Food Pantry Specialist

Caritas of Austin • Austin, TX

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Food Pantry Specialist is an integral part of the Food Services program, providing quality groceries and basic needs items to Caritas clients. This position is responsible for supporting daily pantry operations and client services at both the Cairn Point location and the Caritas of Austin headquarters location, as well as providing support at additional pantry sites as needed. Key responsibilities include coordinating donations, stocking and sorting inventory, monitoring quality control, and ensuring compliance with all health and safety standards. This position also works closely with the Community Kitchen staff and Community Pantry Coordinator to support pantry operations across multiple locations.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of one (1) year of related professional experience.
• Experience working with various software programs: word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to accurately maintain records and create spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respond to emails in a timely manner.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Food Handler Permit within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in pantry services and/or supporting diverse populations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Ability to multi-task and work in a high-stress environment.
• Strong customer service and experience working with diverse populations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong customer service and clear communication to clients, visitors, and colleagues.
• Develop and maintain appropriate working relationships with food services volunteers and donors.
• Distribute food and basic needs items to clients within established agency guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety standards.
• Educate clients and staff about other community food resources.
• Responsible for maintaining inventory in the pantry, ex. receiving, storing, and organizing food and supplies daily.
• Assist Community Pantry Coordinator in ordering, receiving, organizing, inspecting, and maintaining inventory in the Pantry in accordance with Caritas guidelines (i.e., weighing and checking expiration dates).
• Transport inventory items to/from storage, and other Caritas pantries as needed.
• Maintain general cleanliness and organization of the Pantry area daily.
• Enter donation and food voucher data into database accurately and timely.
• Participates in Caritas food drives as needed.
• Attends all program and Caritas staff meetings.
• Provide training to new staff about pantry operations.
• Complies with administrative procedures, reporting, and record keeping functions as assigned (e.g., completing donation forms on all donated items).
• Demonstrates professionalism by treating clients, staff, volunteers, and members of the public with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Collaborates with supervisor to develop and complete an approved professional development plan, including participation in all required Caritas staff trainings.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure)
• 14 paid holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Mileage reimbursement
• Monthly phone stipend
• Discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield)
• Parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
• Qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

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