Food Access Intern

Position Title:  Food Access Intern 

Department:    New American Program 

Status:             Non-Exempt, Full-Time 

Reports to:      Refugee Health Services Coordinator 

Location:        Springfield-based 

Hours:             Summer Internship, recommended 37.5 hours per week, full-time or almost full-time hours are preferred 

Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts is seeking a part-time Food Access Intern to join our multicultural New American Program team. This position will support refugee and newcomers families by facilitating access to local food pantries, farms, the JFS food pantry, and SNAP benefits. This position will report to the Health Program Coordinator and support clients served in multiple programs across the agency.  

Responsibilities: 

• Help manage JFSWM’s emergency food pantry (food sourcing, food purchasing, request management, etc.)  
• Help to establish and implement food programs and partnerships with local food organizations.  
• Run education sessions for clients about food resources in the area 
• Support case managers as they manage client records and document client interactions through case notes in online database 

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand how to navigate food resources for the refugee and immigrant community in Western Massachusetts 
• Learn how to creatively address food insecurity in a culturally appropriate manner 
• Develop strong advocacy and system-navigation skills 
• Identify best practices associated with case management and how to effectively conduct client meetings with individuals from a variety of backgrounds 
• Identify and access community resources and services, particularly those that serve refugees 
• Understand the New American Program, as well as what role resettlement agencies like JFS play in receiving and integrating refugees and newcomers 
• Respectfully express and engage ideas and values in a multicultural, multilingual environment 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Interest in food justice and community health issues  
• Undergraduate or graduate students interested in public health, social work, international affairs, or psychology fields are encouraged to apply 
• Ability to work respectfully in a multicultural environment 
• Patience speaking with non-native English speakers and speakers of other languages 
• Experience advocating on behalf of others 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint 
• Organized with great attention to detail and great flexibility 
• A car/driver’s license