Food Pantry & Seasonal Assistance Worker

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory • Norwich, CT

33d • Onsite

About The Position

Provide assistance to individuals in need, including food, personal hygiene items, and Christmas toys. Other material assistance may include clothing and furniture vouchers, as well as rent and utility assistance. Register children for the Salvation Army’s Youth Camp program - Camp CONNRI. Assist with recruiting volunteers and promoting the Red Kettle Campaign.

Requirements

• Must understand, embrace, and reflect well on The Salvation Army’s mission.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in social services, food pantry, or related field is required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathetic listening.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize responsibilities and function independently.
• Able to maintain ethical conduct following organizational policy and conduct business consistent with the organization's mission, values, and policies.
• Able to work without close supervision on assigned duties and be willing to seek and accept supervision as needed.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage with diverse populations and sensitivity to issues related to poverty and the barriers faced by low-income people.
• Must have a high energy level, solid work ethic, and the ability to respond to changing conditions.
• Must function well independently and in a team environment.
• Proficient in spoken and written English. Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Unquestioned confidentiality with sensitive financial and personal information.
• Valid CT Driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain driving privileges per Salvation Army insurance standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and the Internet.
• Will respect and promote the interests of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but they are required to promote and respect the mission of The Salvation Army.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive and professional representative of The Salvation Army.
• Oversee the office organization and warmly greet individuals over the phone and in person.
• Maintain a list of local resources for client referrals.
• Maintain confidential client files, including a record of services provided and case notes in the computer database, if applicable.
• Maintain accurate records with pertinent information, including client demographics and action plans. Make sure all files are secured in a locked filing cabinet.
• Maintain the food pantry's operations, including food receipts, proper food storage, adherence to the guidelines provided by CT Foodshare, and securing food items from the CT Food Share that are not offered through ongoing donations, as needed.
• Maintain a personal hygiene closet, promoting the donations of such items to be given to clients in need.
• When funding permits, provide direct service to clients, including but not limited to intake/assessment, referrals, advocacy, and the provision of clothing vouchers, furniture vouchers, personal hygiene items, and Operation Fuel assistance based upon guidelines and the policies and procedures of The Salvation Army.
• Discuss special cases with the supervisor when attempting to resolve client situations.
• Help coordinate summer youth and senior camp registration and the Christmas adopt-a-family, angel tree, and holiday meal programs.
• Refer clients seeking spiritual guidance to nearby Corps Officers.
• Assist with the recruitment and coordination of the Red Kettle Campaign.
• Recruit, train, and monitor volunteers. Ensure all volunteers complete an application and receive a background check and approval from divisional headquarters before volunteer service. (The supervisor and the Divisional Volunteer Coordinator may help grow a solid volunteer base.)
• Track and report all statistics, incoming monetary donations, in-kind donations, and gift cards and promptly submit such information to Divisional Headquarters. Work within the budget and track all grants, EFSP, and other expenditures to meet grant deadlines.
• Adhere to all the policies/procedures of The Salvation Army, the State of Connecticut, and any other entity governing the distribution of materials and services.
• Adhere to guidelines as found in The Salvation Army’s Employee Manual.
• Participate in in-service training, as offered by The Salvation Army. Attend seminars, workshops, and other educational opportunities that would enhance the skills relating to this position as directed by the supervisor.
• Produce and submit statistical reports and forms to meet deadlines.
• Provide clients with information and referrals to appropriate Salvation Army and community programs/resources.

Benefits

• Short-term disability coverage (no cost to employee)
• 403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Eligibility for the Federal Government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Most importantly – a job with a great purpose, inspiring you to make a difference every day!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED