FareStart is not just a social service organization, and we are not just a foodservice business either. We are a solution to some of society's most pressing challenges. If you are a person with high standards, a strong work ethic and enjoy a collaborative workplace, we encourage you to consider FareStart. We offer competitive pay and great benefits. More importantly, we offer everyone a chance to make a difference.
Enrollment & Resource Specialist
Department: Programs
Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Location: Seattle, WA.
Pay Rate: $29.68-$32.91/hour
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
FareStart has been helping people transform their lives through food for 30 years — one person, one job and one community at a time.
People experiencing poverty struggle to escape the cycle they are in and often face other compounding barriers to getting and keeping a job. At FareStart, we help people overcome barriers by teaching work and life skills needed to succeed in employment and in life. By investing in people, providing meals and building community, we transform homelessness, hunger and poverty into human potential.
OUR VISION
Every individual has the opportunity to thrive in an equitable and just world.
OUR MISSION
FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training.
OUR VALUES
- Acceptance: We build relationships based on the belief that the past informs but does not dictate the future.
- Respect: We treat everyone with dignity, regardless of background or differences. We actively listen and seek first to understand. We are honest, even when it is difficult.
- Openness: We create a culture of trust through transparency and open communication. We are open to new ideas.
- Collaboration: Contribute positively to strengthen the organization and our impact through teamwork and through partnerships.
- Accountability: We are responsible to each other, to our community and ourselves. We are committed to rigorous evaluation and making fiscally responsible decisions that align with our mission.
- Inclusion: We provide a community of belonging, regardless of background. We value and seek out diversity.
- Growth: We are a learning organization. We invest in continuous improvement and growth.
About the Position
This role conducts outreach and follow-up with individuals referred by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and supports student applicants through the pre-screening and enrollment process for FareStart’s student programs, helping ensure individuals receive the guidance and assistance needed to achieve personal stability and career readiness. This position develops and maintains partnerships with community organizations, case managers, and service providers to ensure student applicants to FareStart programs have access to critical resources including recovery services, housing assistance, mental health care, legal aid, and nutritional support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
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Maintain referral networks and comprehensive community resource directories and access to support student applicants’ access to recovery, housing, mental health, legal, nutritional, and other support services.
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Initiate and conduct outreach and reference communications with community corrections officers, case managers, mental health professionals, physicians, and substance use disorder counselors to gather relevant information and support applicant evaluation.
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Oversee and maintain student drug and alcohol testing requirements for programs students or applicants, including scheduling, coordination, documentation, and compliance with organizational and legal standards.
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Identify and secure resources such as gift cards, vouchers, and other student support items through partnerships with FareStart staff, local businesses, community organizations, and government programs.
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Provide support in the full onboarding cycle of new students, including orientation, badge creations, student wayfinding, filing, and document management.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
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Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, or a related field and two (2) or more years of related experience in outreach, case management, or social service coordination; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Proficient and experienced in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Ability to work with customized databases and technology and to conduct internet research.
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Ability to listen, patiently and attentively, ability to express self clearly and effectively, and the ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity..
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Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS
- Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
- Paid time-off (5 weeks first year of employment)
- Paid holidays, including up 2 floating holidays
- 401(k) savings plan with company match
- Medical (including vision), Dental, Disability, and Life Insurance
- Employee discounts at FareStart retail social enterprises
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free ORCA pass
Why Should You Apply?
- Be part of our mission to disrupt poverty.
- Join a supportive, respectful, and celebratory community among our staff, students, board, and volunteers.
- Organizational commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
- FareStart encourages the personal and professional growth of its employees.
For information on FareStart, including more information on employee benefits and our company culture, visit our website at: www.farestart.org/about
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity
FareStart is committed to becoming a fully inclusive, antiracist, diverse organization. To fulfill our mission, vision, and values we are seeking candidates who demonstrate shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.
Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
FareStart defines antiracism as the clear acknowledgment that racism permeates organizations, communities, and industries, including our own. We recognize that we have a duty to be vigilant in addressing and confronting racism in how we make decisions, show up in our communities, build business practices and policies, and engage in intentional partnerships and philanthropic endeavors to fulfill our mission and vision.