Food Access Assistant

Food Access Assistant

Summary of Agency: The FOOD Pantry Serving Waukesha County is a non-profit agency which provides free food and other groceries to low-income registrants residing in Waukesha County. The FOOD Pantry is the largest direct service food center in Waukesha County. We strive to provide nutritional and high-quality food with friendly and accessible service. Our programs include multiple service methods including direct delivery, scheduled orders, and in-person shopping.

Overview of Position: The Food Access Assistant is a nonexempt, full-time position (32-36 hours per week) that ensures program delivery is accessible and consistent to people accessing services onsite and extending outward through delivery programs to those who are isolated in the community. The employee in this role ensures that consistent operational procedures are practiced, and service standards are upheld.

Starting Wage: $19.00-$21.00 per hour.

Benefits: Upon successful completion of 60-day introductory period health insurance is offered and includes HSA contribution. Life insurance, dental and vision insurance are also available. A 401(k) retirement plan is offered with organization match. Paid time off, up to 2 weeks annually, begins accruing upon hire. Paid holidays.

Schedule: Full-time, Monday 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Schedule alternates Saturday and Monday evening weekly.

Essential Responsibilities:

Client Services and Program Coordinating

• Provide daily connection between clients and other services of The FOOD Pantry. Build rapport and create a positive experience for clients through regular interaction.
• Make phone calls to screen and enroll new clients, provide program information, and schedule deliveries.
• Work with staff and volunteers in the preparation and delivery of food to clients, plan and coordinate efficient delivery routes.
• Work with volunteer coordinator to recruit and train volunteers in delivery program.
• Perform registration interview with new clients. Assess clients for other program eligibility, including Home Delivery and Stockbox Program.
• Complete regular updates for client account renewals.
• Regular data entry, recording client information and visit history, and ensuring accurate records are maintained.
• Provide information and referral to other resources as needed.
• Provide conflict resolution, if needed, within the client services areas.
• Assist in daily client services activities, including set up, clean up, and other tasks as needed or assigned.
• Coordinate with staff and volunteers in the development of new programs or program changes.

Communications

• Create and update service communications for publication, including print, website, and social media.
• Assist with distribution of written literature for clients including, but not limited to, brochures, client newsletters, employment information, etc.
• Create notices for clients about special or seasonal programs.

Additional Expectations:

• Maintain confidentiality and treat people with respect.
• Attend and participate in meetings, workshops, and professional development activities, as directed.
• Establish and maintain good communication with staff, volunteers, clients, donors and vendors.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using database/CRM software.
• Experience working with people in customer service. Experience in nonprofit, community-based organizations, or similar services is preferred.
• Familiarity or experience with issues that impact the lives of people in poverty.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong cultural competency and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Bilingual, English and Spanish, proficiency is preferred.
• Good critical thinking: able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• The ability to communicate with, supervise and empower volunteers to be effective in their roles.
• Highly developed organizational skills and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.

Basic Requirements:

• Affinity with the mission of The FOOD Pantry Serving Waukesha County and commitment to helping people meet their nutritional needs.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds or less repeatedly. Moving food, loading and unloading vehicles, and pushing carts or pallet jacks.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s license, state minimum auto insurance.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff, volunteers and clients in a culturally diverse environment.
• Must successfully complete and pass all background checks.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule for occasional special events and meetings.

 Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Work location: open office workspace, daily movement between office, service space, and warehouse space.
• Equipment used: computer, telephone, printer/copier, transit van.
• Reporting: reports to the Director of Program Services.
• 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.
• The following physical elements are required to support the critical functions of the position: lift and carry items; push and pull carts or other equipment; alternate between sitting and standing; keyboarding; gross manipulation; stooping and crouching; speaking; and driving. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include near vision, far vision, and peripheral vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, hearing requirements include use of in person speech and telephone use.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.