Food Pantry Assistant

Position Purpose
As the Food Pantry Assistant under supervision of Social Services Coordinator, you will help plan, assess, organize, and oversee the daily activities of the program for the Food Pantry and coordinate volunteer services for the Food Pantry. The Food Pantry Assistant(s) will oversee the completion of inter-agency intakes and eligibility updates for clients accessing Food Pantry and Medical Nutrition Therapy services.
This is a job that makes a difference. You will support the growth and health of our clients facing food security, helping our clients build healthier futures and reduce stigma for people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Essential Functions

• Receive food and supply deliveries; select and pick up food from suppliers; and stock and organize Food Pantry for optimal filling of Food Pantry orders.
• Follow safety measures and practices (e.g., use back safety belts when lifting). Lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Drive agency vehicles (van/truck) on a regular basis for bulk food pick-up and delivery of client groceries.
  Train and oversee volunteers to ensure and maintain the smooth, effective, and efficient functioning of Food Pantry.
• Supervise and assist volunteers in completing daily tasks that need to be done in order to be in compliance with Food Pantry policies and procedures (e.g., filling of Food Pantry orders, unpacking bulk items, and correctly stocking the shelves).
• Perform routine sanitation, freezer/refrigeration temperature log maintenance, rotation of inventory, and removal of damaged stock, processing of food donations, etc.
• Manage the inventory of Food Pantry.
• With the support of the Social Services Coordinator and the other Food Pantry Assistant, create, implement, and maintain an internal system for training Food Pantry volunteers.
• With the support of the Development Team and the other Food Pantry Assistant, recognize volunteers through recognition events, award nomination, and acknowledgement letters.
• Fill Food Pantry orders if needed, answer client questions, and orient new clients to procedures for accessing food.
• Fill Food Pantry orders for home delivery or guide case managers and/or volunteers in correct procedures for filling orders.
• Ensure that quality control or quality assurance measures are followed to increase accuracy and precision when filling food and hygiene orders.
• Follow up with clients and their case managers to update all required eligibility documents.
  Verify through use of the Food Pantry log that clients who have submitted menu request for services are eligible for Food Pantry visit.
• Coordinate work of volunteers for the removal of Food Pantry recycling materials not included in the Waste Recycle Bin.
• Assist in maintaining a regular schedule for the maintenance, cleaning, and repair and Food Pantry space.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of experience in coordinating, training, monitoring, and retaining volunteers required.
• One year of experience in delivering customer service required.
• Food Handler Certificate within 3 months of hire required.
• Training in harm reduction principles and Motivational Interviewing skills preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to operate agency vehicle for Food Bank activities, reliable personal vehicle for use on agency business, and ability to maintain personal vehicle liability insurance.
• Knowledge of ordering supplies and calculating inventory.
• Experience working with individuals of diverse cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities and/or expressions.
• Experience working with consumers/clients.
• Experience working with clients with substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of HIV and AIDS preferred.
• Knowledge of community HIV/AIDS organizations.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Skill in volunteer management and retention.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment, maintain strict confidentiality standards, and adhere to professional standards as defined by state and federal regulations.
• Skill in operating various office equipment, such as personal computer, calculator, copy machine, facsimile machine, and telephone system.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office computer programs.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and promote volunteer programs.
• Ability to make sound decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to detect and analyze problems and develop appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work comfortably with individuals of diverse cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions.
• Sensitivity to issues concerning HIV and all disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to repeatedly walk, stand, bend, stoop, push, pull, reach overhead, climb ladders, and lift, move, and carry items up to 50 pounds during the course of day.
• Working knowledge of Spanish language (bilingual) is a plus.

Pay Rate
Starting at $21.00 hourly (Depending on Experience)
Public Student Loan Forgiveness
Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for - nor forgive - federal student loans; however, our status as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 c 3, makes us an eligible employer. There may be other determining factors for one to qualify.
Please follow this URL to review one such program and their requirements:
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service