Entry Level Food Research Development Jobs in Washington

Position Available

D.C. Hunger Solutions (DCHS) seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to join its staff as an Anti-Hunger Program Associate - SNAP.

Through advocacy, research, client outreach, coalition-building, technical assistance, public education and program monitoring, the Anti-Hunger Program Associate will be responsible for working to increase participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the District of Columbia. The Associate also will work on nutrition issues related to hunger among a variety of residents with an emphasis on older adults, veterans, college students, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ and immigrant populations. As a key member of the D.C. Hunger Solutions team, the Associate will help advance the organization's strategic goals by strengthening partner coalitions, driving collaborative initiatives, and addressing systemic food security challenges across Washington, D.C. The ideal candidate must be committed to addressing hunger and poverty in Washington, D.C.

DCHS operates as a fully remote organization. Candidates must reside in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metro areas, as this position will require regular local travel to conduct outreach, attend meeting and engage with community partners as needed. Travel around the state will be required, and mileage is reimbursable. While the organization is fully remote and staff are not required to report to an office, this role includes in-person responsibilities as part of its core duties.

Organizational Background

D.C. Hunger Solutions operates under the umbrella of The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). FRAC works to improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To attain this mission, FRAC engages in research, policy analysis and advocacy, coalition-building, outreach, technical assistance and training, and an array of communications strategies. In partnership with hundreds of national, state, and local nonprofit organizations, public agencies, corporations, schools, and labor organizations, FRAC addresses hunger and food insecurity, and poverty as their root cause.

D.C. Hunger Solutions was founded in 2002 by FRAC, to fill a void in the anti-hunger advocacy space in the District of Columbia. D.C. Hunger Solutions has become the leading anti-hunger advocacy organization working to create hunger-free communities and improve nutrition, health, and family economic security in the District of Columbia. DCHS utilizes a three-pronged strategy to overcome barriers and create self-sustaining connections between city residents and nutritious food, the benefits of which contribute to healthier lives and provide a vital source of economic assistance to low-income residents by maximizing access to federal and local nutrition programs, educating the key audiences on the reality of hunger, poverty and its root causes in the District as well as improving public policies that permanently end hunger. D.C. Hunger Solutions work has helped to feed tens of thousands of District residents struggling with hunger and has increased access to healthy, affordable food. D.C. Hunger Solutions also leads or plays a key supporting role in the efforts of the various anti-hunger and anti-poverty coalitions throughout the city (e.g. Fair Budget Coalition, D.C. Food Policy Council, the Language Access Coalition, D.C. Good Food Purchasing Coalition, Fair Food for All, etc.).

For more information on D.C. Hunger Solutions, visit: www.dchunger.org

Responsibilities

• Promote participation in and improvements to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a key defense against hunger and an important nutrition and income support strategy.
• Conduct SNAP outreach and provide individualized case management services, including eligibility screening, application assistance, recertification support, and referrals to help District residents access and maintain nutrition benefits.
• Develop and implement data-driven strategies to increase SNAP participation among eligible District residents through research, community engagement, coalition-building, outreach initiatives, and educational materials.
• Facilitate presentations, community outreach events, training and technical assistance, and public education activities to increase awareness of SNAP, federal nutrition programs and food security initiatives.
• Analyze federal, state and local policies and practices that foster or inhibit program participation in the SNAP Program.
• Manage the collection and reporting of data related to SNAP participation rates and outreach efforts (e.g., materials distributed, residents pre-screened) for quarterly reports required under work on the state SNAP outreach plan.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to address hunger District residents experiencing food insecurity. Cultivate and expand partnership with District of Columbia government agencies, DC Council, community partners, stakeholders, and District residents.
• Work, as part of the D.C. Hunger Solutions' team, to engage and educate the public and policymakers about the issue of hunger in the District of Columbia and to identify solutions to end hunger in D.C.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Background in anti-poverty work preferred.
• Commitment to social justice and racial equity.
• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience.
• Working knowledge and understanding of SNAP or other federal nutrition programs such as Medicaid and/or TANF
• Experience in client-centered case management and problem solving, with a focus on helping individuals navigate eligibility systems, resolve case issues, and access nutrition/public benefit assistance programs.
• Strong oral, written, and organizational skills.
• Ability to reach out effectively to low-income families and community-based organizations eligible for program benefits.
• Good conceptual, strategic thinking, and creative skills.
• Detail-oriented planning and implementation skills.
• Willingness to work varied hours.
• Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork capabilities.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.
• Ability to travel for local meetings, training and technical assistance opportunities and outreach events.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Salary/Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $65,000. Final salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications. FRAC offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; and generous leave. FRAC's normal office hours are between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm Eastern Time. This position is part of a union and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

To Apply
Click here to submit a resume, brief writing sample (no more than three pages), and cover letter providing a summary of accomplishments and experience.

Opening/Closing Dates

The position is available immediately. It will close when filled. However, FRAC/DC Hunger Solutions seek to hire a qualified individual as soon as possible.

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.