Food Pantry Assistant

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston•Lowell, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Catholic Charities Food Pantry Network serves the food insecure at four locations throughout Greater Boston and provides additional services to external partner organizations. The Food Pantry Assistant oversees smaller pantry operations and/or supports the Food Pantry Coordinator at a larger pantry. The Food Pantry Assistant provides logistical support to the daily food distribution center operations of the Food Pantry, including, but not limited to, logistics of the distribution, stocking and restocking of the food items, checking for expiration dates, sorting food items, and tracking inventory. The Assistant also performs other duties as needed, including picking up the food from other local centers, driving the truck, supporting volunteers, and compassionately rendering distribution of food items to the clients in our distribution centers, while maintaining personal and professional boundaries.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent vocational/technical training or HiSet Certificate
Valid Massachusetts driver’s license with five + years of driving experience. Demonstrates a safe driving record and provides updates as needed.
Must be comfortable driving on highways and interstates.
Ability to remain on feet for extended periods during food pantry distribution times and restocking times.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Basic computer and email experience with the willingness and ability to learn internal software systems for scheduling and inventory.
The ability to bend, reach and lift 65 pounds without the use of an assistive device. Ability to safely operate a manual pallet jack, forklift, electric power jack, and loading lift.
Strong communicationand problem-solving skills and excellent attention to detail.
Availability for occasional weekend or evening hours.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience driving a 26' truck or larger desired. A CDL is NOT required.
ServSafe certification is preferred or be willing to be trained in food safety for food handlers.
Proficiency in additional languages preferred

Responsibilities

Manages on-hand, incoming, and outgoing food inventory, ordering, donations, and transport preparation.
Transporting food via van or truck, as necessary.
Demonstrates strong professional skills and integrity, including in stressful and/or emergency situations;implements organizational and food pantry policies and procedures per the Food Pantry Coordinator and/or Director of Food Pantries; is proactive and enthusiastic. Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families experiencing financial hardships, mental illness, trauma, and from varied cultural backgrounds.
Works well independently and as part of a team. Supports other pantries as needed, including traveling to other sites,participating in the physical demands of the role, and flexibly accommodating pantry or volunteer group needs (occasionally).
Communicates sensitively and effectively with the clients, the public, colleagues, collaborators, volunteers, and other stakeholders verbally, or via email, texting, or other means asrequired.Maintainsprofessional boundaries and confidentiality.
Meets with clients to check in or register them for the Food Pantry services.
Provides food service outreach information and responds to client needs in a calm and sensitive manner.
Ensures that the operation of the food pantry, its equipment, facilities, and staff/volunteers meet all health and safety requirements and maintains a tidy and organized environment.
Assists Food Pantry Coordinator as needed and assume sresponsibilities inthe coordinator’s absence.
Performs workprimarily in a food pantry performing physical tasks such as lifting and reaching, with occasional work in an office setting.Works in the community to obtain food donations.
Attends and participates in required internal and external meetings and trainings.
Local travel as needed.