JOB TITLE: Food Services Specialist STATUS: Part Time DEPARTMENT:Community Outreach Services HOURS/WEEK: 20-30

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Food Pantry Supervisor DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Food Pantry volunteers

Vision

Ending the cycle of poverty

Mission

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services strengthens, empowers, and gives voice to those in need – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and comprehensive programs to build vibrant communities in Chicago.

Core Values

Our employees commit themselves as individuals to live out the core values of integrity, excellence, creativity, advocacy, respect and empowerment in our daily work, as we serve the needs of others.

Integrity - Acting with transparency, humility and honesty

Excellence - Providing quality care with compassion

Creativity - Being continuously resourceful and inventive

Advocacy - Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life

Respect - Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people

Empowerment - Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development

Team Behaviors

• Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one’s approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.
• A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization’s goals.
• Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
• Client/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents one’s self professionally.
• Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.

General Summary

Maintain and stock, in an orderly fashion, the items in the warehouse, refrigerated, freezer, and store arears of the Marillac Food Pantry. Assist with supervision and handling of the Marillac Food Pantry’s food distributions, donations, and deliveries while maintaining appropriate inventory. Develop and maintain relationships with volunteers. Improve the food pantry’s efficiency and effectiveness through suggesting and implementing approved recommendations. This position is a Tempt position and will be re-evaluated in 3 months.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with the supervision of the food pantry’s daily operations, including overseeing food distributions; overseeing delivery and donation partners; accepting and processing donations and deliveries; ordering food and maintaining appropriate inventory; ensuring all food is sorted and stored in a safe and sanitary manner; and ensuring safety and security procedures are followed, and issues are addressed through conflict mediation, de-escalation, and other steps as needed.
• Manage the stock and items in the warehouse, all refrigerated, freezer, and distribution areas in a safe and orderly manner
• Supervise food pantry volunteers, volunteer groups, and interns, and assist in the management of an effective schedule for their participation. Encourage volunteer development and retention through team building, coaching, mentorship, and recognition.
• In conjunction with the Food Pantry Supervisor and the Volunteer Manager participate in coaching and disciplinary action with volunteers as needed.
• Conduct training for new and ongoing volunteers, covering customer service, food safety, safety and security, team building, and other relevant topics.
• Manage and maintain appropriate food inventory through setting and adjusting food limits and displays, and proper turnover.
• Ensure compliance with all Greater Chicago Food Depository, USDA, and other applicable agency policies, procedures, and requirements at all times, including maintaining high food safety standards.
• Enhance existing and develop new community partnerships to increase access to food and other resources for clients.
• In conjunction with the Food Pantry Supervisor, make recommendations to improve food pantry’s efficiency and effectiveness.
• Participate in ongoing education and professional development.
• Fulfill expectations of grants related to the food pantry.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Act with integrity and aspire to model our Core Values in the delivery of all services.

Job Requirements

Experience/Education

High school diploma/GED required, Bachelor’s degree preferred. 1 year of food pantry, social services, or related experience preferred. Within 3 months of hire, must possess a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager license.

Qualifications

Motivated self-starter with a proven ability to work well with details individually and as a team player. Good problem-solving and interpersonal communication abilities. Excellent written, verbal, computer, and documentation skills. Proven organizational and follow-up skills. Comfortable working with diverse clients, volunteers, staff and other service providers. Ability to handle a range of client and volunteer situations calmly, professionally and respectfully. Ability to effectively and appropriately represent the agency to the public. Valid IL Driver’s License and proof of insurance strongly preferred.

Language

Ability to read and speak English proficiently.

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see, and hear.
• Possess the ability to fulfill and any all office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, participating in filing activity, lifting and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.)
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding).
• Must be mobile in order to work in the field and food pantry. Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, and climb stairs required.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Internal office space.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• External environments may include visits to other facilities and client personal living spaces.