributes program information, client feedback, service trends, and relevant observations to departmental planning, program evaluation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Participates in regional SNAP Navigator meetings, cross-departmental meetings, organizational initiatives, and special projects by contributing ideas, collaborating with colleagues, and completing assigned responsibilities that support the Food Bank’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Serves on organizational committees and workgroups as assigned, attends scheduled meetings, and completes related responsibilities.
• Maintains a working understanding of Food Bank programs, services, and community resources to provide accurate information, make appropriate referrals, and support coordinated hunger-relief efforts.
• Attends required statewide SNAP meetings, workshops, and training and applies relevant updates to assigned outreach and application-assistance activities.
• Refers all media inquiries, public statements, and requests for official organizational information to the Development & Community Engagement Department or other authorized organizational representative and communicates on behalf of the Food Bank only when authorized to do so.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in human services, social work, community services, communications, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is also acceptable.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in customer service, human services, social services, community outreach, or other client- or community-facing roles.
• Experience working respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and lived-experience backgrounds, including individuals who have experienced trauma or are navigating the social safety net, is preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain program requirements, deliver presentations, and build collaborative relationships.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams, and the ability to learn client databases, electronic application platforms, and reporting systems.
• Familiarity with public assistance programs, hunger, food insecurity, and poverty issues preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, a driving record acceptable to the Food Bank and its insurance carrier, and the ability to travel throughout the assigned county and six-county service area as needed.

 ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS 

Professional Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment while communicating clearly and effectively through written, verbal, and interpersonal interactions and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Produces accurate, high-quality, detail-oriented work while managing multiple priorities, competing demands, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment with consistent follow-through and accountability. 
• Applies strong organizational, coordination, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills to plan outreach, manage appointments and follow-up activities, maintain accurate records, and complete assigned responsibilities.
• Works independently with minimal supervision at assigned county worksites and community locations while maintaining regular communication with the SNAP Navigator Manager and collaborating with colleagues to complete assigned responsibilities and advance shared goals.
• Provides respectful, patient, and responsive client service by listening carefully, explaining information clearly, adapting communication to individual needs, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Exercises sound judgment by evaluating information, prioritizing work, resolving routine issues within established guidelines, and promptly referring complex situations, concerns, or decisions outside assigned authority to the SNAP Navigator Manager.
• Builds and maintains productive, trust-based working relationships through professionalism, responsiveness, collaboration, mutual respect, and a commitment to exceptional internal and external customer service.
• Demonstrates initiative by identifying service barriers, anticipating challenges, and recommending practical solutions that improve client access, program delivery, and departmental effectiveness.
• Demonstrates curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning by maintaining current knowledge of federal, state, and local SNAP requirements, community resources, organizational priorities, and relevant practices associated with the position.
• Utilizes Microsoft Office Suite and other applicable business systems, databases, software applications, and technology to effectively communicate, manage information, support departmental operations, and accomplish assigned responsibilities. 
• Reviews and interprets household income and expense information using approved SNAP screening tools and analyzes program data through reports, dashboards, and spreadsheets to track activity, monitor progress toward assigned goals, identify service trends, and support program improvements.

Equity, Ethics & Mission Alignment

• Engages respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and lived-experience backgrounds while demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable populations. 
• Promotes fairness, cultural sensitivity, and equitable access to programs and services, reflecting a strong commitment to justice, social responsibility, and the Food Bank's mission.
• Demonstrates behaviors that foster an inclusive, respectful, collaborative, and professional work environment while contributing positively to team effectiveness and organizational culture. 
• Upholds the Food Bank's mission, vision, and values of Integrity, Inclusion, Learning, and Generosity through daily actions, communication, and decision-making. 
• Adheres to organizational policies, procedures, the Code of Conduct, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those related to confidentiality, privacy, documentation, ethics, compliance, and professional standards. 
• Communicates in a respectful, constructive, and solution-oriented manner that strengthens relationships, promotes collaboration, and supports a positive workplace culture.
• Performs all responsibilities in accordance with CCDR's Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program.

Work Environment

• Works primarily at the assigned county worksite and community locations, with regular travel within the assigned county to provide SNAP outreach, application assistance, community presentations, and partner engagement.
• Works in a variety of settings, including partner agencies, food distribution sites, healthcare facilities, community events, Food Bank offices, and other locations where outreach and client services are provided.
• Attends the Food Bank office a minimum of one to two days per month, with additional attendance required for meetings, training, or operational needs.
• Travels throughout the Food Bank’s six-county service area as needed to provide coverage, support cross-county collaboration, and attend meetings, training, and organizational activities.
• Works indoors and outdoors and encounters varying environmental and weather conditions while performing assigned responsibilities. 
• Possesses and maintains a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the Food Bank and its insurance carrier. Uses a personal vehicle for authorized business-related travel when required and an organizational vehicle is unavailable.

Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation)

• Uses hands and fingers to operate computers, office equipment, mobile devices, and motor vehicles. 
• Sits, stands, walks, bends, stoops, kneels, reaches, and climbs stairs as necessary to perform assigned responsibilities. 
• Remains in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer workstation, driving, or attending meetings.  
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, pulls, or moves materials and equipment weighing up to twenty (20) pounds. 
• Reads, prepares, reviews, and interprets written documents, electronic communications, and computer screens.  
• Communicates effectively with clients, colleagues, and community partners using verbal, written, and electronic communication methods. 
• Operates standard office equipment, including computers, printers, telephones, and other communication technology.

Mission, Vision, and Values

• Mission: Working together to build and sustain hunger-free communities throughout the Southern Tier.
• Vision: The Food Bank of the Southern Tier is committed to creating a future without hunger, where access to healthy food by all is recognized as fundamental to the well-being and success of individuals and the foundation of a strong, vibrant society.
• Organizational Values: Integrity, Learning, Inclusion, and Generosity.
• Upholds and advances the mission and values of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

What you will get:

Food Bank of the Southern Tier offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program.

· Salary: Starting at   $25.27–$26.10  per hour, based on experience.

· Full-time, Non-Exempt position. We believe in work-life balance! 

· Paid Time Off, 10 days to start, 15 days after 1st Anniversary.

· Holidays 12-14 paid holidays and a flexible, family-friendly schedule.

· Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

· Life Insurance

· Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

· Supplemental Insurances

· Flexible Spending Account

· Health Savings Account

· Legal & Identity Shield Programs

· Employee Assistance Program

· 403(b) Plan 

· My Better Benefits – provides discounts and savings on thousands of products and services. 

The Food Bank of the Southern Tier is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. Individuals who bring that perspective and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in all forms are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Our hiring process and timeline:

· Applications will be reviewed regularly until the position is filled.

· Phone screenings will be conducted with qualified candidates. 

· In-person interviews will be conducted with candidates who advance after the phone screening

· In-person interviews are typically with 2-5 Interviewers

· Upon acceptance and completion of background check, the start date is approximately 2 weeks.