Food Recovery Specialist

The Food Recovery Specialist will work closely with the Manager of Food Recovery, Meal Services team, Volunteer Services team, The Bridge staff and volunteers to ensure food is picked up and delivered safely and efficiently to The Stewpot and The Second Chance Café at The Bridge. This position reports directly to the Manager of Food Recovery at The Stewpot. The ideal candidate will have experience in a warehouse, professional driving and/or a kitchen. A clean driving record and ability to drive different vehicles is required. The shift for this role is Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (32-hour work week)

Organization OverviewFor over 160 years, First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Dallas has held forth God’s word of love and life in Downtown Dallas. Our vision today continues that tradition: Embrace God’s vision for a just and merciful world where all are fed, all are healed, all are freed, and all are home, through our worship, education, and service ministries.

The Stewpot is a nearly 50-year-old mission of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas (FPC), offering a safe haven for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. More than meals, The Stewpot provides basic survival resources as well as opportunities to start a new life for over 13,000 individuals annually. The Stewpot serves individuals and families experiencing economic, housing, and food insecurity by offering programs in the areas of housing, stabilization, education, nutrition, and enrichment. A budget of over $7 million is supported by a large volunteer pool and a healthy donor base that includes individuals, private foundations, corporations, and government sources. A staff of 60 (FT and PT) enjoy an engaging and supportive workplace.

Essential Functions

• Professionally represents The Stewpot to donors through appearance and communication.
• Monitor and keep schedule of regular pick-ups.
• Drive safely with products and others in vehicles.
• Load and unload food donations at proper locations.
• Learn/understand food safety regarding temperature. Monitor donations and stock.
• Transfer stock from storage to kitchens for use.
• Responsible for upholding all contractual obligations with The Bridge.
• Work with Manager of Food Recovery to determine proper storage locations for donations.
• Communicate with donors and Manager of Food Recovery if scheduling changes occur.
• Report and record poundage on food recovered.
• Document food recovered for social media posting.
• Maintain positive relations with Stewpot staff, FPC Meal Services staff and partner agencies.

Performs additional duties as requested.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

• High School diploma or equivalent combination of education, a clean driving record, and the ability to drive different vehicles (Sprinter van, 16’ box truck, 15 passenger van, personal vehicle).
• Strong communication skills in person and over the phone; able to build and foster relationships with donors.
• Warehouse, professional driving, and/or kitchen experience a plus, but not required.
• Experience working with individuals who are recently or chronically experiencing homelessness, or at-risk is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• May work exposed to adverse weather conditions.
• Candidate must be responsible, dependable and required to pass all background checks.
• Commitment to The Stewpot’s goals and mission.
• Candidates must be able to become a registered Food Safety Manager and forklift certified.

Core Competencies

• Vehicle Usage: Must be able to safely and comfortably operate a variety of vehicles for food transportation. Have the ability to perform a basic safety check before operating any vehicle. If attention to vehicles is required, they should be able to properly report needs.
• Interpersonal Skills: Relates well to all kinds of people including peers, superiors and subordinates, inside and outside of the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; is seen as approachable.
• Attention to Detail: Dates and temperatures of food must be constantly monitored. When foods are received FIFO should be understood and always used.
• Initiative: Enjoys working hard; is action oriented and energetic about worthwhile activities; not fearful of taking calculated risks; seizes opportunities; punctual; uses time wisely.
• Technical Expertise: Acquires and demonstrates the technical skills required to proficiently execute the essential functions of the job and to utilize machinery; motor vehicles, power lift, fork lift, pallet jack. Able to properly and wisely handle and store food. Continually works toward the mastery of technical proficiency recognizing opportunity for delivery improvements.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Uses sound logic to approach difficult problems and apply effective solutions.

Terms of Employment Salary, benefits and other terms of employment will be administered in accordance with the policies contained in the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Employee Handbook, a copy of which is provided to each employee.

Note This description contains the information and facts considered necessary to describe and evaluate the duties of this position fairly and equitably. It should not be considered an exhaustive description of all the work requirements to be performed but indicates the kinds of duties and levels of responsibility required by the position. The FPC Controller and Stewpot Executive Director may add or remove responsibilities as occasion may require.